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AI-VascoDaGama
07 Dec 2025
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Madeira 10-Day Hikes & Beaches

Madeira 10-Day Hikes & Beaches — Overview

This 10-day itinerary balances Madeira’s best coastal scenery and sandy/pebble beaches with world-class hiking through laurel forests and alpine ridges. Start with rugged coastal walks at Ponta de São Lourenço and relaxed beach time near Funchal, then progress to high mountain treks (Pico do Arieiro, PR1 to Pico Ruivo) and classic levada routes like 25 Fontes. Include scenic stops—Cabo Girão Skywalk, Curral das Freiras viewpoint—and unwind at natural swimming spots in Porto Moniz and Seixal. Expect varied terrain, dramatic viewpoints, local street-food and tavern options in towns, and a mix of active days and easy beach/rest days appropriate for a budget-conscious traveler who enjoys hiking and coastal relaxation.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Ponta de São Lourenço

    Dramatic coastal peninsula with lunar-like cliffs, sweeping ocean views and a well-marked ridge hike—excellent for active walkers seeking exposed scenery, wildlife (sea birds, occasional dolphins) and unique geology distinct from Madeira’s laurel forests.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Machico Bay

    Historic seaside town with sandy beach, calm swimming, and access to coastal trails and local taverns
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Cabo Girão Skywalk (Cape Girão)

    One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe with a glass-bottom viewpoint offering vertigo-inducing panoramic views over the coast, terraced farmland and the ocean—quick visit, great photo opportunity and an accessible stop between Funchal and western and northern attractions.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Ribeira Brava Promenade

    Coastal stroll with pebble beaches and local atmosphere—good for easy walks and street food nearby
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Praia Formosa

    Madeira’s largest public beach area (mix of black sand and pebbles) near Funchal with easy access, promenades and local food options—good for relaxed beach time, swimming and combining a seaside stop with city attractions and public transport links.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Praia da Calheta

    Sandy beach with calm waters and water sports—one of the best man-made sandy beaches on Madeira
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra

    High plateau hiking with unique landscapes and panoramic views—great for longer treks away from crowds
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)

    Iconic ridge traverse connecting Madeira’s two highest peaks with dramatic mountain scenery, tunneling sections and panoramic views—ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging, rewarding full-day trek and unforgettable sunrise/sunset opportunities.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Pico do Arieiro

    Accessible high-altitude peak with jagged summits, sweeping vistas and well-developed trails—serves as a gateway for epic hikes (including PR1), offers sunrise views above the clouds and photographic landscapes without requiring technical climbing.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Levada dos 25 Fontes (25 Fontes Levada Walk)

    Classic levada walk through laurel forest to a lush waterfall and natural pools—relatively moderate trail showcasing Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva, abundant greenery, streams and a refreshing end point ideal for cooling off after the hike.
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  • Trip Point Pin11

    Fanal Forest (Laurisilva)

    Ancient laurel woodland with misty, moss‑draped trees and dramatic, otherworldly scenery—perfect for peaceful walks, photography and experiencing Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva in a tranquil, less crowded setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin12

    Curral das Freiras (Nuns' Valley) Viewpoint

    Striking panoramic overlook into a deep, secluded valley surrounded by steep mountains—offers dramatic views, a sense of isolation, easy access from nearby towns and a cultural stop to learn about the valley’s history and local chestnut cuisine.
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  • Trip Point Pin13

    Camacha (Traditional Basketry Village)

    Cultural stop to see traditional crafts, pleasant local eateries, and short nearby walks
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  • Trip Point Pin14

    Seixal Natural Pools

    Volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic with clear water and scenic basalt cliffs—great for safe sea swimming, sunbathing on natural platforms and enjoying rugged coastal beauty away from busier tourist beaches.
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  • Trip Point Pin15

    Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

    Famous volcanic lava pools naturally filled by the Atlantic—offer safe, sheltered swimming in crystal-clear water surrounded by dramatic basalt formations; facilities and nearby cafés make it an easy, family-friendly stop to relax after coastal drives or hikes while enjoying one of Madeira’s most iconic seaside landscapes.
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Restaurants

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel do Carmo

    3.7

    Hotel do Carmo

    Central Funchal location within walking distance of the harbor, beaches and street-food stalls; budget-friendly rooms and easy public-transport links for day trips to west and north Madeira.
    3.7
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    Hotel Orca Praia

    4.4

    Hotel Orca Praia

    Seafront hotel near Praia Formosa with direct beach access and simple amenities—good value for beach days while keeping Funchal services and transit nearby.
    4.4
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  • Hotel Icon

    Calheta Beach Hotel

    4.4

    Calheta Beach Hotel

    Located at Calheta with direct access to a sandy, man‑made beach and water-sports options; convenient base for southern coast beaches and day hikes inland.
    4.4
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    Hotel Jardim Atlântico

