How to Plan Your Hike on the Madeira Islands

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding hiking experience? The Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike in Madeira is a must-try for all hiking enthusiasts. This hiking tour will take you through some of the most amazing volcanic peaks and stunning scenery in Madeira. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plan your hike on the Madeira Islands.

Experience

The Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is a full-day hiking excursion that takes you from the third-highest peak in Madeira to the highest peak in the island. This challenging hike covers a distance of 8 km and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

Highlights

The hike is packed with some incredible highlights, including stunning views, ancient volcanic peaks, interesting flora, and fauna. Other highlights of this hike include:

• A challenging hike that pushes you to reach the 6107ft (1862m) peak
• Sipping on coffee or drinks on your way up to the base of the peak
• Walk past ancient volcanic peaks
• A knowledgeable guide that will take you through some of the island’s most hidden gems.

Things to Know before Hiking

Before embarking on this adventure, there are a few things you need to know to make the most of the experience.

1. Difficulty level:

This hike is rated as moderate to difficult, and it’s not recommended for beginners. The lack of proper maintenance of the trails and some steep uphill and downhill sections make it a challenging hike.

2. What to Wear:

Hiking boots are essential for this tour. Standard tennis shoes or street shoes won’t provide enough traction, and you may end up slipping and injuring yourself. You should also dress comfortability in lightweight clothing and bring a jacket, as the temperature gets colder as you get higher.

3. What to bring:

It’s important that you carry everything you need for the day well in a suitable backpack. The list includes:

• 1-2 liters of water
• Snacks such as energy/ chocolate bars, or fruit
• Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
• Insect repellent

Booking the Tour

You can book the Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike easily online at https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t10956?partner_id=UWJ1LS2. The tour runs every day of the week, and the average cost is €45 per person.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re looking for a fun and challenging hiking adventure, the Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is a great option. With its impressive scenery and amazing highlights, it’s definitely an experience of a lifetime. Don’t forget to pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and come experience the Madeira Islands in a unique way!

Everything You Need to Know About Madeira: A Detailed FAQ

Madeira is a beautiful archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous region of Portugal and is known for its year-round pleasant climate, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. If you are planning a trip to Madeira or just curious about this exotic destination, this FAQ guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know before you go.

1. How do I get to Madeira?

Madeira has an international airport, Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, which is located about 20 km from the capital city, Funchal. The airport serves many major European cities with direct flights, including London, Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam. You can also get to Madeira by ferry from the nearby island of Porto Santo or the mainland Portugal.

2. What’s the best time to visit Madeira?

Madeira is a year-round destination with mild temperatures throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Madeira depends on what you are looking for. If you are interested in hiking and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is between April and October. If you want to experience the famous Madeira wine production, the harvest season between August and October is the best time to visit.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Madeira?

– Funchal Old Town: Funchal is a charming coastal city and the Old Town is the heart of the city. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and colorful houses. – Levadas: Levadas are the traditional irrigation channels which have been transformed into hiking trails. There are over 2000 km of levadas on the island, offering some of the most stunning views of the natural beauty of Madeira. – Pico do Arieiro: Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic views of the island. It is accessible by car or a challenging hike. – Cabo Girão: Cabo Girão is a stunning sea cliff located on the southern coast of Madeira. It is one of the highest cliffs in Europe and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. – Madeira Botanical Garden: Located in Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden is a paradise for nature lovers. It is home to over 2000 plant species and offers breathtaking views of the city.

4. What are the best outdoor activities in Madeira?

Madeira is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best outdoor activities in Madeira are: – Hiking: Madeira offers some of the best hiking trails in Europe, with over 3000 km of paths. The levadas trails are the most popular ones, offering stunning views of the mountains, forests, and seas. – Canyoning: Canyoning is a popular adventure activity in Madeira. It involves jumping, sliding, and swimming along the natural canyons and waterfalls. – Surfing: Madeira is a great destination for surfing, with some of the best waves in Europe. Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are the most popular surfing spots on the island. – Paragliding: Paragliding is another popular activity in Madeira. It offers panoramic views of the island from the sky.

5. What is the food like in Madeira?

Madeira has a unique cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Portuguese and local ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes in Madeira are: – Espetada: This is a traditional dish made with beef skewers seasoned with garlic and bay leaves and served with baked cornbread. – Bolo do Caco: This is a type of bread made with sweet potatoes, which is served with garlic butter. – Black Scabbard Fish: This is a popular fish dish, which is served with banana and passion fruit sauce. – Poncha: This is a traditional drink made with sugar cane rum, honey, lemon, and orange juice.

