PR8 · easy–moderate
Ponta de São Lourenço
The island's wild eastern tip — red cliffs, blue sea on both sides, zero trees. Best at sunrise before the crowds. ~8 km return.
The hikes we keep coming back to, what to eat after them, and the scenic detours worth the drive — written by the people who actually live here. 🌿
ciao Madeira
Madeira packs cloud-forests, sea cliffs, black-sand beaches and a 1,800-metre peak into an island you can cross in an hour. Ponta do Sol sits on the sunny south-west coast — the warmest, driest corner — which makes it the perfect base for weekend missions out and lazy Sundays back home.
Madeira's trails follow centuries-old water channels — the levadas — plus high ridgelines above the clouds. Here are the three we rotate, and a couple more for when you want them.
The island's wild eastern tip — red cliffs, blue sea on both sides, zero trees. Best at sunrise before the crowds. ~8 km return.
Through the Rabaçal laurel forest to a green lagoon fed by 25 springs. Bring a rain jacket — the cloud-forest makes its own weather. ~11 km.
The big one: ridgeline between Madeira's two highest peaks, often above the clouds. Stairs, tunnels, and a view you'll talk about for years. ~7 km, go early.
Madeiran food is rustic, generous and built for after a hike. Start here, then let the house argue about the best spot for poncha.
Four years of Banana House guests have stress-tested every restaurant on this side of the island. These are the keepers.
In Ponta do Sol (walking distance)
Traditional / worth the drive
Vegan + speciality coffee
Bring proper shoes. Download WalkMe for trail details. Pace yourself — the levadas don't go anywhere.
PR8 · coastal
Volcanic peninsula on the eastern tip, panoramic ocean views both coasts. Rare plants, dry and wide-open — like walking on Mars over the Atlantic.
PR6 · levada
Starts at Rabaçal in the laurissilva forest, ends at a fern-rimmed lagoon fed by 25 springs. The most popular levada on the island for a reason.
PR1 · summit · the big one
Three of the island's highest peaks linked by volcanic tunnels and exposed ridges, above the clouds. Demanding, unforgettable — the crown jewel of Madeira hiking.
PR9 · levada
Tunnels, waterfalls, deep laurel forest. Bring a torch.
PR11 · viewpoint
90 minutes, a giant view, perfect first-week hike.
PR13 · forest
Thousand-year laurels in the mist. Other-worldly.
PR18 · levada
Quiet laurissilva trail. Few crowds.
— · levada
A shorter, easier one. Good for recovery days.
The waterfall you drive straight under, ten minutes up the coast. Roof down optional.
A glass skywalk on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs — 580 m straight down.
Thousand-year-old laurel trees in the mist. Other-worldly when the clouds roll in.
Black volcanic sand and green cliffs on the wilder north coast.
Sunset swims off the pier, five minutes from the house. The everyday luxury.
Painted doors, the cable car, and a proper city night out — 30 min east.
18–20°C, all year
Eternal spring on the south coast. Pack layers, not a wardrobe.
Rent a car
The freedom to chase good weather across the island is worth it.
1,000+ nomads
An island-wide Slack and a coworking HQ five minutes downhill.
Make Ponta do Sol your base. From €997 / month, bills included, one-month minimum.
Pick your month