Madeira · Portugal
Hiking and camping the GR1 - Madeira Crossing in Madeira in 6 Days (West to East)
The Madeira Crossing is brand new trail (introduced in April of 2026) that spans the entire volcanic spine of Madeira. Starting from Porto Moniz in the northwest to the sunny shores of Canical in the east. Loosely based off the famous as an elite ultra-marathon, the route has become a "bucket-list" thru-hike for mountain enthusiasts seeking to experience the island's diverse microclimates - from prehistoric laurel forests and mist-covered ridges to steep, terraced valleys.
This is a no-fluff personal take on walking the GR1 - Madeira Crossing in May of 2026 using only official campsites.
Please note: This guide takes you on a significant detour from official route as the PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada remains closed and PR1 Vereda do Areeiro operating on a one way system and only open Friday to Sunday. PR10 Levada do Furado is also closed due to landslides.
With the current restrictions, the GR1 - Madeira Crossing should be ideally hiked from east to west with routes such as the PR1 booked well in advanced. Sadly, I had everything booked well before they announced all the changes.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
121km/75.4mi
⏱️ Duration
6 days
⛰️ Highest point
1,862m/6,109ft
📈 Elevation
7,880m /25,875ft
🗓 Best Season
Late April – June
September-October
ESTIMATED COSTS
🚌 Transfers
~400 EUR
⛺ Pitches
~30 EUR
🍦 Food
~20-30 EUR per day
What to Expect on the
Madeira
Crossing (GR1)
The Madeira Crossing (GR1) packs an incredible amount of variety into a relatively short long-distance route, taking hikers through some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. From the rugged volcanic coastlines and cloud-covered mountain ridges to ancient laurel forests, levada paths, and remote villages, the trail constantly changes scenery from one day to the next.
🌊 Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic tide, marking the dramatic start of the journey.
⛰️ Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
Spectacular rock formations located on Madeira’s northwest coast.
🌲 Fanal Ancient Forest
A mystical grove of centuries-old laurel trees often shrouded in thick fog.
🌊 25 Fontes
The famous lagoon fed by dozens of natural springs.
⛰️ Pico Ruivo Summit
The highest point on Madeira, offering 360-degree views above the clouds.
🏞 Vereda do Larano
A narrow coastal cliff path with vertigo-inducing drops to the ocean below.
🗺️ Trail Map & Navigation
Full route overview with key waypoints and navigation information.
⚠️ The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Download offline maps before you go — cell signal is unreliable.
Carry a physical map as backup — batteries die in cold weather.
Check weather and trail conditions the evening before each stage.
Double check the status of each PR trail you want to use on the visitmadeira.com website and ensure you have booked them correctly.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Everything you need to know for each stage
Preparation
in Funchal
0
Getting to Madeira
✈️ Fly
Madeira has one major airport called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC).
Transport to Funchal
🚌 Aerobus
The Aerobus (Airport Express Bus) is the best value for money way to get from the airport. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only).
~€6-€7 · 30 min
🚎 Public Buses
There regular public buses like (Line #113 and Line #20) which is cheaper at 2 to 3 EUR but is fairly infrequent. I wouldn’t recommend this option unless you need to get off at an earlier stop which is serviced by the line.
€2-3 · 1 hour
🚕 Taxis
Taxi are plentiful and not too badly priced if you’re traveling as a group.
€25-€35 · 30 min
🚕 Ride Sharing
Bolt is the main ride sharing service and is pretty reliable. Price wise, it is pretty comparable to normal taxis.
€25-€35 · 30 min
💡 Get yourself a GIRO card for discounted bus fares on both the urban and inter-municipal routes. In additional to the discounts, it saves you having to carry tons of coins around as buses only accept cash.
The basic card cost 0.50 EUR and can be loaded with any amount. I got my card from the small ticket office near the Funchal Cable Car. For more information, please see the official Madeira Bus website.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels and Hostels
There are plenty of hotels and hostels which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
Hostels / guesthouses - 40 to 90 EUR.
Budget hotels - 60 to 100+ EUR.
€40-€100
🏕️ Campsites
🚫 Sadly, there are no campsites available.
Stocking Up on Supplies
🎒 Decathlon Connect (Funchal)
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
€5-€10
🎒 Decathlon (Sao Martinho)
This is the larger store and has a better range of things. Useful if the smaller more central store is out of stock of the things you need.
