Hiking in Madeira – Which levada walk to choose?

The main reasons we visited Madeira was because I heard it has some great hiking trails and lovely weather all year around. I learned Madeira’s hiking trails are actually called Levada walks. The little canals, (levadas) are the island’s irrigation system. They are used to distribute water on the island. With time people realised that the maintenance path next to the levadas could also be used for a great recreational activity: hiking. While these levadas were originally built for agricultural and industrial use, now they are important for the outdoor lovers as well. These walks are normally quite narrow and lead through beautiful scenery, so they attract a lot of tourist to the island.

We only spent 5 days on the island, but we managed to see quite a lot during our short stay. We decided to hike the 3 most popular levada walks and we didn’t regret our decision. We visited Madeira in April during Easter, which is not peak season, but these hikes can get quite busy, since a lot of tour buses stop here. To avoid the crowd I suggest an early start for all of them!

Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1)

Route: We wanted to set off early on the Vereda do Areeiro (PR1) to avoid the crowd. We checked the weather forecast the day before and it said glorious sunshine. We drove up the mountain on Madeira’s challenging roads, only to find ourselves surrounded by a very foggy scenery. So we achieved getting there early before the tourists, but there was no point doing the hike when we couldn’t see anything. We decided to wait a bit in the hope it would clear up. If you want to avoid this I suggest checking the webcam online to see how is the visibility on top of the mountain. In about 40 minutes we were greeted with sunshine, just as the first tour bus appeared at 9:45 am. Luckily these tourists didn’t come to do the hike, only to take pictures from the viewpoint.
So off we went on the hike I was most looking forward to on this entire trip! This hike exceeded all my expectations and became one of my favourite along with hiking Kjeragbolten in Norway. During our hike, we had all sorts of weather, so dress in layers and have waterproof jacket and trousers with you. You will also need good hiking boots if it’s waterproof that’s a bonus. The terrain can be tricky at parts, there are lots of steep steps to climb, which will surely exhaust you! You will walk through 5 tunnels on your hike, so it is advised to bring a torch with you. Many places the trail is very narrow and goes right next to the cliff edge! There is a small fence to keep you safe from falling, but I wouldn’t recommend this hike for people with vertigo or for families with small children! Bird lovers will be delighted to hear that we came across many partridges, chaffinches and zino’s petrel. After a long hike, we arrived to Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, which is a mountain hut, and you need to ask for permission from the Regional Office for the Environment to spend the night here. This place was a good spot to sit down, have our lunch and use the toilet facilities before we set off on the last stage of our hike.
The last ascent was short but very challenging. Our reward was glorious views from Pico Ruivo. We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and took lots of pictures.
After you finished at the top you will have two choices. Either hike back to Pico do Ariero or walk down to the parking lot Achado do Teixeira, which is about 30 minutes from the top. You can take a taxi from there.
We decided to hike back to Pico do Ariero. We rewarded ourselves with cold drinks at the cafe, then drove back to our accommodation.

The highlight of the hike: Walking above the clouds and the narrow path with the cliff edge right next to us.
Distance: 14 km return
Duration: 6-8 hours.
How to get there: There is no bus service available here, so you will need to rent a car to get here or alternatively book an organised tour.
Parking: You can park at Achado do Teixeira or Pico do Arieiro. From Achado do Teixeira it is a 1-hour hike to the top of Pico Ruivo. From Pico do Arieiro the parking is right on the top.
Difficulty: Difficult

25 Fontes – Cascada de Risco (PR 6 – PR 6.1)

Route: We arrived at the parking lot at 8:45, which meant we beat the crowd to do the Vereda das 25 Fontes – Levada do Risco. One disadvantage arriving early is that the shuttle bus to the start of the hike is not in operation yet. The first shuttle bus leaves at 10 am. However, this is not a huge issue, as the path to the starting point is easy going downhill and should only take about 20 minutes. There is one point, where you will have to cross a small stream. In order to do that you should probably take your socks off and cross that way, or if you are lucky like we were there will be some stepping stones, which make it easy to cross without removing your boots. We decided to visit 25 Fontes first. The path there is pretty obvious as there are signs. Getting there is not particularly difficult as you will mostly just hike down. It gets very narrow at parts with the Levada on one side and the cliff edge on the other, with a fence for safety. When it is busy, it can get quite annoying being stuck behind a big group, or waiting to let people pass who come from the opposite way. Another advantage of going early is not having to deal with that! When we arrived to 25 Fontes there was only one other couple there, who passed us on the way, when we stopped taking pictures. We enjoyed the peaceful environment. A fun little game is to try and count all the little waterfalls. We had a snack sitting down on a rock, then started to make our way back towards the intersection to Risco waterfall. The hike back is more strenuous, as it is going up. From the intersection to Risco waterfall you will have to hike 1 km, but this is on flat terrain, so I really recommend expanding your hike to include Risco waterfall, as it is quite magnificent! We had our packed lunch here, then walked back to Rascal. There is a cute cafe here with lots of seating and toilet facilities. We rewarded ourselves with cold drinks and cake. Best way to end the hike. You can decide to walk back to the parking lot or take the shuttle bus from in front of the cafe. We decided to take the bus, as it would have been a long boring walk up in the sun otherwise. The shuttle bus costs 5 Euro two ways or 3 Euro one way. There is no set timetable, it goes when the bus fills up. This means you might have to wait a long time. Luckily we arrived at the right time and didn’t have to wait at all.

