Madeira is famous for its endless hiking trails. Which is great when you have years to explore the island. But when you only come to Madeira for a week or two, many visitors face decision paralysis and simply do not know which trail is the right one for them. And the decision becomes even more difficult when you have to consider other people, especially when hiking with children. Madeira’s terrain should not be underestimated. Many trails are narrow, have steep drops on the side and are not always well maintained or secured. In short, not all trails are suitable for children. Let’s look at what to consider when hiking with kids and which trails are the best family-friendly hikes in Madeira.

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Hiking is not for everyone and I often see unprepared hikers on the trail who either overestimated their abilities or underestimated the route. Distance alone will only tell you so much about a hike. Several factors should be considered when choosing the right trail for your family.

Length

Yes, of course length is important. Start with shorter hikes, especially if your kids are not used to walking long distances. Luckily Madeira offers plenty of trails that are only a few kilometres long. Also think about how much time you realistically have. When hiking with kids I usually recommend planning for about 2 kilometres per hour at most. And don’t forget to consider the return distance on out and back hikes.

Elevation gain

Elevation can change everything. Five kilometres might sound easy, but five kilometres with 500 metres of elevation gain is a completely different experience. To avoid too much frustration on the trail, start with relatively flat routes or gentle inclines. Many levada walks are almost completely flat, which makes them great for families. Gentle uphill sections with around 200 to 300 metres of elevation can also be manageable for older kids.

Try to avoid trails with lots of stairs. Madeira has plenty of them and they are often uneven and steep. Little legs get tired quickly. An example is PR1 at Pico do Areeiro. It is probably the most popular trail and only 1.2 kilometres to the famous stairway viewpoint everyone wants to see. However, the trail constantly goes up and down on narrow paths and uneven steps. I would not recommend this one for kids.

Path Conditions

Madeira’s hiking network includes everything from wide paved roads to narrow mountain paths. Always check the trail conditions beforehand and start with wide, well maintained paths. Many levadas are narrow trails built along steep cliffs, sometimes without handrails. For example, PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is very popular and incredibly beautiful. It is flat and I often see families there. However, towards the end the path becomes very narrow with steep drops. In my opinion this section is not suitable for younger children.

The good news is that there are also wider levadas and forest trails that work perfectly for families (see below).

Weather Conditions

Madeira’s weather is famously unpredictable. After heavy rain, natural trails can become muddy and slippery, especially in Fanal and in the northern part of the island in general. During winter this is even more noticeable. After rainy days it is often better to choose stone paved trails.

Always be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in the mountains where clouds can roll in quickly. Wind is another factor to consider. In coastal areas like Ponta de São Lourenço strong gusts can easily throw you off balance. Pay extra attention to children on windy days.

Tunnels

Many of Madeira’s trails include tunnels that were built centuries ago to guide the levadas through the mountains. Today hikers can walk through them, but depending on how adventurous your child is this may not always be the best option. Some tunnels are up to one kilometre long. Walking through total darkness with only a headlamp for 20 to 30 minutes can be intimidating for younger children. The tunnels are often narrow and have low ceilings, so watch your head. They can also be difficult if you are carrying a child on your back.

PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues looks easy on paper with 3.5 kilometres each way and almost no elevation. However, around one kilometre of the trail runs through long narrow tunnels. You will also encounter longer tunnels on PR17 and PR6.6 for example.

Wildlife

The good news is that Madeira has no dangerous wildlife. No poisonous spiders and no snakes, nothing. In the Fanal and Rabaçal areas, especially around PR6, you are very likely to encounter free roaming cows. Most people love this, but personally I was terrified of cows as a kid, so I always like to mention it.

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Family-friendly hikes in Madeira

Now let’s look at a few family-friendly hikes in Madeira I recommend starting with as a family. Of course this always depends on your kids’ experience, comfort level and fitness. I suggest starting with something easy to see how everyone feels and then gradually working your way up to more challenging hikes.

PR11 Levada dos Balcões

PR11 Levada dos Balcões is only 1.5 kilometres each way, so three kilometres in total. There is virtually no elevation and the path is wide and easy to walk. It is the perfect introduction to Madeira’s lush nature. The trail follows the levada through a green forest in Ribeiro Frio and ends at the beautiful Balcões viewpoint. On a clear day you can see deep into the mountain ranges all the way to Pico do Areeiro. It is a very rewarding hike with very little effort.

There are cafés and bathrooms at the trailhead, which can be very helpful when hiking with kids. I used to be very picky about where to pee when I was younger, so I completely understand…

PR6.1 Levada do Risco

The Rabaçal area is popular for a reason. The trails are well maintained and the scenery is stunning. While PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes is very famous, it includes long sections of stairs that are not ideal for all kids. PR6.1 Levada do Risco is an easier alternative with similar views.

The trail starts at the Rabaçal parking lot. The first part follows a paved road downhill towards Casa do Rabaçal, a mountain café that is perfect for a snack break. From there the path continues along the levada for about another kilometer until you reach the impressive Risco waterfall. This section is wide and easy to walk. It can be muddy after rain but is generally very manageable. You return the same way. The final stretch back to the parking lot includes around 200 metres of elevation gain, so take your time. If needed, there is also a shuttle service available.

Not sure yet if you want to commit to a full hike but still want to spend some time in nature? Here is one of my favourite insider tips.

Quinta da Junta Park in Santo da Serra

This beautiful park in the mountain village of Santo da Serra, above the airport near Santa Cruz, is a hidden gem. The park surrounds the historic Quinta da Junta and features huge trees, well maintained walking paths and a beautiful viewpoint with views all the way to São Lourenço on a clear day. Because Santo da Serra sits high in the mountains, it can often be cloudy, so always check the weather before heading there. For kids, the park has an extra highlight. You will find deer and peacocks the grounds, which makes it a fun little adventure for families. Take a relaxed stroll through the park, walk as far as you like and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this charming village.

If you visit on a Sunday, combine your walk with the local farmers market in Santo da Serra. It is a great place to pick up freshly made food and enjoy a picnic in the park.

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No matter which trail you choose, make sure you are well prepared. Bring clothing for changing weather, enough water and snacks, and proper hiking shoes for both you and your kids.

For detailed trail descriptions, distances, elevation profiles and practical tips for all official PR trails, check out my PR Trails Guide.