Top 5 hikes in Madeira

Route: This is a short walk between town and nature, ideal for those who want to get some fresh air without leaving Funchal. As is often the case in Madeira, the path is quite straightforward: just follow the current of the Levada. The first part of the trail runs behind a residential area, giving the walker a glimpse of the flower gardens, the new town a little further away and the ocean in the background.

Departure: From Funchal, take bus number 24 on Avenida do Mar, in front of the São Lourenço Palace. After 10 minutes, ask the driver to let you off at "Bairro de Ajuda". Then walk to the overhanging buildings: the Levada dos Piornais passes right above. You can also take bus number 45 (or number 8) to the Estádio dos Barreiros (Barreiros Stadium). The hike starts just above, at the intersection of the levada and the road to Nazaré.

Return: If you don't want to go all the way back the other way: after turning around, go back to the road and pass under the bridge again. After 5 minutes along the levada, you will cross a curved road. Bus #24 returns to Funchal.

Distance-Duration: about 7 km one way, 2 hours.

Departure: From Funchal, take the coastal road to the village of Punta do Sol, then head to the heights: Lombada da Ponta do Sol. Take the Solar dos Esmeraldos mansion as a stopover. The Levada dos Moinho starts just behind the church that is next to it. From Funchal, bus no. 142 of the company Rodoeste (or bus no. 146) stops at Ponta do Sol - Lombada.

Return: the Levada Nova brings you back to 150 m from your starting point.

Distance-Duration: about 10 km. 3 hours.

Route: the levada do Moinho used to feed the sugar mill of the Solar dos Esmerados manor near the church(moinho = mill), now a school. No time to think about it, the walk starts with a bang, throwing the walker at a nice altitude. The whole walk takes place on a small low wall, not very wide, and in some places the safety barrier is missing. Vigilance and concentration are therefore required! The mountain rises on your right while the murmur of the river Ribeira da Ponta do Sol below gives rhythm to the step. Generous nature and vertiginous spaces are there. All along the way you can guess the Levada Nova that runs one floor above the one you are walking here. After 45 minutes of walking, we arrive at the source of the Levada Nova and the crash of the water on the rocky outcrop is the signal to take the stairs climbing on the right, to attack the second part of the path.

The climax of the walk is revealed here: after narrow zigzags on the side of the mountain, a waterfall appears, unrolling its powerful waves in the middle of the path (even more in winter or after heavy rains)! If the shower seems inevitable, we will limit the damage thanks to the passage dug in the rock which allows to cross skilfully the aquatic obstacle. The second strong point of the stroll is presented under the shape of a tunnel of 200 m: lighted flashlight, we sink in the darkness of this mineral gut to find the daylight 5 minutes later.

For the more sporty, the walk from Jardim do Mar to Prazeres and then Paul do Mar is a good alternative in the western region of the island. The return to Jardim do Mar will take place along the beach, on pebbles. Beware of the tides!

Distance-duration: 7 km. 3:30 a. m.

From Porto Moniz, take the ER 101 for 3 km towards Funchal, turn left towards "Levada Ribeira da Janela - Lamaceiros", then after 3.4 km drive, park near the Lamaceiros water tower. Bus numbers 80, 139 and 150.

Return: this levada hike is a round trip

Distance-Duration: about 25 km round trip. 5 to 8 hours

Route: this beautiful walk is easily accessible and follows the "Levada Central da Ribeira da Janela", one of the best maintained on the island. At several points along the route, there are tables for picnics and even a few bins! To begin, go up the levada that runs on the right of the huge water bottle of the Lamaceiros water tower. As soon as the first bend has passed, a magnificent panorama of the houses framed by the terraced crops of the valley is revealed to the walker, the ocean in the background! It's easy to find your way around: follow the levada that runs straight into the interior of the island and its dense vegetation, where hydrangeas and agapanthes rub shoulders with fruit trees and tree ferns...

Departure: It is at the water Purification Plant of Quebradas, a place located near São Jorge, which begins the hiking of Levada do Rei. This superb hike in the northern part of the island follows the "king of the king", one of the most beautiful Levadas in Madeira. The Quebradas water reservoir, where hiking begins, caters for the water needs of the São Jorge region. Follow the sign "PR 18 - Levada do Rei" and engouffrez yourself in the lush vegetation of the humid primeval forest. Some éclaircies in the vegetation offer magnificent views over the cultures of São Jorge and the cultivated Santana lands. This course is famous for its biodiversity, where a variety of plant species are flourishing, consisting of endémismes and species established by man. Of course, there are the centuries-old laurels of the Laurel, where the finches of the trees and the orange crête roitelets are émoustillent. The road ends on the idyllic Ribeiro Bonito, the "beautiful river" with crystal clear waters and a gentle waterfall.

Return to Funchal, rest and walk in the capital of the island