The highlight of the hike: The atmosphere of walking along the cute levadas
Distance: 9 km return (not including the walk down and back from the parking lot to the start of the hike in Rascal)
Duration: 3-5 hours
How to get there: There is no bus service available here, so you will need to rent a car to get here or alternatively book an organised tour.
Parking: Parking lot along road E.R. 110 near Rabaçal. (32.7548350,-17.1336340)
Difficulty: Moderate

Ponta São Lourenço Peninsula (PR 8)

Route: We arrived at the parking lot 9:30 am, just as a tour bus turned up. They were walking slower than us and didn’t do the full hike, so we still managed to enjoy the place and get some nice shots without tourists in them. Our host at our accommodation called Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenco the “perfume trail”, because it gets so busy with tour bus tourists that every time you pass someone you can smell a different perfume. Her statement reflected the reality very well as on our way back around noon the trail got really busy with people who were not really dressed for hiking. This path is not particularly difficult, but I would still suggest wearing hiking boots. The peninsula is famous for its nice weather. Often when it is raining on other parts of the island, you will be greeted with sunshine here, so sun cream and a hat is suggested! I really enjoyed this hike. It had many nice viewpoints. Apart from the last section which was a steep ascent in strong wind, the terrain wasn’t too difficult. On the summit at Morro do Furado you can enjoy the panorama! We didn’t spend too long here, as it was rather windy on the top. On the way back we stopped at Casa do Sardinha, which is a tiny Visitor Centre with lovely palm trees. The building was closed when we got there, unfortunately, which is a shame as this is the only place with toilets. Since the area is pretty flat without woods or many plants it is difficult to relieve yourself elsewhere. There are many picnic benches outside, so we had a nice snack here, then headed back to the car.

The highlight of the hike: Crossing the land bridge, which is the narrowest part of São Lourenço.
Distance: 7 km return
Duration: 3-4 hours
How to get there:You can take bus #113from Funchal to Baia D’Abra. The journey should take around 1hour 15 minutes. Check the timetable before you go. For more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive there.
Parking:There is parking at Ponta de São Lourenço
Difficulty: Easy

All of these hikes offer very different scenery and terrain! These trails are great if you only have a short stay on the island and want to put the emphasis on hiking. The island has many more other trails, which we sadly didn’t have time to explore, but perhaps a reason to come back! We bought the Rother Walking Guide. Although the route was mostly pretty obvious thanks to the signs, it would suggest getting this book, as it has lots of good information and other walks as well, so you can pick the ones you like the best.

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Levada walks in Madeira: the 2026 rules in brief

Madeira's regional forestry and nature service, IFCN, now manages access to its classified walking routes (the "PR" trails) through a booking-and-fee system. Here's what that means if you're planning a levada walk:

• Book a slot on SIMplifica. Create an account at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt, search for the walking routes ("Percursos Pedestres"), pick the trail by its PR code, then choose a date and a start slot. Add everyone in your group, including children who go free. Bookings open for the same day or the next day, subject to availability, and each slot has a capacity limit. The popular routes (PR1, PR6, PR8, PR9) fill up first.
• Arrive on time. IFCN allows roughly 15 minutes either side of your slot.
• Fees (2026): €4.50 per trail. The short PR1 out-and-back from Pico do Arieiro to the Pedra Rija viewpoint is also €4.50. The full PR1 to Pico Ruivo is €10.50. Multi-trail passes (excluding PR1) cost €9 for one day, €22.50 for three days and €52.50 for seven days, though you still need to book each trail. The system applies the cheapest combination automatically.
• Who doesn't pay: children aged 12 and under, Madeira residents (with resident card), and people with a disability of 60% or more plus one companion. They all still need a booking.
• Refunds: you only get a refund or a new date if IFCN officially closes the trail on your booked day. Claim within 10 working days. Bad weather or changing your mind doesn't count.
• Checks and fines: the Forest Police do check tickets. In spring 2026 they issued €50 on-the-spot fines for unpaid fees and €250 fines for walking closed trails.
• Guided tours: operators with an IFCN agreement pay a lower rate (€3, or €7 for PR1), usually included in the tour price.

Some classified trails are run by municipalities rather than IFCN, and these don't use the same system. Always check the trail page on Visit Madeira or SIMplifica.

Best levada walks in Madeira (2026 status)

Trail status changes quickly after storms, rockfalls and fires. Check the Visit Madeira "Notice to walkers" page or the IFCN site the evening before. Don't enter a closed trail, even if others are doing it.

PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo in 2026: one-way and back by another route

The August 2024 wildfire badly damaged the ridge path. PR1 then stayed closed, apart from short sections, until it reopened in phases in spring 2026. It has been open every day since 26 June 2026 (closed on a few days in September while a walkway was fitted).

The key change from this post's original description is that you can no longer walk out and back. Between the Pedra Rija viewpoint and Pico Ruivo the path is one-way, from Arieiro towards Ruivo. From Pico Ruivo you walk down PR1.2 to Achada do Teixeira. PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha and PR1.3 to Encumeada were also closed during 2026, so check whether they've reopened. You need to arrange your own taxi, tour transfer or second car from Achada do Teixeira, because IFCN doesn't provide return transport. If you only want the sunrise views, the two-way stretch from Pico do Arieiro to Pedra Rija (1.2 km each way) is a good short option.

For booking tips, timings and what to pack, see our dedicated PR1 Vereda do Areeiro guide.

PR6 25 Fontes and Risco: what's changed

The Rabaçal walks (PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes and PR6.1 Levada do Risco) are open and now need separate bookings, at €4.50 each. Visit Madeira gives PR6 as 4.3 km each way from Rabaçal and Risco as 1.5 km each way. Neither figure includes the walk down the access road from the car park on the ER110, which the original post mentions. The municipality of Calheta has also opened a new alternative return path to Casa do Rabaçal to spread out walkers and make the narrow sections safer. At busy times parts of the route can be signed as one-way, so follow the arrows on the day. We couldn't confirm whether the shuttle minibus down to Rabaçal is running in 2026, or what it costs, so carry some cash and be ready to walk the road.

PR9 Caldeirão Verde and PR8 São Lourenço

PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde reopened on 29 May 2026. IFCN crews cleared rockfall debris and fallen trees and replaced railings. It's a long day (8.7 km each way, around 6.5 hours return) with tunnels, so bring a head torch and waterproofs.

PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço stays open but has been listed as "restricted" since 30 September 2026. IFCN is upgrading the trail in a project lasting at least 270 days. Expect short, arrowed detours around the works and follow the on-site signs. It's still the best choice when the mountains are in cloud, but there's very little shade, so take sun cream and plenty of water.

Getting to the levadas by bus

• Pico do Arieiro (PR1): Horários do Funchal started a direct bus from central Funchal to Pico do Arieiro in August 2024, with early-morning and afternoon departures (€3 each way at launch). Times change between summer and winter, so check horariosdofunchal.pt before you go. You'll still need a taxi or transfer back from Achada do Teixeira after the one-way walk.
• Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8): SAM buses run from Funchal towards Caniçal and Baía d'Abra. Check the current SAM timetable for the route that serves the trailhead.
• Rabaçal (PR6) and Queimadas (PR9): there's no practical public bus to the trailheads. Use a hiking transfer, a taxi or a hire car.
• Paying on the bus: Funchal's buses have been moving to the new SIGA ticketing system. In 2026 visitors could pay the driver in cash, but check the latest rules on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to book levada walks in Madeira in 2026?

Yes. Since 1 January 2026 every IFCN-managed classified PR trail needs a time slot booked on the SIMplifica portal (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt), and you pay at the same time. Slots open for the same day or the next day. Children aged 12 and under and Madeira residents walk free but still have to book.

How much do the levada walks in Madeira cost?

The fee is €4.50 per person per trail, or €10.50 for the full PR1 Pico do Arieiro–Pico Ruivo. Passes covering several trails (excluding PR1) cost €9 for one day, €22.50 for three days and €52.50 for seven days. Walking without a valid booking can lead to a €50 on-the-spot fine.

What are the best levada walks in Madeira?

For classic levada scenery, PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes with PR6.1 Levada do Risco is hard to beat. PR9 Caldeirão Verde is a longer, wilder walk through laurel forest. PR11 Vereda dos Balcões is the easiest short walk, about 1.5 km each way. For mountain views, PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is the island's top hike, though it's a ridge path rather than a levada.

Is PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo open?

Yes. PR1 has been open daily since 26 June 2026, after repairs following the 2024 wildfire. The section from Pedra Rija to Pico Ruivo is one-way only. You finish via PR1.2 at Achada do Teixeira, so plan transport back. The full route costs €10.50 and must be booked on SIMplifica.

Can you do Madeira levada walks without a car?

Partly. There's a Horários do Funchal bus to Pico do Arieiro, and SAM buses run towards Baía d'Abra for Ponta de São Lourenço. Rabaçal (25 Fontes) and Queimadas (Caldeirão Verde) are best reached by hiking transfer, taxi or tour. Many guided tours include the trail fee at the reduced operator rate.

Are any levada walks closed in Madeira right now?

Closures change often after storms, rockfalls and fires. In November 2026, PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço was open but restricted, with detours around works. Check the Visit Madeira "Notice to walkers" page or the IFCN site the day before you walk. Entering a closed trail can be fined.