Madeira in 6 days: levadas, peaks and natural pools
Madeira is an island for walkers. Paths called levadas follow old irrigation channels through laurel forest that is a World Heritage Site, and a mountain trail links its highest peaks above the clouds. This itinerary uses Funchal as the main base, with two nights on the green north coast.
Funchal
Start at the Mercado dos Lavradores for tropical fruit and flowers, walk through the painted doors of the Zona Velha, then take the cable car up to Monte and come down in a traditional wicker toboggan.
Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers' market) → Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) → Monte and the Toboggan Rides (carros de cesto)
Night: Funchal · hotels in Funchal
Levada das 25 Fontes
Drive about an hour to Rabaçal for the most famous levada walk, through laurel forest to a pool fed by dozens of small waterfalls. Start early: the trail and car park fill up by mid-morning.
Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco
Night: Funchal · hotels in Funchal
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Walk along the ridges between the island's highest peaks, often above the clouds. Come for sunrise if you can. Check that the trail is open before you go, as sections sometimes close after storms or fires.
Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo
Night: Funchal · hotels in Funchal
Cabo Girão and the north-west coast
Stand on the glass platform at Cabo Girão, then cross to the north coast: the black-sand beach of Seixal, the lava pools of Porto Moniz and the caves of São Vicente. Spend the night on the north side.
Cabo Girão → Seixal Beach → Porto Moniz Natural Pools → São Vicente Caves (Grutas de São Vicente)
Night: North of the island · hotels in North of the island
Santana and Caldeirão Verde
See the triangular thatched houses of Santana, then walk the Caldeirão Verde levada through tunnels and forest to a 100-metre waterfall. Bring a torch for the tunnels.
Santana Houses → Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Night: North of the island · hotels in North of the island
Ponta de São Lourenço
Walk the dry, red peninsula at the eastern tip of the island, a complete contrast with the green north. End the trip with a poncha in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos.
Ponta de São Lourenço → Câmara de Lobos
Night: Funchal · hotels in Funchal
Practical tips
- Hire a car: buses do not reach most trailheads at a useful time. Roads are steep and winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
- Weather changes fast between the coast and the mountains. Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer, even in summer.
- Some popular trails charge visitors a small access fee. Check the regional trails website and pay before you go.
- Good shoes matter: levada paths are narrow and can be wet and slippery.
Want to go deeper?
This route is also a full circuit with more stops, a map and hotel suggestions.
