Western Madeira Hiking

Arrive at Funchal Airport from where an hours private transfer will take you to the quieter and less wandered western part of Madeira island. For the first three nights you will be based at a 4* property in Prazeres. This village is located in a quiet rural southwest region of Madeira, surrounded by mountains, green valleys and nature trails. You may have time to visit the Quinta Pedagogica, a garden supported by the local church with a tiny zoo, flowers, fruits, herb garden, and a teahouse. Accommodation: Stay three nights at a villa-style hotel located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms have private facilities, a terrace with sea view and a small kitchen. There are an informal restaurant, a bar, indoor & outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, and a sauna. Picnic supplies can be bought at the small shop.

The longer walk is a circuit from Prazeres via Paul do Mar and Faja da Ovelha and back to Prazeres. We start this magnificent hike between the sea and mountain landscapes. You will be walking on part of the Caminho Real that winds its way along the cliffside to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. Paved with some small steps, the Caminho Real was an important historical trading route. People often travelled with heavy loads on their backs. However, it was the only alternative to the sea connection, which was too expensive for many and unavailable anyway when the sea was rough. After climbing back up to the top of the cliff to the village of Faja da Ovelha, the path winds through valleys and mountains with magnificent views of the Atlantic. In Raposeira, you will meet the Levada Nova which will take you back to Prazeres. The shorter walk is via Raposeira, about two thirds the length of the full circuit. Ascent 380-720m / descent 370-710m. Today brings very pleasant walking, there is a big ascent and descent on both walks, but at least for most of the day walking by the Levada sections is very flat.

This morning you have an included transfer over to Estreito da Calheta. The walking route explores parts of the Levada Nova da Calheta. On the way you’ll find large planted trees such as Pines and Eucalyptus, as well as housing and farm land. Along this route you cross many streams and tributaries such as Ribeiras da Calheta, Marinheiros, Moinhos, Seca, Funda and many more. In the more humid corners of the levada it is possible to find the original island species belonging to the Laurel Forest, like Canary Laurels and the endemic Bay Trees. You pass through farmland where the main regional vegetables grown are potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans. Fruits also flourish here, such as fig, papaya, lemon and apple trees. Ascent 340m / descent 460m.

The day starts with a 35min drive to Achadas da Cruz in the far northwest of Madeira where the seascapes are wild and there are imposing rugged green hills which define the shade of the landscape. If you want to avoid the initial steep descent, there is an optional cable car down to the small beach and farmlands of the Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The cable way is an essential aid in transporting farmers and their harvests (one of the main reasons why it was created). The hamlet has quite a few abandoned farmsteads, which have just become too uneconomical, too difficult to run and is unique on the island. From the coast the path ascends steeply again inland, cutting off a headland and passing through the village of Santa where you can stop for refreshments. Suddenly you start descending again with fantastic views from points like Miradouro da Pedra Mole. Arrive in Porto Moniz with its famous natural volcanic rock pools. Ascent 630m / descent 1,060m Accommodation: on Madeira's north coast, spend the next two nights in a 4* hotel in Porto Moniz with stunning views over the ocean and the natural pools. If this is not available, you will be transferred to a simple, welcoming hotel in Sao Vicente for the next two nights.

In the morning you will be taken to the start of the Levada da Ribeira da Janela at Lamaceiros. This is a particularly undulating route finishing with a steep descent down to Porto Moniz. The Ribeira da Janela levada is one of the most famous levadas in the northwest of the island, known for its 7 tunnel. Please bring a headtorch, the tunnels are sometimes a bit low and require some caution. The walk starts along the river bed that feeds into the levada and soon you are immerged in the tropical vegetation with stunning views on the Ribeira da Janela. We recommend walking to the first or second tunnel to allow enough time to return. You come back the same way, poping out above Porto Moniz at the Miradouro da Lagoa Lamaceiros viewpoint before descending back into the town. Ascent 510m / descent 880m

The trail today offers a mix of breathtaking views and challenging terrain. Starting from the Bica da Cana viewpoint (one of the island's most popular and most photographed), where the morning sun illuminates the surrounding peaks and valleys, the first part of the hike follows a winding road with stunning views on the ocean through the Laurissilva vegetation. On reaching the Levada do Norte, you follow the traditional irrigation channel, which offers a picturesque and relatively flat route taking you deeper into the lush forest, with its rich biodiversity and vibrant greenery. The trail is relatively gentle, punctuated by numerous impressive waterfalls. This portion of the PR17 trail showcases Madeira's stunning diversity in landscape and atmosphere, making it a truly memorable hiking experience. The path is well maintained but can be narrow, slippery and rocky in places, so it's important to be careful where you step. Ascent 270m / descent 1,000m Accommodation: for your last two nights you will stay at a simple mountain pension. Although of a more basic standard than your previous nights in Madeira, it is a welcoming destination after a day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding.

Don't underestimate the grading of one of Madeira's most popular paths today. An early morning transfer will take you in just over 1 hour to Pico do Arieiro. The walk crosses up to the high spine of the island, part of the ancient eroded volcanic walls. You ascend to Pico Ruivo, at 1862m the highest point on Madiera, before a heavily undulating route through giant heathers and trees. It's a remarkable landscape with some areas charred by decades of forest fires, whereas adjacent areas can be unaffected. The tiring day returns via the road pass at Encumeada where you could have some refreshments before descending the road to the hotel. Ascent 670m / descent 1,630m As of December 2025, this walk is closed for restoration work following the 2024 wildfires. If it remains closed at the time of your trip, we will offer suitable alternatives. Please note that depending on the option you choose, an additional transfer fee may apply.

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 45 minutes. If it is your first time to Madeira, we advise you to spend some time in the charming capital Funchal. Please check below 'Options & Supplements' for a package that includes 2 overnights and an airport transfer in the low season, prices per person. Speak to our team for further details.