Madeira

Our adventure in Madeira! This stunning Portuguese island is a paradise of dramatic landscapes, where the mountains meet the sea in breathtaking harmony. During our trip, we had the chance to explore some of Madeira’s iconic levada trails — narrow, historic irrigation channels that double as scenic hiking paths through lush forests, steep valleys, and terraced hillsides. Walking along these trails, we were constantly treated to panoramic views of soaring peaks and sheer sea cliffs that drop dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean. It was an unforgettable way to experience the island’s raw, natural beauty up close.

Funchal, Madeira’s vibrant capital, was the perfect base for our island adventures. With its charming old town, colorful markets, and a beautiful harbor lined with cafes and palm trees, it offered a lively yet laid-back atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploring. One of the highlights of our stay was a trip out to the São Lourenço Peninsula on the eastern tip of the island. This striking stretch of land, with its rugged cliffs and windswept landscapes, felt like stepping into another world. The contrast between the deep blue ocean and the red and ochre earth was absolutely stunning, and the hike along the peninsula offered some of the most dramatic coastal views on the Island.

On one of our days we hired a car and headed up into Madeira’s central mountains—a journey that revealed just how diverse and dramatic the island’s landscapes really are. As we climbed higher along winding roads, the air grew cooler, the vegetation changed, and the views became increasingly jaw-dropping. At the island’s highest points, like Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, we found ourselves thick in the clouds, surrounded by Ice and snow and all the sweeping vistas we hidden. Amazingly, even in the summer, temperatures can drop low enough at these altitudes that heavy frost or even snow isn't unheard of—something we hadn’t expected on a subtropical island! It was a stark and beautiful contrast to the sun-soaked coastlines below, and an unforgettable reminder of Madeira’s wild and varied terrain.

Another great day out in our hire car took us to the north coast of Madeira and the charming village of São Vicente. The drive itself was an experience, with narrow mountain roads twisting through deep valleys and cloud-kissed peaks before descending toward the wild Atlantic. São Vicente, with its traditional stone houses and peaceful vibe, felt like a world away from the busier south coast. The dramatic sea cliffs surrounding the area were amazing in the rough weather, towering walls of rock rising straight from the angry ocean, battered by waves and covered in lush greenery. We stopped frequently just to take in the views, watching the surf crash against the cliffs below or the huge waterfalls crashing from the mountains while feeling completely immersed in Madeira’s raw, untamed beauty.

One of the most remarkable aspects of exploring Madeira is the extensive network of levadas that crisscross the island, offering an intimate way to experience its lush, mountainous interior. These historic irrigation channels often lead deep into otherwise inaccessible parts of the landscape, guiding walkers through emerald valleys, dense laurel forests, and along sheer cliffs. Many of the trails include narrow tunnels carved straight through the mountains where a headtorch comes in handy, but this only adds to the sense of adventure. Around every corner, we were met with stunning sights, from mossy gorges to towering waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down steep rock faces. Following the levadas felt like stepping into a secret world, where nature rules and the island reveals its wild, hidden heart. The levadas were what we came for and they did not disappoint!

Our stay in Madeira was fabulous. From the dramatic sea cliffs and soaring mountain peaks to the peaceful levada trails winding through the heart of the island, every day brought a new adventure and a deeper appreciation for this unique and rugged landscape. Whether we were hiking through misty forests, standing above the clouds, or soaking in the coastal views, Madeira constantly surprised and inspired us. For anyone who loves walking, nature, and a bit of off-the-beaten-path exploration, we can’t recommend this island highly enough. It’s a true paradise for hikers—and we’re already dreaming of returning one day.