Start planning

Public travel plan

Madeira in the Rain: A 10-Day Levada, Peaks and Wild Coast Expedition

This source-faithful route follows the creators' explicit 10-day Madeira trip. Madeira can change dramatically between coast and mountains: the trip experienced rain on nine of ten days, strong wind, fog, hail and sudde…

10 daysUpdated 38 highlights
Open map & itinerary Create your own
Travel inspiration for Madeira in the Rain: A 10-Day Levada, Peaks and Wild Coast Expedition

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

Madeira Isn’t Always Paradise | 10 Days That Didn’t Go as Expected Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

This source-faithful route follows the creators' explicit 10-day Madeira trip. Madeira can change dramatically between coast and mountains: the trip experienced rain on nine of ten days, strong wind, fog, hail and sudden downpours. Pack a raincoat, warm clothes, waterproof shell, proper hiking shoes, and clothing that dries well. A rental car is strongly recommended outside Funchal, although parking can be difficult and the island has many tunnels. Veredas are exposed mountain paths, while levadas are narrow irrigation-channel paths; allow people to pass and avoid exposed trails during storms. From 2026, many PR routes require payment and advance booking, while the Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova route near Ponta do Sol was presented as a free alternative. Check trail and weather conditions before committing to Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo or Ponta de São Lourenço. For wet accommodation, a kitchen, washing machine and dehumidifier are especially useful. The journey is best treated as a flexible weather chase rather than a guaranteed-sun itinerary.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1-2 Arrival, Ponta do Sol and Levada do Moinho

Use the first two days to collect the car, settle into Madeira's steep roads and begin with the lower-elevation Ponta do Sol levadas. The source describes this as a useful weather-adjustable start, with a free local route near the town and narrow paths, tunnels and waterfalls along the way.

  1. Madeira AirportMadeira Airport, Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal

    Fly from Lisbon to Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport; the flight is described as the fastest and most common option, taking about one and a half hours and operating several times daily. The runway and ocean setting are especially striking on arrival.

  2. Madeira AirportMadeira Airport, Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal

    Collect the rental car before beginning the island loop. The source recommends a car for anything beyond beach time because public transport is not dependable outside Funchal; expect challenging parking and frequent tunnels.

  3. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da LuzIgreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal

    Start the Ponta do Sol levada walk at the church identified in the source. This is the access point for Levada do Moinho leading toward Levada Nova, rather than the similarly named PR7 route in the north.

  4. Levada do MoinhoLevada do Moinho, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal

    Walk the Levada do Moinho toward Levada Nova near Ponta do Sol. The route was presented as a free alternative to paid PR routes, with narrow ledges, local houses, a close waterfall and a tunnel section. Bring a light and leave room for hikers coming the other way.

  5. Levada NovaLevada Nova, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal

    Continue along Levada Nova for the narrow mountain-side sections and tunnels. The source explains that levadas carry water from the wetter north toward the drier south and frequently pass directly beside homes and villages.

  6. Ponte de Ponta do SolPonte de Ponta do Sol, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal

    Pause at the small volcanic-stone bridge in central Ponta do Sol. It once connected the town with the sea and is a local spot for watching waves and, when the clouds cooperate, sunset.

Days 3-4 Fanal Forest and the North Coast

Move into the misty north and west. This phase pairs Fanal's ancient laurisilva woodland with the small beaches and volcanic scenery of Ribeira da Janela, Seixal and São Vicente. Weather is part of the experience, but the source shows that heavy rain can make forest hiking and coastal plans difficult.

  1. Fanal ForestFanal Forest, Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal

    Visit Fanal's ancient laurisilva trees, especially in fog or light rain when the twisted, moss-covered woodland is at its most atmospheric. Stay on permitted paths and respect the fenced trees protecting the UNESCO-listed forest.

  2. Fanal Forest ParkingFanal Forest Parking, Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal

    Use the Fanal trail parking area as the starting point for the forest walk. The source shows that wet conditions may require abandoning the hike, so treat this as a weather-window stop rather than a fixed commitment.

  3. Praia da Ribeira da JanelaPraia da Ribeira da Janela, Seixal, Madeira, Portugal

    Stop at Praia da Ribeira da Janela, a short northern beach near Porto Moniz. The source highlights its ocean views and the distinctive rock formation known as the Janela, or window.