€5-€10
⚠️ Check the connector type! Campingaz is a very common brand of camping gas in Europe but uses a proprietary connector instead the usual screw thread.
🛒 Pingo Doce Super Anadia
A large, budget-friendly supermarket in central Funchal which also has a great restaurant serving buffet style foods charged by weight.
🛒 Continente Modelo Seminário
A budget-friendly supermarket offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, bakery items, and ready meals.
🎒 Decathlon Connect (Funchal)
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
🎒 Decathlon (Sao Martinho)
This is the larger store and has a better range of things. Useful if the smaller more central store is out of stock of the things you need. It is a little bit of a trek from the main center though.
🥾 O Bordão
A great little independent outdoor store found right in the middle of town.
Things to Do
🌳 Parque de Santa Catarina
One of Funchal’s largest and most beautiful parks, perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnics, and ocean views.
⛪ Funchal Cathedral
Impressive 15th-century Gothic-Manueline cathedral in the heart of the city.
🛍️ Mercado dos Lavradores (Market)
Colourful food, fruit stalls, flowers and local fish — great for tasting local produce and snacks.
🌳 Jardim Monte Palace Madeira
Take the cable up and check out the spectacular botanic garden in Monte with fountains, art, and diverse plant collections. Throw in a Carreiros (basket) ride on the way back into town. It is a bit on the expensive side though.
Porto Moniz to
Fanal
1
6.5hr · 15.4km · 1,600m ascent
The walk from Porto Moniz to Fanal is a beautiful climb from Madeira’s rugged northwest coast into the island’s misty highlands, passing through lush forests and dramatic mountains. As you gain elevation, the landscape gradually shifts from volcanic coastline to the ancient laurel trees and rolling green meadows that make Fanal one of the most atmospheric spots on the island.
Top Tips
To get to Porto Moniz, you can catch Line #6 (#139 is the old line number) which runs between 7:00am and 19:00pm. I would recommend catching the 7:35am (which requires a change in Sao Vicente at the same stop) to make the most of the daylight. Tickets cost between 2 and 3 EUR and takes 3 to 4 hours.
Large backpacks must be stored in the baggage compartments which are located underneath the bus.
If you don’t fancy an early morning bus ride, you can get here the day before and stay at Camping Park Porto Moniz in Ribeira da Janela - technically, the official start of the GR1. Please note that the campsite is currently for closed for renovations as of May 2026.
Food Options
🍽️ Snack-Bar Ilhéu Mole
Highly rated local place serving Portuguese and BBQ-style dishes
€1-€10
☕ Art cafe Sardinha
Cute café option for a light lunch, coffee, sandwiches or toasties.
€1-€10
☕ Conchinha
A charming café/restaurant serving sandwiches, salads, soups and local snacks.
€1-€10
🛒 Supermercado Esmeralda Brilhante
Small minimart with all the standard snack and goodies. There is also a small eating area out the back which serves a few dishes which is charged by weight. Great value for money if you’re on a budget.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Campsites
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Fanal to
Bica da Cana
2
8hr · 23.9km · 1,050m ascent
The route from Fanal to Bica da Cana crosses some of Madeira’s most scenic highland terrain, with wide mountain views, rolling green plateaus, and stretches of peaceful forest along the way. Along this section, hikers pass near the famous Levada das 25 Fontes, known for its lush trails, waterfalls, and natural spring-fed lagoon hidden deep within the Laurissilva forest.
Top Tips
Get up early and take photos at the majestic trees of Fanal, the most famous being the Witch tree.
25 Fontes is an amazing sight but it can get very crowded. People do come in waves so it is worthwhile to hang around on the edge a bit and wait for the perfect time to take that selfie.
Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe is a great spot to recharge and fill up on amazing foods and drinks.
One of the biggest highlights of the day is the waterfall at Lagoa do Vento at the end of PR6.3 - Vereda da Lagoa do Vento. Not only can you swim there but you can also go behind the waterfall and get that amazing shot.
If you are low and energy, it is possible skip the cafe and waterfall by following signs for the GR1 and continue on PR 6.5, saving a little over an hour.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
☕ Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe
Serves simple, hearty, and affordable food — think toasties, sandwiches, bolo do caco, soups, pastries, and fresh juices.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Campsites
The following can also be used if you want to finish a little earlier.
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Bica da Cana to
Chão dos Louros
3
5hr · 12.9km · 350m ascent
Bica da Cana to Chão dos Louros takes hikers through Madeira’s rugged central mountains, combining panoramic ridge views, forest tracks, and quieter rural landscapes. As the route descends from the highlands, you walk along amazing lavadas and pass by plenty of stunning waterfalls. One of the highlights of this leg are the two long tunnels found on PR 17 - Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal.
