Madeira · Portugal
Hiking and camping the MIUT in Madeira in 6 Days
The Madeira Island Ultra-Trail (MIUT) is a legendary crossing that spans the entire volcanic spine of Madeira, from the crashing waves of Porto Moniz in the northwest to the sunny shores of Machico in the southeast. While 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 known as fajãs.
This is a no-fluff personal take on walking the MIUT using all the publicly available campsites. It’s designed as a informative, step-by-step reference for anyone planning to walk and camp along the route.
Please note: This guide takes you on a significant detour from the original MIUT route as the PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada and PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail remains closed following the severe 2024 wildfires.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
141km/87mi
⏱️ Duration
6 days
⛰️ Highest point
1,862m/6,109ft
📈 Elevation
8,760m /28,740ft
🗓 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 MIUT in
Madeira
The route is a sensory journey through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, characterised by dramatic verticality and lush endemism.
🌋 Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic tide, marking the dramatic start of the journey.
🌋 Fanal Ancient Forest
A mystical grove of centuries-old laurel trees often shrouded in thick fog.
⛰️ 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
Note refuge locations and emergency shelter options for each stage
Check weather and trail conditions the evening before each stage
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Everything you need to know for each stage
Preparation
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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).
~€5-€6 · 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
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
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
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
€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.
a large, budget-friendly supermarket in central Funchal.
A budget-friendly supermarket offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, bakery items, and ready meals.
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.
€5-€10
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
€5-€10
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.
Porto Moniz to
Fanal
1
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
To get to Porto Moniz, you can catch Line #139 which runs between 7:00am and 19:00pm. I would recommend you catch the 7:35am to make the most of the daylight. Tickets cost between 2 and 6 EUR and takes 3 to 4 hours.
Alternative, a taxi or Bolt will cost about 50 to 70+ EUR depending time of day and type of vehicle.
If you don’t fancy an early morning bus ride, you can get here the day before and stay at Camping Park Porto Moniz. (Reviews suggest it is currently closed though).
Food Options
☕ Conchinha
A charming café/restaurant serving sandwiches, salads, soups and local snacks.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Campsites
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Fanal to
Bica da Cana
2
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
Tips to go here
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Serves simple, hearty, and affordable food — think toasties, sandwiches, bolo do caco, soups, pastries, and fresh juices.
€10-€20
A little off the path, this is quirky themed café‑restaurant serves grilled chicken, kebabs, salads and other simple cooked meals.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Campsites
There’s a few alternatives if you can’t get a spot at Bica da Cana campsite.
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Bica da Cana to
Boca da Voltas
3
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
The logistics of this day is not very nice. While some people opt to walk along the coast from Sao Vicente to Boaventura, which makes it a whopping 12hr day, I suggests catching a bus or taxi/bolt to shave off a few hours:
The Line #6 bus which costs 1 to 3 EUR and takes 35 to 45 minutes.
Bolt which costs 15 to 20 EUR and takes about 20 minutes.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍽️ Snack Bar Restaurante Boca Da Encumeada
The menu leans on regional Portuguese classics such as grilled chicken, hearty sandwiches and espetada‑style skewers, coffee and local snacks.
€1-€10
There are plenty of options in Sao Vicente but do keep in mind that it is still a fair way to the campsite. If you’re planning on taking the bus to Boaventura, please be mindful of the time as they are pretty infrequent.
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
The closest restaurants to the campsite, this is a cosy, local taste of Madeira with grilled beef skewers (espetada), prego sandwiches, chips and salads.
€1-€10
A highly rated casual spot with very affordable prices. Offers sandwiches, burgers, light mains and snacks.
€1-€10
For those who would prefer to eat closer to the campsite, eating in Boaventura will be your best bet.
Campsites
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Boca das Voltas to
Pico das Pedras
4
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
Tips to go here
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
A no‑frills bar and neighbourhood mercearia (small grocery‑style stop) where you can find very affordable food and drinks perfect for hikers or budget travellers.
€1-€10
A 10 minute down hill, this is a small local bar in Ilha that doubles as an easy dinner stop for travellers who want simple, affordable food in a relaxed spot.
€1-€10
🍸 Snack bar e Restaurante Ilha & Montanha
The furthest away at 20 minutes walk, is a highly rated local eatery offering Portuguese comfort food and simple cooked meals that are generous for the price
€1-€10
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
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Pico das Pedras to
Ribeiro Frio
5
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
Tips to go here
Food Options
A basic café fare like coffee, pastries, sandwiches, juices and homemade cakes that are priced around about 5 to 10 EUR.
€1-€10
🍽️ Achada do Teixeira Mountain Spot Café
A great mountain cafe that serves café classics like grilled sandwiches, rustic burgers, quiches, omelettes and simple hot mains.
€10-€20
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
A more of a proper restaurant, it serves local Madeiran and Portuguese dishes.