  4. Janela Rock FormationJanela Rock Formation, Praia da Ribeira da Janela, Madeira, Portugal

    Look for the Janela rock formation at the beach. Its natural opening resembles a window or door and is the specific visual feature singled out at this stop.

  5. Praia da SeixalPraia da Seixal, Seixal, Madeira, Portugal

    Swim or photograph Praia da Seixal, one of Madeira's black-sand beaches. The source notes showers, a cliffside bar, kayak rental, a waterfall visible from the beach and dramatic green mountains behind the shore.

  6. Seixal Natural PoolsSeixal Natural Pools, Seixal, Madeira, Portugal

    Choose the natural swimming pools behind Seixal's coast when conditions are suitable. The source describes the lava formations as protecting swimmers from larger ocean waves.

  7. São VicenteSão Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

    Explore São Vicente's quiet center, small church and valley-to-ocean views. It is presented as one of the older settlements on the island and as a slower, more local-feeling northern town.

  8. São VicenteSão Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

    Try nêspera, described as a juicy fruit with both sour and sweet flavors, and the local apple bananas, which are said to have a slight apple taste.

Days 5-6 Porto Moniz and the Far West

Base this phase around Porto Moniz and the western coastline. It combines a weather-friendly volcanic swimming stop, a dramatic overlook, the accessible Risco waterfall and the lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo. Early spring or late autumn is favored for fuller waterfall flow.

  1. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming PoolsPorto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal

    Swim in the natural volcanic pools of Porto Moniz when the sea is suitable. The pools were formed by cooled lava and are described as one of the island's safer places for ocean swimming because the rock basins reduce wave impact.

  2. Porto Moniz Natural Swimming PoolsPorto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal

    Use Porto Moniz as the practical northwest base for the surrounding coast. The source describes it as an open-coast stop that attracts locals and travelers, particularly on sunny days.

  3. Miradouro da Boa MorteMiradouro da Boa Morte, Ponta do Pargo, Madeira, Portugal

    Stop at Miradouro da Boa Morte for an expansive ocean view. The source gives no additional attraction beyond the viewpoint itself, so make this a short scenic pause rather than a structured hike.

  4. Risco WaterfallRisco Waterfall, Rabaçal, Calheta, Madeira, Portugal

    Walk the short approach to Risco Waterfall. It is described as one of Madeira's most accessible major waterfalls: park nearby and continue on foot. Early spring or late autumn is recommended for stronger flow than midsummer.

  5. Cascata dos AnjosCascata dos Anjos, Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal

    Look for Cascata dos Anjos, the roadside waterfall near Ponta do Sol. It is one of the many accessible waterfalls highlighted during the island's wet conditions; avoid standing beneath falling water when conditions are unstable.

  6. Ponta do Pargo LighthousePonta do Pargo Lighthouse, Ponta do Pargo, Madeira, Portugal

    Visit the lighthouse at Madeira's western tip for the coastal structure and sunset possibility. The source emphasizes that clouds may completely block the sunset, so treat the lighthouse itself as the dependable stop.

Days 7-8 Santana, São Lourenço and Machico

Turn east for heritage architecture, a short waterfall walk, the exposed São Lourenço peninsula and Machico's historic coast. Wind can close exposed routes, so keep the nearby viewpoints as the weather fallback.

  1. Traditional Houses of SantanaTraditional Houses of Santana, Santana, Madeira, Portugal

    See Santana's traditional triangular houses. Their straw roofs shed rain and dry quickly, while the wooden interiors historically used a ground floor for living and an attic for storage.

  2. Agua WaterfallAgua Waterfall, Santana, Madeira, Portugal

    Take the brief walk to Agua Waterfall while in Santana. The source describes it as a 20- to 30-minute activity ending at a viewpoint rather than a demanding hike.

  3. Vereda da Ponta de São LourençoVereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal

    Walk Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, PR8, only when officially open and wind conditions are acceptable. The source describes a scenic 6 km round trip across a 9 km volcanic peninsula with views over both sides of the island.

