Madeira travel report – Levada hikes, Funchal & spectacular drone footage

My Madeira travel report After a week on the flower island in the Atlantic – and I'll say it straight away: Madeira surprised me more than any other European destination so far. The island is a paradise for hikers, drone photographers, and anyone looking for spectacular landscapes away from the crowds. In January 2024, I visited the famous Levada hikes, explored the dramatic cliffs and the bustling city of Funchal – with the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone in his backpack, capturing perspectives that are not possible from any hiking trail.

What makes Madeira so special: On an area smaller than Hamburg, the island combines subtropical laurel forests (UNESCO World Heritage Site), volcanic peaks over 1,800m high, dramatic cliffs and one of the world's most unique irrigation systems – the Levadas. These hundreds of kilometers of 15th-century waterways have been converted into hiking trails, leading through landscapes otherwise only found in New Zealand or the Azores. Whether you're looking for the most beautiful levada hike are looking for information on how many days you should plan for Madeira, or practical tips You need information about rental cars and costs – you'll find everything here.

Funchal – Madeira's charming capital city from the air and on the ground

 

Funchal It is the perfect starting point for any Madeira trip. The city of 100,000 inhabitants nestles against the coast like an amphitheater and offers a blend of colonial history, vibrant gastronomy, and spectacular views. Old Town Zona Velha With its brightly painted doors (an art project that has transformed the once run-down alley into an open-air gallery), it is a photographic highlight.

The Cable car to Monte The Funchal cable car offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and harbor during its 15-minute ride. At the top, the Monte Palace tropical garden and the famous... Toboggan rides – a tradition dating back to 1850, where two drivers push you down the steep road in a wicker basket. Tacky? Yes. Still fun? Definitely.

Culinary Funchal is a dream: The Mercado dos Lavradores The farmers' market overflows with exotic fruits that don't grow on the European mainland – pineapple bananas, passion fruit, Monstera deliciosa. The national dish Espetada (Beef skewer on bay wood) can be found in the restaurants of the old town for €12-18.

The most beautiful levada hikes on Madeira – My top 5

 

The Levada hikes They are THE unique selling point of Madeira. Over 200 of these historic irrigation channels crisscross the island, opening up landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. The hikes along the levadas are mostly flat (following the channel), but lead through sometimes spectacular terrain – narrow tunnels, suspension bridges, steep cliffs, and dense laurel forests.

Here is my personal ranking of most beautiful levada hikes:

1. Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall (Top recommendation)
Duration: ~4 hours (round trip) | Difficulty: Medium | Start: Rabaçal
This hike leads through an ancient laurel forest to a natural amphitheater with 25 springs that cascade into an emerald-green pool. The detour to Risco Waterfall (100m drop) is well worth it. Tip: Start early – it gets crowded from 10 am onwards.

2. Levada do Caldeirão Verde (The Adventurous One)
Duration: ~5-6 hours | Difficulty: Medium-Hard | Starting point: Queimadas
Through dark tunnels (bring a headlamp!), along steep rock faces and through dense cloud forest to a spectacular waterfall. For those who want to continue: The extension to... Caldeirão do Inferno leads even deeper into the wilderness.

3. Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo (The King's Tour)
Duration: ~5-6 hours | Difficulty: Hard (exposed) | Start: Pico do Arieiro
Not a levada, but Madeira's most iconic hike. From the island's third highest to its highest peak (1,862m), across narrow ridges, through tunnels, and along dramatic precipices. On a clear day, a 360-degree panorama of the entire island. Danger: A head for heights is definitely needed here.

4. Levada do Rei (The Cozy One)
Duration: ~3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Start: São Jorge
Perfect for Levada beginners and Hikes for those without a head for heights. The path leads through a lush laurel forest, is wide and well-secured. At the end, a tranquil spring awaits in the woods.

5. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (The coastal hike)
Duration: ~3-4 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Start: Baía d'Abra
A completely different picture from the rest of Madeira: a barren, windswept peninsula with red volcanic rocks and turquoise water. Spectacular from a drone.

Cliffs, natural pools & Madeira's dramatic north coast

 

The North coast of Madeira It's the opposite of the gentler south: wild, rugged, and with a drama that could have come straight out of a Hollywood film. The ER101 coastal road winds its way between cliffs hundreds of meters high and the roaring Atlantic – drone footage captures images here that truly make the scale of this landscape comprehensible.

Particularly impressive: The Natural pools of Porto Moniz, Natural lava pools fed by the sea, perfect for swimming in the summer. Skywalk viewing platform in Cabo Girão (580m above sea level!) is one of the highest in Europe and offers a view straight down to the Atlantic Ocean – not for the faint of heart, but the drone footage from here is incredible.

In the Fanal Forest Ancient, gnarled laurel trees stand shrouded in misty clouds – a mystical atmosphere reminiscent of "Lord of the Rings". In foggy conditions (which are frequent here), drone footage takes on a surreal quality.

Madeira costs, travel & practical tips

 

Position	budget	comfort
Accommodation/night	30-50 €	80-150 €
Food/day	15-25 €	40-60 €
Rental car/day	20-40 €
Flight (DA-CH)	100-250 €
1 week total (pP)	~500 €	~1.200 €

Best time to travel: Hiking is possible year-round, but March to May and September to November offer the best weather. The north is generally cooler and wetter than the south.

Rental cars: A car is an absolute must on Madeira. The island may be small, but without one you won't reach the starting points of the levadas or the most spectacular viewpoints. Expect winding, steep roads – a small car with a good engine will suffice.

How many days does one need for Madeira? At least 5 days for the highlights, ideally 7-10 days if you want to hike several levadas. I spent a week on the island and could easily have stayed another.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Madeira & Levada Hikes

 

Which levada hike is the most beautiful?
The Levada das 25 Fontes with the Risco waterfall is my personal favorite. For experienced hikers: Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo is the most challenging and spectacular hike.

How dangerous are levada walks in Madeira?
Most levadas are well-secured and suitable for beginners. Some routes (Caldeirão Verde, Pico Ruivo) have exposed sections and narrow paths – sure-footedness is required here. Accidents occur mainly in wet conditions and due to carelessness.

Is it possible to hike on Madeira without a guide?
Yes. The most well-known levadas are well-marked. For remote routes or for climbing Pico Ruivo in uncertain weather, a guide can be helpful. Offline maps (e.g., AllTrails) are essential.

How many days does one need for Madeira?
Minimum 5 days for Funchal + 2-3 levadas + north coast. Ideal: 7-10 days for a comprehensive experience including Pico Ruivo and the eastern tip.

Do you need a head for heights for levada hikes?
Not for everyone. The Levada do Rei and 25 Fontes trails are manageable even without a head for heights. Pico do Arieiro → Pico Ruivo, on the other hand, has exposed sections with steep drops.

Is it allowed to fly drones in Madeira?
EU drone regulations apply in Portugal. Drones under 250g are permitted to fly almost everywhere in the open category. Flying is prohibited near Funchal Airport, in nature reserves (Laurisilva forest), and over groups of people. Use the ANAC app for current flight zones.

Madeira is a dream destination for drone content – the combination of rugged coastlines, cloud forests, and mountain peaks offers scenes unlike anything else in Europe. Learn more about my work as a travel and drone content creator: Request Collaboration. More travel reports: Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, E5 Alpine Crossing.