Exploring Madeira: A Guide to Hiking Without a Car

Hiking in Madeira without a car is entirely feasible due to the island’s well-developed public transportation system, numerous tour operators, and the relatively compact nature of the island. Here are some tips and recommendations for hiking in Madeira without a car:

Public Transportation

Bus Services: Madeira’s bus network is extensive and reliable. Major companies include:

• Horários do Funchal: Covers Funchal and its surroundings.
• Rodoeste: Serves the western part of the island.
• SAM: Operates in the east, including routes to Machico and Santana.
• EACL: Covers the northern areas.

Guided Tours and Transfers

Guided Hiking Tours:

• Numerous companies offer guided hiking tours which include transportation to and from the trailheads. This can be a convenient option if you want to explore without worrying about logistics.
• Examples include Madeira Explorers, WalkMe Madeira, and Madeira Island Tours.

Taxi Services and Transfers:

• Taxis are readily available and can be hired for one-way or round-trip journeys to trailheads. Negotiate the fare in advance.
• Some companies offer dedicated hiking transfer services to popular trails.

Popular Hiking Trails Accessible by Public Transport or Shuttle

Levada Walks

• Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Take a bus to Santana and then a taxi or hike to the Queimadas Forestry Park.

Discover the enchanting Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail, a hidden gem in Madeira. This 13 km round trip, starting from Queimadas Forestry Park near Santana, offers hikers a moderate yet unforgettable adventure. The trail meanders through lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and tunnels, leading to the breathtaking Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Easily accessible via bus to Santana and a short taxi ride, this hike is perfect for nature enthusiasts. Don’t forget your flashlight for the tunnels and sturdy hiking boots. Experience Madeira’s pristine beauty and serene landscapes on this captivating levada walk.

• Levada do Rei: Accessible from São Jorge via bus and a short walk.

Explore the serene Levada do Rei trail in Madeira, a 10 km round trip starting from São Jorge. This moderately easy hike meanders through lush laurel forests, offering stunning views of waterfalls, verdant valleys, and diverse flora and fauna. Accessible via bus or taxi, it’s perfect for nature enthusiasts. Remember to bring water, snacks, and sturdy footwear. Experience the tranquil beauty of Madeira on this unforgettable levada walk.

• Levada do Moinho: Use Rodoeste bus services to get to Ponta do Sol. From Funchal, you can catch a bus that heads towards Ponta do Sol. Once in Ponta do Sol, you may need to take a taxi to the trailhead at Lombada da Ponta do Sol, which is a short distance away. Alternatively, if you enjoy walking, you can hike to the trailhead

This 10,5 km trail, which takes about 3:30 hours, begins at regional road ER 101, which separates the municipalities of Porto Moniz and Calheta, near Ribeira da Cruz. Taking PR 7 Levada do Moinho will allow you to get directly in touch with the island’s natural and historical wealth. Levada do Moinho (also called Levada Grande) owes its name to the fact that along its trail there were several water mills supplied by it. It is still possible to find the ruins of some of them, like the Achadas mill, the Cancelas mill and the Levada Grande mill. As their construction was financed by some local people, the right to use the water, a precious resource in Madeira, was exclusive to those people. Levada do Moinho is a ‘levada’ of people, shrouded by countless folk tales. This trail of moderate difficulty is completed, almost to the end, in direct contact with the green area of Laurissilva. Ending at Tornadouro, in Junqueira, the surroundings of Levada do Moinho are often punctuated by the branches of the ‘levada’ that carry water to irrigation tanks. Unique images that you will not forget.

• Levada do Furado: Take a SAM bus from Funchal to Santana or Faial. Get off at Ribeiro Frio. The bus journey takes about an hour.