6. What is the weather like in Madeira?

Madeira has a subtropical climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 16°C in winter to 24°C in summer. The sea temperature is also mild, ranging from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer.

7. What is the currency used in Madeira?

The currency used in Madeira is the Euro.

8. What is the language spoken in Madeira?

The official language of Madeira is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

9. What are the best souvenirs to buy from Madeira?

Madeira is known for its local crafts and souvenirs. Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Madeira are: – Embroidered linens and lace: Madeira is known for its high-quality embroidered linens and lace, which make perfect gifts and souvenirs. – Madeira wine: Madeira wine is one of the most famous products of the island, and there are many varieties to choose from. – Poncha kit: A Poncha kit is a perfect gift for cocktail enthusiasts. It contains all the ingredients to make traditional Poncha drink. – Handmade wicker baskets: Wicker baskets are a traditional Madeira craft and make perfect souvenirs and gifts.

10. What are the cultural events in Madeira?

Madeira has a rich cultural heritage and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular cultural events in Madeira are: – Madeira Carnival: Madeira Carnival is one of the biggest events of the year, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. It is a colorful and lively event, with costumes, music, and street parties. – Madeira Flower Festival: Madeira Flower Festival is a springtime event, celebrating the blooming of flowers all over the island. It includes parades, exhibitions, and concerts. – Madeira Wine Festival: Madeira Wine Festival is a celebration of the wine production of the island. It includes grape harvesting, wine tastings, and cultural events.

Book Your Tour Now

Madeira is a magical destination, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, outdoor adventures, or just relaxation, Madeira has it all. With this comprehensive FAQ guide, you are now ready to start planning your trip to this exotic island paradise.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Madeira

Madeira is a beautiful island that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm climate. If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, there are many exciting things to do and see. Here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Madeira:

1. Explore the capital city of Funchal

Funchal is the largest city on the island and the capital of Madeira. It’s a vibrant and lively place with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Some of the must-visit places in Funchal include the Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market), and the Sé Cathedral. You can also take a cable car ride from the Old Town up to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city below.

2. Visit the stunning beaches

Madeira is home to some stunning beaches, surrounded by the crystal clear Atlantic Ocean. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Praia Formosa, which is the largest beach on the island, and Calheta Beach, which is a quiet and secluded beach on the west coast of the island. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

3. Take a levada walk

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Madeira is by taking a levada walk. Levadas are narrow irrigation channels that were built to transport water from the mountains to the fields and farms along the coast. Today, these channels have become popular hiking trails, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Some of the best levada walks include the Rabaçal to 25 Fontes walk and the Paúl da Serra walk.

4. Explore the island’s history and culture

Madeira has a rich history and culture, which is evident in its architecture, museums, and festivals. Some of the best places to learn about the island’s history and culture include the Madeira Story Centre, which is an interactive museum that tells the story of Madeira, and the São Tiago Fort, which is a 17th-century fort that now houses an art gallery. You can also attend some of the island’s festivals, such as the Festa da Flor (Flower Festival) and the Festa do Vinho (Wine Festival).

5. Sample the local cuisine

Madeira is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Portuguese, African, and Indian influences. Some of the must-try dishes include Espetada, which is grilled meat skewers served with garlic bread and salad, and Bolo do Caco, which is a traditional Madeiran bread that is served with garlic butter. You can also sample some of the local wines and spirits, such as Madeira wine and Poncha, which is a popular local beverage made with sugar cane rum, honey, and lemon juice.

6. Relax in the natural hot springs

If you’re looking for a relaxing and therapeutic experience, you can visit the natural hot springs in Madeira. Some of the best hot springs on the island include the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, which are a series of volcanic rock pools filled with natural seawater, and the Caldeira Velha, which is a natural hot spring surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls.

7. Take a dolphin and whale watching tour

Madeira is home to a variety of dolphins and whales, which can be seen in their natural habitat on a dolphin and whale watching tour. These tours usually take place on a boat and are led by experienced guides who can help you spot these magnificent creatures. Some of the most common species that can be seen in Madeira include common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sperm whales.

Book Your Tour Now

Madeira is a beautiful island with plenty to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous hike, or a cultural experience, Madeira has something to offer everyone. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Madeira and create memories that will last a lifetime.