Machico walks

A walk at the eastern end of Madeira in the only semi-desert environment of the island. Beautiful scenery on top of colourful cliffs, beautiful views of the sea and a way to escape.

This walk is one of Madeira's shortest and easiest. It leads to the Balcões belvedere, with its impressive views of the island's highest peaks. Here we offer an alternative route for the last kilometer of the return journey. This alternative route makes the walk a little more challenging, while keeping you away from the crowds.

A must-do levada, very easy, for all ages, alternating shady sections on the mountainside, winding paths and panoramic views of the island's north coast and then the east coast as you reach Portela.
Less busy than other levadas, the 10.5 Km walk is 4/5ths flat, with no change in altitude (very gentle slope all along the levada), except for a 200-meter drop in altitude on the last 2 Km of the walk.
Take a cab back to the starting point.

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit.
Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels.
N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m.

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, and by the road less travelled. A long and demanding hike in diverse environments. Beautiful viewpoints on the route and, at the top, a beautiful 360° view.
N.B. Due to the steep crags of Madeira, the displayed altitude difference is overestimated and, therefore, so is the estimate of the time. Expect the elevation to be more in the order of 1,200 m in both directions.

Madeira Island is filled with irrigation canals, the Levadas. This short hike takes you along the Levada do Norte, one of the most significant of the island, located in an elevated part of the island. You'll find stunning viewpoints along the way and go through a beautiful forest with various species.
N.B. The altitude displayed is most probably over estimated as the trail is relatively flat along the Levada following the contour line.

Nice climb in the hinterland. A walk away from the crowd in the undergrowth between ferns and laurel. Beautiful views of the surrounding area.

It runs along the three very different Levadas, all interconnected by sloping paths. The route covers a varied landscape, crossing over diverse vegetation, and with beautiful views of the waterfalls. A hike whose direction and length can be adjusted depending on wishes or circumstances.
N.B. The displayed altitude difference is higher than reality (and consequently so is the average time for completion). Expect more in the realm of 600 metres in altitude.

This hike covers about half of the Levada da Ribeira da Janela (about 6 Km out of the 12 Km) and takes you through a dense, humid forest with a wall of vegetation, huge ferns and impressive rock faces.

There are a number of viewpoints over the valley of the Ribeira da Janela (the longest river in Madeira).

⚠️Please disregard the gradient indicated in the data sheet, which is virtually zero.

Take a cab/taxi almost to the beginning of the levada, then walk back down to Porto Moniz.

This is a short but intense downhill hike to Fajã Quebrada Nova, a small farming hamlet on an ancient scree slope (see definition of "Fajã") at the ocean's edge and at the foot of the Achadas da Cruz cliffs.

The cable car ride up (for a fee, €3 in 2022) will also give you some thrills!