Moderate hiking tours in Madeira
Madeira is famous for hiking. Long and exhausting hikes like the famous one from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. However, if you are not that type, the islands offer great alternatives that are less crowded and just as beautiful.
Walk to Ponta de São Lourenço (about 2 hours)
If you can only do one walk in Madeira, this should be it. The headland is made up of fascinating volcanic formations that meander over the water, adding to the rough panorama. The trail to the top of the spit is 8 km round trip from the parking lot and takes about 2 hours. At the top you will find a charming little snack bar with a spectacular view of the trail.
https://goo.gl/maps/E8cDDCzbNfqBqxBS8
Walk to the Risco Waterfall (about 2 hours)
This hike in the inland of Madeira offers a completely different panorama. Since Madeira is the island of waterfalls, it's only fair to do a waterfall hike. It leads you through jungle like vegetation, green mountains and several waterfalls until you reach the big mayor waterfall Cascata do Risco. Depending on your mood and fitness, you can either do the "25 waterfalls" hike (about 3 hours) or go more or less directly to the waterfall (2 hours).
https://goo.gl/maps/eK9qN25LCG9DigPJ7
Climb down Rocha do Navio (about 2 hours)
This was the craziest and most beautiful thing we did in Madeira. On the steep cliffs next to the beach, farmers grow vegetables, which they send up with a ropeway, which goes all the way up, but is exclusively for the farmers (you can go once or twice a day as a tourist). But don't take the ropeway, walk down the very narrow path (levada) and enjoy the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before you. On the way down you will pass waterfalls and once down you can walk through the small farming village with its beautiful old colorful houses and ancient water system to the beach. You can either walk back up (takes about 1 hour depending on your fitness) or wait for your turn on the ropeway. If you don't have much time, but don't want to miss the hiking experience, do this little tour - it combines the panorama of waterfalls, green cliffs and the sea.
https://goo.gl/maps/7gNzfQXkfrAh8dVC8
