Welcome to the exclusive members-only section of Wayfarer’s Horizon! Here, you’ll gain privileged access to detailed tour reports, downloadable GPX tracks for precise navigation, and a comprehensive list of ultralight gear curated specifically for Madeira adventures. Dive deep into the heart of Madeira’s majestic landscapes with insider tips and expert guidance. Your journey to mastering the trails starts here!
Madeira Hiking – My diary of the trip
On the next page, you’ll find an extensive, day-by-day report of the Madeira journey, complete with vivid images, personal notes, and crucial tips to ensure you make the most of your trip. Get ready for an in-depth adventure guide like no other!
Madeira Hiking – Form West to East
Request your Camping License for Madeira Hiking
In order to obtain a camping license for wild camping in Madeira, you are required to submit an application for approval to the Regional Forest Directorate in advance. Creating an account on the Simplifica website and filling out a form with personal information, dates, the location of your stay, information on your camping tent, and the number of people in your group are required steps in this process. While you are on your journey, you are required to carry the permission paperwork with you at all times so that you may provide it to the Forest Guards if they ask for it.
Website: https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/7-22-101
It is not sufficient to merely deposit your identification documents; you are required to place a separate order for each campsite during the course of the exact duration of your accommodations. It is important to take note that there is a restricted quantity of seats available on this website for each campsite on a daily basis. In order to ensure that you are able to obtain a pitch or a license for sleeping, it is imperative that you put your orders extremely early and as swiftly as possible.
Wild Camping in Madeira
| Campsite | Max. tents total* | Max. permissions** |
|---|---|---|
| Bica da Cana | 50 | 10 |
| Boca das Voltas | 115 | 3 |
| Caramujo – São Vicente | 20 | 4 |
| Carreiras – Santa Cruz | 75 | 15 |
| Casa do Sardinha – Ponta de São Lourenço | 25 | 5 |
| Chão das Feiteiras – Machico | 150 | 30 |
| Chão dos Louros – São Vicente | 30 | 6 |
| Estanquinhos – Fontes Ruivas | 15 | 3 |
| Fanal – Porto Moniz | 25 | 5 |
| Fonte do Bispo – Calheta | 75 | 15 |
| Montado do Pereiro | 250 | 50 |
| Pico das Pedras – Santana | 40 | 8 |
| Pico Ruivo | 10 | 2 |
| Poiso – Santa Cruz | 100 | 20 |
| Ribeira do Alecrim | 15 | 3 |
| Ribeiro Frio – Santana | 15 | 3 |
| Terreiros – Santa Cruz | 150 | 30 |
(*) – This is the maximum allowed number of tents for all available permissions. Permissions can get up to 10 tents each, depending on the campsite.
(**) – This is the maximum number of permissions that will be issued for a specific campsite at the same period (day) .
Last update: 16 june 2023
Check your flight hour
When you arrive in Madeira, make sure to check your flight schedule. There’s a possibility that you might need to spend a night before your first trip, especially if your arrival is late. Your initial trek is quite demanding, covering 1300 vertical meters and 17 kilometers, which might take about 8 hours to complete. Arriving too late could mean you end up walking in the dark, so plan accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
I recommend to plan the first day as arrival and stay one night in a hotel. So you can start the next day fresh your trip.
Get a gas canister
Many people may not know this, but it’s important to know that you can’t bring camping gas canisters on airplane. To avoid this, you must buy a new one when you get to Madeira. Remember this so that you can plan ahead and avoid any problems on your trip.
You can buy a gas canister in Funchal, which is the main city of Madeira and is in the south of the island. Getting there can be done by either taking a bus or a cab. I recommend visiting the Outdoor Shop O Bordão Montanha e Aventura. It’s a good idea to call the store before your trip to ensure they have gas canisters in stock.
Download GPX Track For Madeira
To download the GPX track for your Madeira adventure, simply click the button below. This file will provide you with precise route details to navigate the trails confidently. Happy hiking!
Ultra Light Gear List For Madeira
Dive into my ultralight gear list, meticulously compiled for the Madeira terrain. This list reflects the essentials used on my treks, balancing comfort, efficiency, and reliability. Explore what i carried to enhance your own journey!