The island of Madeira lies in the midst of the deep blue Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa. This volcanic island enchants visitors from around the world with its rugged mountains, mild climate, picturesque coastlines, and lush green landscapes. It’s no wonder it’s called the “Hawaii of Europe” and the “Island of Eternal Spring.”
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best activities this island has to offer. From impressive hikes along the Levada to dolphin and whale watching on the high seas, to witnessing breathtaking sunrises from the third-highest peak in Madeira.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to unwind, Madeira has something for everyone. Let me share this adventure with you and give you some ideas for an unforgettable vacation!
Hikes along the levada
Madeira is a paradise for avid hikers. The most popular routes follow the Levada, artificially constructed water channels that distribute rainwater to agricultural areas. These Levada stretch across the entire island, offering approximately 1000 km of hiking trails and ample diversity for hiking enthusiasts. During my first visit to the island in April 2024, I explored three of the official hiking trails: Levada Nova, Levada das 25 Fontes, and Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
Levada Nova (PR 7) – Levada do Moinho [Ponta do Sol]
This round trip hiking trail offers a breathtaking view of Madeira’s natural beauty. The trail leads through a tunnel, for which a flashlight is of advantage, and along a waterfall behind which you can walk. So, watch out for wet feet!
- Type: Round trip
- Distance: 8,9 KM
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Starting Point: Igreja da Lombada
- End Point: Igreja da Lombada
The route starts and ends directly behind the Igreja da Lombada and with some luck a free parking spot is available in front of the curch. Otherwise, parking is free in the surrounding streets, and you can walk the short distance to the church. It’s ideal to start this hike in the morning or late afternoon, just like with the other Levada walks, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery. I rate the Levada Nova – Levada do Moinho route as an easy hike with level and well-maintained paths. However, it should be noted that not the entire path is secured and it can get narrow in some places if you meet other hikers. Therefore, this route is more suitable for those who are sure-footed and not afraid of heights.
Tip: The Levada Nova ends at the metal staircase, which you then descend to reach the Levada do Moinho and begin the return journey to the church. (I’m mentioning this for a specific reason, as you’ll learn in the next paragraph).
The path stretches along the lush nature of Madeira, offering truly fantastic views. Walking through one of the tunnels for the first time with a flashlight was an experience. My personal highlight was the waterfall, where I definitely got wet feet. But how often can you say that you’ve stood behind a waterfall?! Although I’ve mentioned the route via Levada do Moinho here, this isn’t the path my friend and I took during our visit. Instead of descending the metal staircase, we continued along the path and eventually reached a river that we could cross without any difficulty. Determined to take a circular route that seemed to go on on the other side of the river, we continued our journey. After a while, we crossed a bridge and could see the church at the foot of the mountain. However, there seemed to be no designated hiking trail, so we wandered through a banana plantation and eventually climbed the entire mountain to the church along a steep footpath. We must have looked quite amusing when we, sweaty and with flushed faces, ordered drinks at the small kiosk next to the church while the other visitors still looked fresh and rested. Well, we learned our lesson, and next time we’ll do better research and read an article about the hike (like this one, for example).
Levada das 25 Fontes (PR 6) – [Rabaçal]
The hike begins with the journey through the longest tunnel of the three routes listed here. Afterwards, it leads through enchanting flora characterized by gnarled trees, small springs, and breathtaking views of Madeira’s lush greenery
- Type: One-way
- Distance: 4,3 km (8,6 km both ways)
- Duration: approx. 1,5 hours (3 hours both ways)
- Starting Point: Rabaçal (ER105)
- End Point: 25 Fontes / (Rabaçal (ER105), both ways)
The perfect starting point for the hike was the “Parque de estacionamento Levada 25 Fontes” parking lot, where parking is free. On the day of our visit, we arrived around 10:30 a.m. and had no trouble finding a spot. Later in the day, parking along the street is also possible, although traffic can become somewhat chaotic. Since we were blessed with summery temperatures during our April vacation, we opted for an early start when the temperatures were pleasant. As mentioned earlier, this hike begins with passing through a tunnel that is approximately 900 meters long, so I highly recommend bringing a proper flashlight. Our mobile phones struggled to light up the tunnel, and occasionally we stepped in deep puddles and got our feet wet again.
After passing through the tunnel, it feels like stepping into another world. The trees are gnarled, growing in all directions over the path. Often adorned with moss, they lend a magical aura to the forest. The path is well secured with a metal railing, so there’s no need to worry. Thanks to our early start, we encountered no other hikers, and overall, there weren’t many tourists on this trail. Everywhere we looked, we found small springs, and the waterways often ran at hip height, allowing us to refresh our hands in the cool water. The highlight of the hike promises yet another beautiful waterfall, fed by 25 springs, as the name of the hike suggests. This sight was simply magical, and I did my best to capture it in a photo that I would love to share with you.
