Madeira is famous for its official PR walking routes, but many visitors don’t realize that the island also offers dozens of beautiful walks that are completely free. These paths don’t have a PR number, don’t require booking or payment, and still deliver incredible scenery — levadas, forests, valleys, cliffs, and mountain views.
If you want to explore Madeira on foot without paying trail fees, this guide is for you.
Miradouro da Garganta Funda, Ponta do Pargo
What Are Free Walks in Madeira?
Free walks are trails that do not carry a PR designation (PR1, PR8, PR14, etc.).
They are often:
Traditional levadas used by locals
Old connection paths between villages
Scenic routes outside protected PR areas
Less crowded and more flexible
They’re perfect for independent hikers, repeat visitors, and anyone who wants to experience a more authentic side of Madeira.
Free Levada Walks & Trails
- Levada da Ribeira da Janela
- Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova
- Monte – Levada dos Tornos
- Levada do Castelejo
- Levada do Norte (Cabo Girão – Ribeira Brava)
- Levada Prazeres – Raposeira
- Levada do Caniçal – Boca do Risco
- Levada dos Maroços
- Levada do Caniçal – Machico
- Levada Nova – Tabua
- Levada da Serra do Faial – Camacha
- Levada dos Tornos – Boaventura
- Levada da Ponta do Pargo
- Levada da Silveira
- Levada Calheta – Prazeres
- Levada Nova – Santo da Serra
- Levada do Caniçal – Pico do Facho
- Levada Pedregal – Ponta do Pargo
- Levada da Serra do Faial – Santo da Serra
- Camacha – Levada dos Tornos
- Camacha – Levada do Caniço
Free Veredas, Lagoons & Nature Walks
Why Choose Free Walks?
✔️ No booking or payment required
✔️ More flexibility with timing
✔️ Often quieter than PR routes
✔️ Ideal for short walks or half-day hikes
✔️ Great for discovering lesser-known areas
Many of these free walks offer just as much beauty as the official PR trails — especially levadas along the south coast, the north-coast valleys, and rural interior paths.
Important Tips
- Trail maintenance varies: free walks may be less maintained than PR routes.
- Check weather conditions, especially in winter.
- Wear proper footwear, as some levadas can be narrow or exposed.
- Always respect private property and nature.
Madeira doesn’t need to be expensive to be explored on foot. From coastal paths like Boca do Risco, to peaceful levadas in Calheta, Santo da Serra, and Ponta do Pargo, the island offers an impressive network of free walks for every level.
If you enjoy walking independently and discovering Madeira at your own pace, these trails are some of the island’s best-kept secrets.