The longest hikes in Madeira are not necessarily the island’s toughest, but they do require proper planning for transport, weather and changing trail conditions. Madeira’s official PR network includes several rewarding full-day walks of 10 km or more, crossing high mountains, ancient paths and Laurissilva forest. In this updated guide: you will find the 10 longest official routes ranked by published distance, realistic walking times, point-to-point logistics and advice for combining trails safely.
How this ranking works
This is a ranking of Madeira’s longest official classified walking trails, known locally as PR routes. It is deliberately different from a list of long tracks found on hiking apps: those may combine several levadas, forest roads and unmarked paths, and can be excellent for experienced walkers, but they are not one officially managed route.
Distances below follow the full published route, including the return distance where the official hike is out and back. A long levada is often gentle underfoot, while a shorter mountain route can be far more demanding because of steep ascents, exposure and rapidly changing cloud. Check the official IFCN trail-status page and reserve access before travelling: closures can affect a route even when the wider hiking area is open. Madeira’s 2026 access system charges visitors aged over 12 for classified trails, with different rates for individual routes and combinations.
The 10 longest official hikes in Madeira, ranked
1. PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal — 15 km. This is Madeira’s standout long official day hike: a difficult traverse between Lombo do Mouro and Encumeada, mixing levadas, stone-paved paths, waterfalls, tunnels and broad views over Ribeira Brava. Allow the official 6 hours 30 minutes, plus time for transfers. It is a true point-to-point route, so a taxi, pre-booked driver or two-car arrangement is strongly advised. At the latest check, sections of PR17 were restricted, so do not plan it without checking the exact passable section.
2. PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada — 12.5 km. An old cobbled Royal Path linking Boca da Corrida to Encumeada, with dramatic views into Curral das Freiras and a mixture of mountain path and historic paving. The official estimate is 5 hours. It is a point-to-point walk and requires a transfer at both ends unless you have two vehicles. This route was restricted at the time of verification, with only the opening section from Boca da Corrida reported as passable.
3. PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada — 11.2 km. From Pico Ruivo towards Encumeada, this is one of the island’s great high-level traverses, passing through volcanic mountain scenery, caves and Laurissilva. The official time is 5 hours, although fit walkers should still allow a full day once road transfers and breaks are included. It is not a route for casual navigation: the section between Boca das Torrinhas and Encumeada remained closed when checked, making the full published route unavailable.
4. PR10 Levada do Furado — 11 km. This moderate point-to-point levada walk runs from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through the green Ribeiro Frio valley, with far-reaching views towards Faial, Porto da Cruz and Penha d’Águia. The official walking time is 5 hours. It is one of the best long hikes for walkers who prefer steady gradients to mountain ridges, but transport from Portela still needs arranging.
5. PR13 Vereda do Fanal — 10.8 km. Starting at Assobiadores on Paul da Serra and finishing at Fanal, this moderate trail crosses a wonderfully quiet high plateau and indigenous forest. The official estimate is 4 hours, but mist, wet ground and photo stops beneath Fanal’s old til trees can lengthen the day. It is point-to-point, so book a pick-up at Fanal rather than relying on an infrequent bus connection.
6. PR2 Vereda do Urzal — 10.6 km. PR2 is a historic coast-to-coast-style crossing from Curral das Freiras to Boaventura. It climbs first to Boca das Torrinhas, then descends towards Lombo do Urzal on the north coast. The official time is 4 hours 30 minutes, but the sustained descent and remote finish make it feel longer. A transfer is essential.
7. PR18 Levada do Rei — 10.6 km return. Levada do Rei is an out-and-back walk from Quebradas, São Jorge, to the lush Ribeiro Bonito sanctuary. The 5.3 km one-way distance makes 10.6 km in total, with an official duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. It is the most straightforward logistical choice in this ranking because you return to your starting point, although a hire car or organised transfer is still useful for reaching São Jorge.