Top Tips
This leg can be extremely muddy. If you’re careful, you can avoid getting your feet wet but it will be tough going!
As part of PR 17 - Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal, you will pass through two long tunnels which make up a part of Levada do Norte. A head torch is highly recommended. Depending on the weather, the tunnels may be partially flooded where water comes up to the ankles.
The majority of people who do the PR17 come from Ecumeada which means you will be going against traffic. Be careful and move slowly and let people pass at the wider sections of the tunnels.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
The menu leans on regional Portuguese classics such as grilled chicken, hearty sandwiches and espetada‑style skewers, coffee and local snacks.
€10-€20
☕ Souvenirs Encumeada
Serves basic coffee and cake.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Campsites
🏕️ Chão dos Louros
A massive campsite in near Ecumeada (and the start of the PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada). It has toilet facilities, fresh water, plenty of picnic tables and lots of BBQ places if you fancy cooking up a storm.
€5
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Chão dos Louros to
Pico das Pedras
4
7.5hr · 16.3km · 1,510m ascent
This day takes you up the PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha, one of Madeira’s classic mountain trails connecting to Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak at 1,862 m (6,109 ft). The route toward Pico Ruivo is known for its dramatic ridgelines, steep stair climbs, and incredible sunrise views above the clouds.
Top Tips
Due to the current closure of PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada, the logistics of this day is not very nice. What I opted to do is head into Sao Vincente to restock on supplies and make my way to the start of the PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha. What I recommend doing is:
Catch the 9:25am Line #6 bus from just outside Snack Bar Restaurante Boca Da Encumeada. The journey will cost between 2 to 3 EUR and take 20 to 30 minutes.
Restock on supplies, grab a meal at one of the many seaside restaurants and dry off you gear.
Once you’re ready, get a Bolt to get to the start of the PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha. The trip will cost between 20EUR and 40EUR depending on the time of day and takes about 20 minutes.
Spend plenty of time at Pico Ruivo especially if the weather is nice. The views are amongst the best in the world.
If you’re running low on energy, you can catch a cab from the parking lot at Achada do Teixeira to Pico das Pedras which takes about 10 minutes and cost 10 EUR.
Food Options
Convenient located right next to the bus stop, this makes it a perfect place to grab that morning coffee and snack.
€1-€10
You are spoilt for options in Sao Vicente with plenty of restaurants of all cuisines and a very well stocked supermarket.
☕ O Virgilio
A neighbourhood restaurant with Portuguese and grill‑style dishes.
€10-€15
🍽️ Panoramik Ocean
A very affordable lunch/dinner stop with generous portions and a bit of local flavour.
€1-€10
🥐 Corvopan
Bakery & Café which offers simple lunch such as freshly baked bread, rolls, sandwiches, pastries, and cakes.
€1-€10
🛒 Continente Modelo São Vicente
Small minimart with all the standard snack and goodies.
€1-€10
A great mountain cafe that serves café classics like grilled sandwiches, rustic burgers, quiches, omelettes and simple hot mains. Closes at 18:00pm.
€10-€20
🍽️ Cafetaria Queimadas
A basic café fare like coffee, pastries, sandwiches, juices and homemade cakes that are priced around about 5 to 10 EUR. Better known for breakfast and lunch, you might be lucky later in the day. Closes at 18:00pm.
€1-€10
Campsites
💡 Double check that the campsite near Pico Ruivo is open. It a small one that can only fit 3-4 tents but has the most stunning views.
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Pico das Pedras to
Chão das Feiteiras
5
6hr · 15.1km · 1,120m ascent
The route from Pico das Pedras to Chão das Feiteiras passes through quiet forest tracks, mountain paths, and sections of Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva woodland, offering a more remote and peaceful feel compared to the island’s busier hiking routes. Please be warned that this is quite a bit of road walking.
Top Tips
Again, logistics for this day is really bad. Initially, I had intended to use the PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro, however, due to the new one way system (on top of only being open from Friday to Sunday), this was no longer possible. Instead, I planned on using the CR24 which does require a bit of road waling.