    4.3

    Hotel Jardim Atlântico

    Mid-range hotel near Funchal marina offering comfortable rooms, pool and easy access to coastal promenades and local eateries—practical for combining beach time with excursions to Cabo Girão and Ponta de São Lourenço.
    4.3
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    Aqua Natura Bay Hotel (Porto Moniz)

    4.7

    Aqua Natura Bay Hotel (Porto Moniz)

    Located in Porto Moniz near the natural lava pools—ideal for relaxing after western coastal drives and hikes, with quick access to seaside attractions and local cafes.
    4.7
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Local Events & Happenings

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone, I will go to Madeira with my friends at the end of May. I made a long list of POIs that will be the part of our selection, but I would

    Visiting Madeira, asking for tips

    Hi everyone, I will go to Madeira with my friends at the end of May. I made a long list of POIs that will be the part of our selection, but I would

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    Porto Moniz is located in one side of the island (left side) and the airport is in the opposite (right side), there's no direct bus to take you there. Best you can do is ...

    Hike across Madeira itinerary - any tips appreciated

    Porto Moniz is located in one side of the island (left side) and the airport is in the opposite (right side), there's no direct bus to take you there. Best you can do is ...

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Id like to add to this good list something: go watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and then you should do the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

    Help planning a vacation

    Id like to add to this good list something: go watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and then you should do the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    day 3: PR1 pico to pico hike (if open otherwise Pico Areeiro first part and then drive to Pico Ruivo for another hike there) day 4: recovery day in hotel and depending upon en...

    Critique my Madeira itinerary!

    day 3: PR1 pico to pico hike (if open otherwise Pico Areeiro first part and then drive to Pico Ruivo for another hike there) day 4: recovery day in hotel and depending upon en...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Some of the highlights would be hiking the trail to the end of the peninsula (PR8 So Loureno), hiking between Pico Areeiro and Pico Ruivo (remember to bring water), if possibl...

    Hiking 160km across the Island of Madeira

    Some of the highlights would be hiking the trail to the end of the peninsula (PR8 So Loureno), hiking between Pico Areeiro and Pico Ruivo (remember to bring water), if possibl...

    /r/backpacking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Day 4 (Thursday) - Stop 1: 25 Fontes Levada Walk and Risco Waterfall, Stop 2: Fanal Forest Stop 3: Porto Moniz, Stop 4: Ribeira da Janela, Stop 5: Black sand beach of Seixal, ...

    Rate my 5 (and a bit) days itinerary! Happy to hear your suggestions or make any changes

    Day 4 (Thursday) - Stop 1: 25 Fontes Levada Walk and Risco Waterfall, Stop 2: Fanal Forest Stop 3: Porto Moniz, Stop 4: Ribeira da Janela, Stop 5: Black sand beach of Seixal, ...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    Day 2: If youre going at Levada das 25 fontes u MUST go to Fanal Forest and then u drive down to Vu da Noiva waterfall, Porto Moniz pools, etc.. You can go as well to Ribeira ...

    Please help me with itinerary

    Day 2: If youre going at Levada das 25 fontes u MUST go to Fanal Forest and then u drive down to Vu da Noiva waterfall, Porto Moniz pools, etc.. You can go as well to Ribeira ...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    Great tips! I can add one too: Look at the web cams before you decide where you would like to go. As OP mentioned the north has different weather than the south of the island....

    I've visited Madeira for the fourth time. Here is my advice ...

    Great tips! I can add one too: Look at the web cams before you decide where you would like to go. As OP mentioned the north has different weather than the south of the island....

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    I recommend you go to the PR3 trail (Vereda do Burro) which leads to Pico Ariero. My advice is to park your car at the bottom of the trail next to the O Barraco cafe and start...

    Hiking Madeira, tips

    I recommend you go to the PR3 trail (Vereda do Burro) which leads to Pico Ariero. My advice is to park your car at the bottom of the trail next to the O Barraco cafe and start...

    /r/planinarenje
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  • Reddit Icon

    i.e. Sunrise for Pico Arieiro to Ruivo, Sao Lourenco, Levada 25 Fontes etc etc. Have a great trip! ... One workaround that I've found when I was there is to do a multiday...

    Hiking places

    i.e. Sunrise for Pico Arieiro to Ruivo, Sao Lourenco, Levada 25 Fontes etc etc. Have a great trip! ... One workaround that I've found when I was there is to do a multiday...

    /r/Madeira
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 4 -Cabo Girao -Anjos Waterfall -Praia da Calheta -Maybe drive to Garganta Funda Day 5 (moving over to Sao Vicente) -Bica da Cana Viewpoint -Vereda do Espigao -Miradouro da...

    Madeira Itinerary - 8 days with a one and a half year old.

