Hiking routes in Madeira

Madeira is a unique symbiosis of nature and human labor, where these two concepts are so harmoniously intertwined that it seems that it has always been this way. This is a great rarity, basically man wins nature, and in this place they are good neighbors.

Madeira is a small but very proud piece of Portugal. Few islands boast such a rich history and culture. It even has its own alcoholic drink - madera, endemic species of animals and plants, and a complete package of tourist pleasures, and even Cristiano Ronaldo, cast in bronze. But Madeira is rather tight with sandy beaches, or rather, they can be counted on the fingers of one hand. There are two with imported yellow sand, there is a couple with black volcanic sand.

And Madeira is delicious food, sightseeing, relaxing by the ocean, diving, walking in the mountains, watching whales and dolphins. In a word - a dream!

The main attraction of the island is nature. Madeira is a godsend for those who love hiking. There are many routes of varying difficulty, you can find their description in every guidebook on the island.

Routes come in spirit types:
Levadas are paths that run along irrigation canals that have been built in Madeira since the 15th century.
Veredas are also walking trails, but without reference to irrigation canals. To get to the route, you need to know the bus schedule.

Routes can be found in any guidebook on the island. On the route itself there are marks and signs that you can use to find out how much is left to go. Before you go hiking, it is better to read in detail about the complexity of the route. Sometimes flashlights and special equipment are required - tunnels without lighting and waterfalls can be caught along the way.

We have tried two hicking routes:

1. Route Pico do Arieiro.
   Trail length was about 7 kilometers.
   Level of difficulty - intermediate (two times I got a wish to turn back).
   Ascent - 1818 meters. This is one of the highest points in the world, it’s very impressive! Take closed clothes with you to this place - the wind blows away, and the sun is scorching - you burn out in a moment.

2. Route Pico Ruivo.
   Ascent - 1862 meters. In good weather, a 360-degree perspective opens up over the entire island.
   This route was very difficult in places. We didn't turn back just because we had to climb a lot. But the nature is absolutely incredible - the landscapes changed depending on the ascent.

Heaven on earth! I left my soul there! In some places everything is covered with clouds. Up there, the whole world is covered in clouds, everything that was important until now suddenly disappears, leaving you alone with nature. The greatness of nature is drowned in your eyes. You feel so small and insignificant in that world.

From the very peak there is a mountain path made above the rocks - I recommend to all lovers to walk along it!
I would also highly recommend taking a trip to the levadas. As I mentioned above, levada is an irrigation canal; in the old days, with the help of a system of these structures, water was supplied to Madeira.

I think you will discover many more wonderful places if you get to Madeira! There are very picturesque roads here, but dangerous serpentines - be careful. In some places, the roads are narrow, drivers do not see each other because of the turns - they signale.

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