€1-€10
Campsites
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Ribeiro Frio to
Machico
6
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Top Tips
Tips to go here
Food Options
🍸 Restaurante Snack Bar Faísca
Opens from 08:00 AM and serves coffee, fresh bread (bolo do caco), toasties, soups, sandwiches and simple Portuguese café‑style snacks.
€1-€10
🍽️ 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
Local favourite bar-restaurant known for seafood, lapas (limpets) and other Portuguese bites.
€1-€10
Classic Portuguese seafood and Mediterranean fare focusing on fresh fish and local dishes.
€1-€10
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
🏕️ Campsites
🚫 Sadly, there are no campsites available.
Have an Extra Day?
If you have the time, you can throw in an extra hike from Ponta de São Lourençoto Porto da Cruz via the stunning Vereda do Larano.
To do this, I recommend staying at Ponta de São Lourenço campsite. It’s a short 15-minute taxi or Bolt ride (about 10 EUR), followed by the a lovely walk along PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, which takes roughly an hour.
🗓️ Campsites can be booked on the Simplifica Madeira website up to 4 months in advance and cost 5 EUR per booking.
Instead of eating in Machico, you will want to head straight to Caniçal, a fishing village on Madeira’s eastern coast with some very good options.
Local favourite bar-restaurant known for seafood, lapas (limpets) and other Portuguese bites.
€1-€10
Classic Portuguese seafood and Mediterranean fare focusing on fresh fish and local dishes.
€1-€10
Campsite
Budget friendly option serving range of freshly baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, cakes and coffee.
€1-€10
Unwinding in
Funchal
N
Relax
Morro Jable is a relaxed seaside town at the southern tip of Fuerteventura, known for its long golden beaches, calm turquoise water, and warm, welcoming vibe.
Top Tips
Tips to go here
In Funchal
🏊 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 1 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.
Going Home
🚌 The Aerobus (Airport Express Bus)
This is the is best option taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour, runs every 30 to 60 minutes and cost 5 to 6 EUR. Tickets can be purchased from the driver (cash only).
~€5-€6 · 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
Transport to Funchal
🚕 Taxis
The trip should cost between 20 and 50 EUR, depending on the time of day, and take about 20 minutes.
€20-€50 · 20 min
🚕 Ride Sharing
Similarly, a Bolt should cost between 20 and 50 EUR.
€25-€35 · 30 min
Looking for a few
extra hikes?
When I visited Madeira, I gave a few too many days as buffer. I decided to throw in some extra hiking at the end of the trail to cover the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço and the dramatic path, Vereda do Larano to Boca do Risco, linking Machico to Porto da Cruz.
Extra Hike
Ponta de São Lourenço to
Porto da Cruz
1
xhr · x.xkm · xxxm ascent
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Traverse the Fanes plateau, a vast high-altitude meadow dotted with marmots and wildflowers.
Food Options
A local favourite café that’s open from 06:00am offering coffee, pastries, snacks, sandwiches, cakes and light bites.
€1-€10
A cosy café opening from around 07:00am, with coffee, toasties, pastries and small breakfast items priced around 1 to 5 EUR.
€1-€10
Classic Portuguese seafood and Mediterranean fare focusing on fresh fish and local dishes. Opens at 10:00am.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍽️ Praça Velha
Highly rated for its friendly atmosphere, outdoor seating and reasonably priced menu featuring Portuguese and Mediterranean-style plates.
€1-€10
A locally beloved Portuguese seafood bar-restaurant known across Madeira for fresh grilled fish, limpets (lapas), tuna steak and classic Madeiran dishes.
€1-€10
A basic snack-bar style place where you can grab lighter meals, grilled snacks, sandwiches or small seafood plates.
€1-€10
Campsites
🏨 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 80 EUR.
Budget hotels: 80 to 110 EUR.
€40-€110
🏕️ Campsites
🚫 Sadly, there are no campsites available.
Helpful Links
https://www.reislekker.nl/informatie-hikes-madeira/ - map of all the PR trails
https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/ - Information about PR trails
https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259 - Hiking permits
https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/7-22-101 - Camping permits
https://miutmadeira.com/miut/ - Official ultra route
https://hiking-trails.com/trail/madeira-crossing/ - Good guide on the the madeira cross which is the same as the ultra
https://mapy.com/en/turisticka?x=-16.9987987&y=32.7379031&z=14 - Good map software to see all the PR trails. Also shows when some trails are closed
https://ohwhataknight.co.uk/blog/the-best-hikes-in-madeira - Some recommended hikes
https://siga.madeira.gov.pt/horarios - Buses for Madeira
http://www.horariosdofunchal.pt/FlipBuilder/guia_en_1.pdf - PDF with all things buses in Madeira
https://www.madeiracamping.com/permission/ - List of campsites and number of spots available in total (not updated in real time)
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Porto-da-Cruz/Funchal#r/Line-208-bus/s/0 - Porto da Cruz to Funchal
https://www.madeiracamping.com/porto-moniz/ - Parque de Campismo do Porto Moniz (campsite)
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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