    Day 4 -Cabo Girao -Anjos Waterfall -Praia da Calheta -Maybe drive to Garganta Funda Day 5 (moving over to Sao Vicente) -Bica da Cana Viewpoint -Vereda do Espigao -Miradouro da...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Day 3 is the big Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro hike (we are using a transfer service so we do not have to hike both ways.) Day 4 (Sunday) is where we need advice. We are tryin...

    Help us choose: A day near Porto Moniz/Seixal or Ponta de So Loureno

    Day 3 is the big Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro hike (we are using a transfer service so we do not have to hike both ways.) Day 4 (Sunday) is where we need advice. We are tryin...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    One option we are looking into is following the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 115 course and splitting it in 4 or 5 days. It has the advantage of crossing the island end-to-end a...

    Advice on hiking in Madeira and potential multi-day treks

    One option we are looking into is following the Madeira Island Ultra Trail 115 course and splitting it in 4 or 5 days. It has the advantage of crossing the island end-to-end a...

    /r/travel
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  • Reddit Icon

    I would choose the West tour that is quite picturesque and includes Ponto Moniz and ocean pools. All tours are full day with time for lunch. Lido is not a beach but a paid poo...

    Itinerary help

    I would choose the West tour that is quite picturesque and includes Ponto Moniz and ocean pools. All tours are full day with time for lunch. Lido is not a beach but a paid poo...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    Here is a link to the hikes AllTrails page: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira--2/pr1-pico-do-arieiro-pico-ruivo?p=-1&u=i

    Todays Hike on Madeira, Portugal: PR1 Pico Do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo

    Here is a link to the hikes AllTrails page: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira--2/pr1-pico-do-arieiro-pico-ruivo?p=-1&u=i

    /r/hiking
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  • Reddit Icon

    Does the hike between the Pico do Areeiro and Ruivo is still closed? ... U can park anywhere there. Its not a problem, dont worry. And I do not know if it closed but have othe...

    When to go to Pico do Areeiro?

    Does the hike between the Pico do Areeiro and Ruivo is still closed? ... U can park anywhere there. Its not a problem, dont worry. And I do not know if it closed but have othe...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    I'd just go on a drive around the island as you can see so much more. I'd probably start with a sunrise in Pico do Arieiro Then drive west and visit those towns alon...

    Favorite spots in Funchal

    I'd just go on a drive around the island as you can see so much more. I'd probably start with a sunrise in Pico do Arieiro Then drive west and visit those towns alon...

    /r/Madeira
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  • Reddit Icon

    Once again, the MIUT trail makes detours upon leaving Encumeada, first descending to Rosario before reascending to rejoin PR17. As PR 17 starts at Encumeada, we opted to follo...

    Feedback on our multi-day trek in Madeira: following the Madeira Island Ultra Trail to cross the island on foot in 6 days

    Once again, the MIUT trail makes detours upon leaving Encumeada, first descending to Rosario before reascending to rejoin PR17. As PR 17 starts at Encumeada, we opted to follo...

    /r/Madeira
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Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Darlan Nascimento - Maracatu na Ladeira

    Darlan Nascimento - Maracatu na Ladeira

    Uplifting instrumental with Portuguese guitar tones—evokes coastal sunsets and gentle waves while driving along Madeira’s cliffs.
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    Maria Teresa - O Mar Enrola na Areia

    Maria Teresa - O Mar Enrola na Areia

    Melancholic yet warm melody that matches reflective moments watching the Atlantic—good for quiet viewpoints like Cabo Girão.
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    XEG - Os Mais Pesados da Capital

    XEG - Os Mais Pesados da Capital

    Gentle, nostalgic tune that complements strolling historic promenades and sampling local street food in seaside towns.
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  • Music Icon

    Petit Biscuit - Sunset Lover

    Petit Biscuit - Sunset Lover

    Chill electronic track with a relaxed beat—perfect for late-afternoon beach downtime and watching the light change on rock pools.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Avicii - Wake Me Up

    Avicii - Wake Me Up

    Energetic folk-pop that pairs well with upbeat hikes and reaching mountain summits like Pico do Arieiro.
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    John Adams - A Million Dreams - Acoustic

    John Adams - A Million Dreams - Acoustic

    Hopeful, melodic acoustic arrangement that fits panoramic ridge walks and moments of awe on the PR1 trail.
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  • Music Icon

    Hank Soul - Symbol of Laurel

    Hank Soul - Symbol of Laurel

    Ambient, nature-inspired instrumental ideal for tranquil levada walks through the Laurisilva and forest photography breaks.
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  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Warm, acoustic song celebrating place and belonging—suitable for evening meals in taverns and reflecting on the day’s adventures.
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  • Music Icon

    Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty

    Modest Mouse - Ocean Breathes Salty

    Alternating contemplative and driving sections mirror coastal roads and sea-spray viewpoints—good for mixed driving/hiking days.
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  • Music Icon

    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Bright, upbeat song to lift energy for active days, starting early hikes or celebrating completing a challenging trail.
    Listen on Spotify
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