As the weather was horrendous for me on the day, I opted to do a scenic walk into Santana instead (the route can be found on Komoot). From here, you can easily catch the Line #103 bus from the R. de Santa Ana bus stop or Line #56 from T-56 bus stop to Ribeiro Frio.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍸 Snack Bar Flor da Selva
A highly‑rated casual snack bar, ideal for quick bites like sandwiches, pastries, coffee, drinks, and simple snacks.
€1-€10
🍽️ Restaurante Snack Bar Faísca
Traditional Portuguese eats, grilled items, soups and bar snacks.
€1-€10
🍽️ Ribeiro Frio Restaurant
A more of a proper restaurant, it serves local Madeiran and Portuguese dishes.
€1-€10
Campsites
There’s a few alternatives close by if you can’t get a spot at Chão das Feiteiras campsite.
🏕️ Ribeiro Frio
A very cute small campsite with no running water or toilets. If you have filter, it is close to a small waterfall where you can grab some water.
€5
🏕️ Cruzes de Baixo
Another basic campsite just down the road from Chão das Feiteiras. Plenty of flat ground to pitch your tent but no water or toilet facilities.
€5
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Chão das Feiteiras to
Caniçal
6
8.5hr · 23.8km · 580m ascent
The final stage descends from Madeira’s forested mountains toward the island’s rugged eastern coastline, with increasingly wide ocean views along the way.
A major highlight is the spectacular Boca do Risco trail, where narrow cliffside paths overlook dramatic coastal scenery before the route finishes in the relaxed fishing town of Caniçal.
Top Tips
Make sure you don’t follow the GR1 signs as it will try to take you down PR10 - Levada do Furado which is currently closed.
Best to stop up on quite a bit of water at Portela as the last half of the hike is fairly dry.
The only restaurant at Portela is not open on Monday or Tuesday. Don’t get caught out like me.
Boca do Risco is am amazing looking point and a perfect place to take a break.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍽️ Restaurante Portela À Vista
A little on the expensive side, it is known for hearty, traditional Portuguese and Madeiran dishes, especially grilled espetadas (meat skewers), bolo do caco (local garlic‑buttered bread) and fried corn (milho frito).
€10-€20
🍸 Muralha's Bar
Local favourite bar-restaurant known for seafood, lapas (limpets) and other Portuguese bites.
€1-€10
🍽️ Tasquinha do Pescador
Classic Portuguese seafood and Mediterranean fare focusing on fresh fish and local dishes.
€1-€10
🥐 Deus do Sol
Budget friendly option serving range of freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, cakes and coffee.
€1-€10
🏨 Hotels and Hostels
There are plenty of hotels and hostel which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
Hostels / guesthouses: 40 to 80 EUR
Budget hotels: 50 to 90 EUR
€40-€90
🏕️ Campsites
🚫 Sadly, there are no campsites available.
Campsites
Want more?
If you have the time, you can throw in an extra hike at São Lourenço and stay at the Ponta de São Lourenço campsite. It’s a bus ride or taxi or Bolt trip (about 10 EUR), followed by the a lovely walk along PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, which takes roughly an 1.5 hours.
🏕️ Ponta De São Lourenço Campsite
Although this is a very basic campsite which can only accomodate 4 to 5 tents, the location is unmatched. Located at the very end of Ponta De São Lourenço, you’re surrounded by stunning scenery and plenty of opportunity to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
€5
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 3 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Unwinding in
Funchal
N
Relax
We head back to Funchal, Madeira’s lively capital and the main hub for food, transport, accommodation, and nightlife on the island. Here you can explore the historic streets, seafront promenades, local markets, botanical gardens, and all the cafés and restaurants.
Top Tips
While your near Canical, you have to check out PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, arguably the second most famous hike on the Island.
Machico, known for its golden-sand beach and relaxed atmosphere is worth a visit and conveniently located just short 15 min bus journey away. Actually, if you’re catching Line #113 bus, you need to transit in Machico anyways so you may as well!
Transport to Funchal
🚎 Public Buses
The are regular services from Canical operated by SIGA including Line #113 and Line #20. Best to check Rome2Rio site for up to date schedule. (Google Maps is not great for buses in Madeira).
€2-3 · 1 hour
🚕 Taxis
The trip should cost between 20 and 50 EUR, depending on the time of day, and take about 20 minutes.
€20-€50 · 30 min
🚕 Ride Sharing
Similarly, a Bolt should cost between 20 and 50 EUR.
€25-€35 · 30 min
🏊 Complexo Balnear do Lido
Take a swim in this popular seaside complex features saltwater swimming pools, sunbathing terraces, changing facilities, and direct ocean access, all set against Madeira’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.