8. PR5 Vereda das Funduras — 8.7 km. This moderate descent from Portela to Maroços combines views of Penha d’Águia, forest tracks, Laurissilva and traditional terraced farmland. The published time is 3 hours. It is shorter than the routes above, but its one-way design and downhill finish mean you should arrange collection in Maroços.
9. PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues — 7.8 km return. Near São Vicente, this tunnel-rich levada follows 3.9 km to its turnaround point and back. The official duration is 3 hours 30 minutes, reflecting the slow pace needed in wet, enclosed sections. Bring a reliable torch and expect slippery ground after rain.
10. PR14 Levada dos Cedros — 7.2 km. This quieter Laurissilva route near Fanal and Curral Falso is an excellent moderate walk, officially estimated at 3 hours. It is not as long as the headline mountain traverses, but it earns its place because the terrain is wonderfully remote and transport around Fanal is not simple. Read our detailed Levada do Cedros guide before setting out.
| Rank and route | Published distance | Official walking time | Format and transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. PR17 Pináculo e Folhadal | 15 km | 6 hr 30 min | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 2. PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada | 12.5 km | 5 hr | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 3. PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada | 11.2 km | 5 hr | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 4. PR10 Levada do Furado | 11 km | 5 hr | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 5. PR13 Vereda do Fanal | 10.8 km | 4 hr | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 6. PR2 Vereda do Urzal | 10.6 km | 4 hr 30 min | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 7. PR18 Levada do Rei | 10.6 km return | 3 hr 30 min | Out and back; return to start |
| 8. PR5 Vereda das Funduras | 8.7 km | 3 hr | Point-to-point; transfer needed |
| 9. PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues | 7.8 km return | 3 hr 30 min | Out and back; return to start |
| 10. PR14 Levada dos Cedros | 7.2 km | 3 hr | Point-to-point; transfer recommended |
Official PR routes versus longer self-guided combinations
Madeira can certainly offer longer days than those listed above. Experienced hikers sometimes link PR17 with adjacent mountain paths, combine sections around Rabaçal, or create long levada traverses across the south coast. However, these combinations are not automatically official routes simply because individual sections appear on a map.
For most visitors, the safer approach is to choose one complete PR trail and enjoy it properly. If you do plan a self-guided combination, use an offline map, confirm every connecting section is legal and passable, carry extra water and have a firm collection point. Never assume that an old path shown online is maintained, signed or open after a landslide.
Planning a long hiking day in Madeira
- Check trail status on the morning of your hike: mountain and forest closures can change after heavy rain, strong wind or maintenance work.
- Book the correct access reservation: classified PR trails require advance registration through the official system; do not assume one payment covers every route.
- Arrange the finish before you start: on point-to-point routes, mobile signal and public transport can be unreliable at the trail end.
- Empieza pronto: allow time for slow driving on mountain roads, parking, cloud delays and a relaxed lunch stop.
- Carry a torch for levada tunnels: a phone light is only a backup, especially on PR16 and other damp tunnel routes.
- Respect your knees on descents: trekking poles are particularly useful on PR2 and PR5, where long downhill sections can be tiring.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the longest official hike in Madeira?
PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is the longest official route in this ranking, with a published distance of 15 km and an estimated walking time of 6 hours 30 minutes.
Are Madeira’s longest hikes suitable for beginners?
Usually not as a first hike on the island. PR10 and PR18 are more approachable for confident walkers with good fitness, while PR17, PR12, PR1.3 and PR2 require greater stamina, planning and comfort on mountain terrain.
Do I need a transfer for long hikes in Madeira?
Yes, for most of the longest routes. PR17, PR12, PR1.3, PR10, PR13, PR2 and PR5 finish in a different place from where they begin. See our guide to taxis, Bolt and private drivers in Madeira for practical options.
Can I walk from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo as part of a long route?
Only if the relevant PR1 sections are officially open on the day. It is an iconic route, but access conditions have changed repeatedly in recent years, so always check before travelling to the mountains.
Facts and prices verified in September 2026. For more route planning, see our complete guide to Madeira’s official PR hiking trails, el highest peaks in Madeira and our Categoría «Senderismo y levadas».