This hiking trail, which follows one of the oldest public ‘levadas’ of the island, is 11 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete. Beginning at Ribeiro Frio, PR 10 Levada do Furado allows you to contemplate the various shades of green that make up the natural area of the Laurissilva forest. Besides the varied flora, consisting predominantly of tree species of the Lauraceae family, it is the Ribeiro Frio valley that dominates the landscape. At Levada do Furado, hikers can admire the design of the farmlands of Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto da Cruz, as well as the colossal Penha d’Águia rock formation. On the final stretch of Levada do Furado, take the opportunity to recharge your batteries at the Portela viewpoint.

Pico Ruivo

• Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo: Take a bus to Santana and then a taxi or hike to Achada do Teixeira.

Embark on a thrilling hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. This 5.6 km round trip offers a moderately challenging ascent with panoramic views of the island’s rugged terrain. Easily accessible via bus to Santana and a short taxi ride, this trail promises breathtaking scenery and a rewarding summit experience. Perfect for avid hikers, the route showcases Madeira’s stunning landscapes and diverse flora.

Ponta de São Lourenço

• Take a bus to Caniçal and then walk to the trailhead.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the rugged cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço in Madeira. This iconic peninsula offers a striking contrast to the island’s lush landscapes, boasting dramatic rock formations and sweeping ocean views. Begin your journey with a bus ride to Caniçal, followed by a short walk to the trailhead. As you traverse the rugged terrain, be prepared to encounter unique flora and fauna adapted to this arid environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of the striking coastline and azure waters below. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, Ponta de São Lourenço promises an exhilarating experience that will leave you in awe of Madeira’s natural beauty.

Vereda dos Balcões

• Take a bus to Ribeiro Frio. The trailhead is a short walk from the bus stop.

Experience the natural splendor of Madeira on the Vereda dos Balcões trail. This picturesque route, starting from Ribeiro Frio, guides hikers through lush forests and alongside stunning viewpoints, offering captivating vistas of the island’s valleys and peaks. Accessible by public bus, it’s an ideal excursion for nature lovers seeking a serene escape. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore Madeira’s beauty on this enchanting hike through Vereda dos Balcões.

• Vereda do Fanal: Take a Rodoeste bus from Funchal towards Ribeira da Janela or Porto Moniz. These routes pass through the Paul da Serra plateau, where you can get off at the Assobiadores stop. Rodoeste buses are the main public transportation option for reaching this area. Check the latest schedules on the Rodoeste website or at local bus stops in Funchal.

Beginning at the Paúl da Serra (Assobiadores) plateau, on regional road ER 209, Vereda do Fanal is 10.8 km long and has an estimated duration of 4 hours, offering hikers the opportunity to cross a wide green area of the indigenous Laurissilva forest. Here, this forest area endemic of Madeira, a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site, is in a perfect state of conservation and development. This is a scenery of great natural exuberance, which accompanies and marks the whole experience of hiking along Vereda do Fanal. Along the trail, in the area known as ‘sítio do Fio’, you will have the chance to observe the ingenious installation of cables that was made to transport wood and shrubs from the area of Fanal to Chão da Ribeira and Seixal, to help in farming. A trail of moderate difficulty, Vereda do Fanal ends at Fanal, where you will find a small volcanic crater classified as a Rest and Quiet Reserve by the Madeira Natural Park. It is the ideal place to relax and unwind, while enjoying the views from the natural viewpoints and the unique surroundings of the centenary Til (Ocotea foetens) woods, some of which have been there prior to the discovery of the island.

Planning and Preparation

Research and Maps:

Use apps like Maps.me or AllTrails for detailed trail maps and offline navigation. Obtain a local hiking map from a tourist office or bookstore in Funchal.

Weather and Gear:

Madeira’s weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and carry enough water and snacks.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in different parts of the island to access various hiking areas more conveniently. Funchal is a good base with excellent bus connections to many trails.

Safety Tips

Inform Others:

Always let someone know your hiking plans and estimated return time.

Emergency Numbers:

Save local emergency numbers on your phone. The European emergency number 112 is also applicable in Madeira.

By planning carefully and utilizing public transportation and other services, you can enjoy the diverse and beautiful hiking trails of Madeira without needing a car.