Madeira, the pearl of the Atlantic - just 500km off the coast of Morocco, is often described as Portugal’s colourful garden; with rugged landscapes, lush forests and breathtaking coastal cliffs. If this stunning island has been on your radar, you may be at the point of trying to pick which Madeira hiking trip is right for you and when is the best time to go. Madeira is walkable all year round but the experience changes depending on the style of walking holiday in Madeira you are after. With over forty years of experience in adventure travel and many of our team returning to Madeira time and time again, we know the island like the back of our hands, which is why we have matched three of our best hiking trails in Madeira to the best time to visit Madeira for walking. Let’s dive in…

When you are looking into Madeira walking holidays, if you find yourself craving more of a balance between relaxed coastal walking and time to unwind, then we have just the trip for you. Our Walking in Madeira holiday allows you to discover the varied landscapes of this incredible island with a selection of the finest, easy-paced walks; taking you all the way from the rugged north to the delightfully sunny south. You’ll explore flourishing laurel forests, coastal paths with sweeping Atlantic views and stay in hotels with swimming pools and spas located in charming coastal towns and pretty villages.

One of the most rewarding times to experience this adventure is in September. You can avoid those peak summer temperatures and instead, enjoy the perfect conditions for hiking. There are often clear skies after the summer stabilises, offering greater visibility for stunning viewpoints and when you need to relax after a long hike, the sea is still wonderfully warm.

If your draw to the island is to find the very best hiking holidays in Madeira, we have an adventure that takes you on spectacular mountain trails. Our Levada Trails and Peaks of Madeira is exactly what the title promises; taking you from village to village along some fantastic day walks, offering ever-changing sea views. You’ll follow the levadas, the irrigation channels of the island, across terraced farmland, through laurel forest and along some thrilling jagged green ridges giving you the best views on the island. Walking the levadas of Madeira truly is a walker’s paradise.

The highlight of this dream trip is the flora you can witness along the way. Madeira walking trips really are a botanist’s dream and this itinerary plans in plenty of perfect spots to soak up the colours of this gorgeous island. Which is why we recommend enjoying this adventure in May. In late spring, the flora is at its most rewarding - the island is at its most vibrant and the levadas and coastal paths are surrounded by flourishing greenery. The milder temperatures are perfect for days requiring six hours of walking walking and the whole experience feels fresh, colourful and comfortable.

If you’ve been after a Madeira self-guided walking holiday then Walking Around Madeira is the perfect trip for you. You’ll circumnavigate the island along miles of beautiful coastline. You’ll discover the deep roots of Madeira’s heritage alongside rewarding views and colourful flora. If you’re wondering where to stay in Madeira for hiking efficiency, do not worry, as part of the package we book you into charming accommodation in pretty coastal towns so you’re ready to set out on another adventure every day.

October is particularly well suited to this adventure as the conditions are perfect for back-to-back exploring; the sea is still warm and the temperatures remain mild while still holding onto the warmth of late summer. The levadas are still vibrant but without the heavier humidity of the months beforehand and fewer crowds allow for self-guided exploration at your own pace without disruption.

Many restaurants, cafés and local businesses remain open well into October, particularly in Madeira’s larger coastal towns, although we always recommend checking locally closer to departure. Our sales team are always happy to share recommendations before you travel.

Although these are some of the best times to enjoy each of these adventures, one of the wonderful things about Madeira is that it’s a fantastic walking destination all year round. Thanks to its mild subtropical climate, temperatures remain comfortable in every season, making it ideal for walking whenever you choose to visit. Winter brings quieter trails and crisp mountain air, spring bursts with colourful wildflowers, summer offers long sunny days and dramatic coastal views, while autumn combines warm seas with fewer crowds. Whatever time of year you travel, Madeira’s varied landscapes, welcoming atmosphere and extensive network of trails make it a rewarding destination for walkers in every season.