  4. Miradouro do CaniçalMiradouro do Caniçal, Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal

    Use Miradouro do Caniçal as the weather fallback when the exposed peninsula trail is closed. The source specifically recommends moving between viewpoints here to retain coastal scenery and photography opportunities.

  5. Praia de MachicoPraia de Machico, Machico, Madeira, Portugal

    Visit Praia de Machico, known for golden sand imported from elsewhere. The beach also marks the historic area where Portuguese explorers landed in 1419.

  6. Monumento aos Descobrimentos de MachicoMonumento aos Descobrimentos de Machico, Machico, Madeira, Portugal

    Find the monument commemorating the Portuguese landing of 2 July 1419. It provides the specific historical marker connected to Machico's role in the island's recorded Portuguese history.

  7. Cristo Rei StatueCristo Rei Statue, Garajau, Madeira, Portugal

    Climb to the Cristo Rei statue above the coast. The source describes the 14-metre statue, inaugurated in 1927, and the path descending to a closer coastal viewpoint.

  8. Cristo Rei ViewpointCristo Rei Viewpoint, Garajau, Madeira, Portugal

    Use the coastal viewpoint below Cristo Rei for a closer look at the shoreline, but be cautious in high wind; the source shows damaged viewpoint infrastructure and difficulty standing steadily during the storm.

Days 9-10 Funchal, Rabaçal and the High Peaks

Finish with Funchal's viewpoints, gardens, doors, market and local bread, then use the final days for a sheltered levada and the high peaks. The source's experience makes weather flexibility essential: Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo may disappear into fog, while Levada do Alecrim offers a lower-intensity alternative in wet conditions.

  1. Pico dos Barcelos ViewpointPico dos Barcelos Viewpoint, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

    Visit Pico dos Barreiros for a high city view over Funchal. The source also uses this viewpoint to show how homes fill the island's steep, limited land.

  2. Monte Palace MadeiraMonte Palace Madeira, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

    Spend time at Monte Palace Tropical Garden, especially around the flamingo enclosure. The source recommends buying a ticket and allowing plenty of time because paths and viewpoints reveal the garden from different heights and angles.

  3. Rua de Santa MariaRua de Santa Maria, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

    Walk Rua de Santa Maria for the colorful painted doors. It is identified as one of Funchal's historic streets and works well as a compact urban photography stop in changeable weather.

  4. Mercado dos LavradoresMercado dos Lavradores, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

    Browse Mercado dos Lavradores for fruit, vegetables, peppers and other produce, but compare prices before buying. The source warns that some fruit is imported, prices can be surprisingly high and a regular supermarket may be cheaper.

  5. FunchalFunchal, Madeira, Portugal

    Taste bolo do caco in its traditional garlic-butter form, then try the version filled with meat. The source describes the bread as oven-baked, creamy and strongly flavored with garlic and butter.

  6. Levada do AlecrimLevada do Alecrim, Rabaçal, Calheta, Madeira, Portugal

    Walk Levada do Alecrim, PR6.2, from Rabaçal. The source describes this as a 7 km out-and-back at about 1,300 metres, with a tree-covered path, an easy grade and a natural spring at Ribeira do Lajedo.

  7. Rabaçal Nature ReserveRabaçal Nature Reserve, Calheta, Madeira, Portugal

    Explore Rabaçal's surrounding nature reserve and trail network, including the area associated with Levada das 25 Fontes. The source identifies the plateau as a major hiking hotspot within Madeira Natural Park and a UNESCO-listed laurel-forest environment.

  8. Pico da GandaPico da Ganda, Madeira, Portugal

    Use Pico da Ganda as a shorter high-altitude alternative for valley views. The source places it at 1,580 metres and describes a roughly ten-minute walk from parking followed by a short hike to the viewpoint.

  9. Pico do ArieiroPico do Arieiro, Madeira, Portugal

    Attempt Pico do Arieiro only after checking access and visibility. The source describes the summit disappearing into fog, with visibility reduced to only a few metres, and emphasizes that mountain weather can change within seconds.

  10. Pico RuivoPico Ruivo, Santana, Madeira, Portugal

    Finish with the Pico Ruivo hike only in proper hiking shoes and a waterproof shell. It is Madeira's highest peak at 1,861 metres, but the source reports wet, slippery conditions and no visibility during rain.