⛪ Curral das Freiras (“Nuns’ Valley”)
A day trip to the dramatic mountain valley, famous for its breathtaking views, steep cliffs, and charming village vibe. Best way to get here is to catch Line #81 which takes 45 minutes and costs between 2 to 3 EUR.
☕ Chill at the many cafes with stunning views
Unwind with great coffee, ocean views, and laid-back island vibes—perfect for recharging after a long week on the trail.
In Funchal
Going Home
🚌 The Aerobus (Airport Express Bus)
This is the is best option taking about 30 minutes, runs every 30 to 60 minutes and cost 6 to 7 EUR. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only).
~€6-€7 · 30 min
🚎 Public Buses
There regular public buses like (Line #113 and Line #20) is cheaper at 2 to 3 EUR but is fairly infrequent. Not really recommended.
~€2-3 · 30-60 min
🚕 Taxis
This will cost between 25 and 35 EUR and take less than 30 minutes.
€25-€35 · 30 min
🚕 Ride Sharing
Similarly, Bolt will cost the same as a taxi.
€25-€35 · 30 min
Other bits of Useful Information
All the things which might have been missed
🏕️ Wild Camping
Note: Wild camping is officially prohibited on Madeira, but many hikers practice discreet bivouac following Leave-No-Trace principles. Do keep in mind that Madeira is a very mountainous island and flat patches can be quite hard to come by.
🏕️ Official Campsites
Official campsites needs to be booked in advanced especially for popular ones like Fanal and Ponta De São Lourenço Campsites. Each campsite cost 5 EUR and bookings can be made via the official simplifica website up to 3 months before hand.
🚰 Water
Water is quite easy to get on the island. Most campsites have drinkable water and each day leads you pass levadas, streams and waterfalls where you can top up using a filter. The only section which requires a bit of a water carry is the last section along the coast heading into Canical.
🍔 Map of Food Spots
Finding great places to eat while on the trail can sometimes be tricky, so I’ve put together all my recommendations in a Google Maps list called
It includes places I’ve personally visited as well as others that are highly rated by the local community.
💩 Toilets
Most campsites have toilet facilities, but a few - such as the popular site at Fanal - do not, so please follow Leave No Trace principles. You’ll also pass several restaurants whose toilets you can use if you make a purchase; otherwise a small fee may apply.
🚎 Public Transport Tip
Be careful when using Google Maps as it is not accurate and does not have all the routes. This may be related to the large revamp their bus network where they combined all the providers under one organisation. Instead, I found that rome2rio.com being much more accurate. I would cross reference this with the official timetable found on the SIGA website.
I also found that the bus numbers don’t exactly line up. It is worthwhile to always double check with the bus driver.
📶 Phone Reception
Phone reception along the trail is generally quite good. The only section where I couldn’t get very good signal was at the Bica da Cana campsite.
🎟️ Tickets to Trails
In 2026 the IFCM introduced a new rates and pricing model, where it is now required to purchase tickets to access Madeira’s official PR hiking trails. Fee’s are 4.5 EUR per trail except for the PR1 which cost 10.50 EUR. Reservations are mandatory and popular trails needs to be booked weeks in advance. Tickets can be booked directly on the official simplifica website.
Note: The website is very hard to use and will take a few tried to get things right, especially if you have to book multiple trails. I found that tickets were only being checked on the PR1 and surrounding areas and they were not too fussed about the exact timings.
💶 Cash
Most places along the trail - such as supermarkets and larger restaurants - accept card payments, so it’s easy to manage expenses without carrying much cash.
The only spots that typically require cash are the small, traditional snack bars, local food vendors and buses. To give some perspective, I started the trip with €100 and ended with about €40 left.
Helpful Links
visitmadeira.com - Official information about PR trails.
simplifica.madeira.gov.pt - Direct link to the page where you can book your hiking permits.
simplifica.madeira.gov.pt - Direct link to the page where you can book your camping permits.
siga.madeira.gov.pt - Official information about the buses for Madeira.
madeiracamping.com - A old site containing information about all the official campsites in Madeira.
mapy.com - A great mapping site containing all the official routes and campsite location.
reislekker.nl - Contains a nice map of all the PR trails.
miutmadeira.com - The official ultramarathon route which the madeira crossing is loosely based off.
hiking-trails.com - A great guide on the the madeira crossing.
Terms of Use
A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.
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