The lane down from the house, the coast behind

Paseos & Levadas

Several trails start within minutes of the door

Madeira’s north is walking country. The levadas, old irrigation channels cut into the hillsides, make level paths through the laurel forest, and the mountain trails climb above the cloud.

Trail guides in the Journal · Park fees from €4.50

The trails

Four walks near the house

01

The PR1.1

Across the street

Through the laurel forest towards Pico Ruivo

The closest trail to the house. Walk up as far as the day allows, then turn back for lunch on the terrace. Our guide covers the route and the viewpoints along the way.

Trail guide
02

Caldeirão Verde

Queimadas, above Santana

A levada path through tunnels to a waterfall

The classic Santana walk: a level path along the levada, through hand-cut tunnels, to a waterfall dropping into a green cauldron. Bring a torch.

Trail guide
03

Levada do Rei

São Jorge, along the coast

A gentle levada walk into the Ribeiro Bonito valley

An easier half day that follows the water into the forest. A good first walk while your legs get used to the island.

Half day
04

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

The high mountains

The island’s best-known ridge walk, between its highest peaks

Book a time slot before you go. Or see the view at sunrise, with breakfast, on Above the Clouds.

Full day

Madeira charges a fee on its classified trails: €4.50 per person on most routes and €10.50 on Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, which is booked by time slot.

A levada tunnel cut into the rock, a water channel running along the path — A levada tunnel near Santana

A dirt road through the laurel forest above Santana — The forest roads above Santana

Before you set out

Walking on the north coast

Start early
Cloud often builds over the mountains through the day. Mornings usually give the clearest views.
Pack a layer
It can be warm in Santana and cold and wet higher up. A rain jacket earns its place.
Bring a torch
Some levada walks, Caldeirão Verde among them, pass through long, dark tunnels.
Check the trail
Trails close after storms and rockfalls. Check the official trail status before you go.

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