On the way back, we became aware of how popular this hike is among tourists. We even encountered guided tour groups, which made our return journey quite crowded and not very enjoyable. We were redirected along an alternative path to avoid most of the hikers. Fortunately, we were able to enjoy the hike and the impressive power of the waterfall with only a few people around us. I can understand why so many people want to witness this natural wonder.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) – [Santana]
The hike to the “green cauldron” is my personal favorite from the list. Along the way, you’ll encounter several small tunnels that can only be passed through with a flashlight, a smaller waterfall that blends beautifully into the landscape, and once again, breathtaking views. Particularly impressive is the so-called “green cauldron” with its imposing waterfall.
- Type: One-way
- Distance: 6,2 km (12,4 km both ways)
- Duration: approx. 2 hours (4 hours both ways)
- Starting Point: Forest Park Queimadas
- End Point: Caldeirão Verde / Forest Park Queimadas (both ways)
Parking is available either directly at the parking lot in front of the forest park or for free along the roadside leading up to it. On this particular day, we were a bit later than usual (around 1 p.m.), as our original plan was to hike the Levada das 25 Fontes. Unfortunately, the path was closed due to a rally taking place that day, so we ended up driving to Santana almost by chance. As a result, we encountered more people on our hike who were already on their way back. Maneuvering and waiting on the narrow paths cost us some time, but in return, there were hardly any other people at the “green cauldron,” making the experience even more beautiful. On the way back, we hardly encountered any other hikers, allowing us to fully enjoy the trail.
The “green cauldron” with its overwhelming waterfall is the perfect end to a hike along the waterways through the jungle of Madeira. The spring at the foot of the waterfall tempts for a refreshing dip, which unfortunately we did not do during our visit. The surrounding view resembles a scene from Jurassic Park, leaving me in awe of the world once again.
Swimming in the natural pools of the island
The weather truly spoiled us during our visit in April. With bright sunshine and temperatures ranging from 24 to 30°C, we sought ways to cool off after our hikes. Although the Atlantic was still too rough to go swimming due to the strong winds, we were lucky to find natural pools that had formed from the volcanic rock in some places on the island and proved to be safe places to swim. The water was crystal clear, and we even spotted some fish.
The pool in the picture is located in Porto Moniz and I would highly recommend it. You pay only 4€ for the whole day, and apparently, there’s also a beach bar open in the summer. During our visit, the water was deep blue and crystal clear—a welcome way to cool down. The waves were particularly high that day and crashed forcefully against the edges of the pools, which provided us with great fun. However, it’s important to be cautious on such days and not to lie too close to the edge of the pool, as the waves can push water over the edge, causing many people, along with their towels, to unintentionally take a dip.
Dolphin and WHale Watching Tour by catamaran
Another highlight of our vacation was the dolphin and whale watching tour on a catamaran. Dolphins and pilot whales inhabit the waters off the coast of Madeira year-round, offering a great chance to encounter both species during the tour. With a bit of luck, you may also see turtles, and the group in the morning was even fortunate enough to spot a blue whale. The journey begins and ends at the port of Funchal and lasts approximately 3 hours. It’s recommended to arrive at the port about 30 minutes before departure to collect your ticket at the counter. We were lucky to catch a good glimpse at the dolphins and pilot whales during our tour. Unfortunately, at that time, I simply enjoyed the sight and didn’t take any photos. It’s also challenging when everything is constantly in motion, and the dolphins and whales refuse to stay still for a photo for my blog.
- Price Per Person: 35€
- Start Point / End Point: Port of Funchal
- Duration: approx. 3 hours
We opted for the Magic Dolphin eco tour and wholeheartedly recommend this provider. The crew was extremely welcoming and provided us with information about the coast of Madeira and its marine inhabitants. With their trained eyes, they could spot the various groups of dolphins and pilot whales from afar. It was important for them to approach the animals slowly and maintain a safe distance to avoid causing them stress. Additionally, we were required to leave a group after a maximum of 10 minutes and were not allowed to approach them further during the tour. I found this regulation very sensible to ensure that the animals can continue to live and thrive in their natural habitat without disturbance.
Sunrise at the pico do arieiro
The sight was truly worth the early alarm at 5 a.m., as we set off shortly thereafter for Pico do Arieiro. From the parking lot the view was already perfect, from where the photo also originated. Afterwards, it was just a short hike to the weather station and the summit of the third-highest mountain in Madeira. Once there, one could settle comfortably on the rocks or grass and admire as the sun slowly emerged on the horizon. It bathed everything around it in golden light, casting a warm glow over the sea, mountains, and clouds. This sunrise was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a long time, and it felt somehow right to share this moment with a loved one and all the other people around. There was a relaxed atmosphere, almost magical. Later tiredness was easily battled with plenty of coffee and lounging by one of Madeira’s pools or beaches.
Conclusion
Madeira is an island that is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, and rightfully so. From majestic mountains to dreamy coastlines, lush laurel forests to picturesque villages – this island has an unmistakable charm that captivates every visitor.
The diversity of landscapes and the rich flora and fauna make Madeira a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The numerous Levada hikes offer the opportunity to experience the beauty of the island up close, while the coastline invites exploration with its hidden coves and spectacular cliffs.
I hope that my blog post has sparked wanderlust in some and provided ideas for an unforgettable holiday in Madeira.
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