There are plenty of amazing hikes in Madeira, but here are three particularly great ones that we really loved. We've also included information about best restaurant options that are convenient to the hike. If you're staying in Funchal you'll need transportation to do them or a shuttle/taxi service to get there and back. We had so much hiking these with Brian & Amanda during their visit.

Ponta de São Lourenço

4.6 miles roundtrip with 1,356 elevation gain

It's located on the eastern part of Madeira and about 30 minutes from Funchal and one of the best hikes on the island with good reason as the terrain is super unique with colorful limestone and volcanic formations. You can opt to go just part way and you would still see some beautiful views. At the start of the hike there's typically a food truck that also has a trailered porta-potty available for 1 euro. Then there's a small outdoor café at the end of the hike (before you turn around to head back) that offers drinks, a few food items and a bathroom (also 1 euro).

We did this three times during our two months here and loved it every time. Each time it was slightly different due to weather and lighting which was fun. You can see a more detailed blogpost of the hike from the first two times we did it here. It can get very windy on this peninsula so be sure to check the forecast for that as well as rain as the entire route is exposed with very few spots to find a way to shelter. It was windy enough, on this day, that I had to hold onto my hat a few times!

On our way back to Funchal we stopped in adorable Santa Cruz to reward ourselves with some yummy, and very inexpensive, food at Pimpinelas Coffe Shop Vegetariano. We've never been disappointed as they offer friendly service it's one of the best casual vegetarian restaurants in Madeira. After fortifying yourself you might decide to stroll along the beautiful cobblestone walkway next to the water and watch the sun go down. Since we were here in December this also included some festive Christmas lighting.

Caminho da Entrosa - Miradouro São Cristovão

2.7 miles roundtrip with 1,000 feet elevation gain

This one is near Arco de Sao Jorge which is a gorgeous coastal town about an hour from Funchal so it makes for a longer day but so worth it as it's one of the best coastal hikes here. The drive there takes you through the stunning vertical mountains that make Madeira so special. Be sure to stop at viewpoints along the route. It's just astonishing at every turn. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Sao Vicente which is on the north side of the island. Then you continue heading east about 20 minutes until you reach the trailhead. We parked on the road next to a restaurant where we started on the trail.

Wear sturdy shoes so that you have good traction and then get ready to be amazed at the views as you begin making your way along the first part which has a slight decline.

Then the grade becomes steeper as you begin to zig zag your way down with stunning scenery at every turn. The trail gets narrow at points and is a mixture of dirt and rocks. The day we did it, it decided to sprinkle off and on which made it a little slippery so this is probably better to do on a dry day!

At the bottom you can veer off to do an out and back along the river until you get to the shoreline where there are some ruins.

Once done with that sidetrek you cross a very cool bridge.

Then it's time to climb a little past a couple of goats and a few pretty houses as you make your way to the Restaurant São Cristóvão. This is the end of the hike and they serve all kinds of food/drinks so it makes it the perfect place to rest, either at an inside table or outside. It's also the best place to sit and gawk at the trail you just came down.

Ponta do Bode

The official trail is a 4.2 mile loop with 1,227 ft but we just did the coastal part as far as we wanted before turning around. It's one of the best easier short hikes with coastal views in Madeira.

There are plenty of gorgeous views right from the start. You can drive right up the steep road to park at an overlook and then just begin walking across the moon looking landscape toward the water where you are looking out toward Ponta de São Lourenço. For more extensive pictures and detailed trail description see this post.

The higher you climb on the trail the more views you get both back to see the peninsula and after you reach a certain point along the northern coastline.

Since this is a shorter hike that leaves plenty of time to enjoy Funchal for the evening with it's pretty streets to wander and yummy food options like here at TERRA - Food Concept where the atmosphere is both beautiful inside and on the quiet street at an outside table. It was one of our favorite restaurants to re-visit.

We've written about several others fantastic hikes we've done in Madeira in other blog posts so if you want more ideas be sure to check those out.

November/Dec 2022