Hiking in Madeira? Here’s your packing List.
Madeira is known to be sunny almost year-round. But, as small as it is, the island contains around 42 micro-climate zones. Plus, the weather can change rapidly. In the Winter, you can experience all four seasons in one day: it could sunny in the morning, raining by midday, sunny with slight gusts of wind throughout the afternoon, and foggy at the end. So, if you’re hiking in Madeira, what should you pack?
In my book, there’s only one way to do Madeira: layering. No matter the season, you need layers. You may wear a t-shirt at sea level, and need a fleece higher up. If you’re on Pico do Areeiro or Bica da Cana, warm clothes may be warranted even on Summer months. So, add or remove layers as you go up or down, and choose an outer layer that goes well with most of your clothing.
Also, no matter the season, you need to pack a rain jacket. I’ve seen people online who were disappointed because they weren’t expecting pouring rain in the middle of a levada in June. Well, it’s a subtropical island. It rains. Sometimes the rain lasts just 10 minutes, and if you’re in the city you can just pop into a store or a café and wait it out. But if you’re hiking, then you need to be prepared.
So, here’s what to pack for hiking in Madeira.
What to Pack for hiking in madeira – checklist
A rain jacket
A lightweight rain jacket, especially one you can pack away and carry on your backpack, is a must for any Madeiran hiker. Rain on the island can be unpredictable, so it’s better to carry one with you when you go hiking. Plus, the laurissilva forest is wet and misty, so a rain jacket is a good protection even when it’s not raining. And this applies all year long, not just in Winter!
Waterproof shoes
If you’re going to hike in Madeira, I’d recommend a pair of goretex shoes. Of course, you may not need them – especially if you’re coming in the Summertime. But, if you have a pair, it’s better safe than sorry. If you forgot your waterproof shoes at home, you can buy some at Merrell, Bordão or Decathlon. I’ve included all these stores on my list of where to find hiking gear in Madeira.
Waterproof trousers
In the Summertime, say July to September, you can do okay with shorts. However, given that the temperature drops significantly in the mountains, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to tolerate the trousers all year long. Plus, if only I had a penny for every muddied-legged and scratched hiker I’ve seen… Trousers are much more protective, and highly recommended for many long levadas. Remember there’s water running through them!
Sunscreen and Lipstick
Yes, sunscreen! Yes, even on foggy days! In case you don’t know, the UV is much stronger here than in mainland Europe. It’s recommended to bring sunscreen with 50 SPF protection or higher, and you should reapply on your face throughout the day to avoid sunburns. I’d also recommend bringing a lipstick with SPF protection to avoid sores or herpes outbreaks (hey, it is what it is), since the UV can trigger them.
Insect repellent
It’s an island, it’s nature. There will be insects. If you’re like me – a mosquito magnet, even when no one else seems bitten – you want to pack an insect repellent for your Madeiran holiday. While I think it’s most necessary in Porto Santo, a repellent will also be welcomed on your hikes throughout the island.
Fleece
Fleece? To Madeira? Are you joking? Well, let me tell you that I went to Decathlon downtown today, a rainy January day, and it was absolutely packed with tourists searching for warmer clothes. Again, while downtown we have a pleasant 18ºC weather, up in the mountains it could be 2ºC or 3ºC. And if you’re hiking till sunset, a good fleece is welcomed. I can’t say it enough, but the key to Madeira is layering.
A waterproof backpack or purse
I’ve met a number of tourists who lost bus tickets, parking tickets (and you have to pay for the WHOLE DAY if you lose it!), and other important documents because the paper got soaked. Bring a waterproof backpack or at least a little plastic wallet where you can keep your documents, tickets, and the address of your accommodation. And while we’re on that, use a waterproof phone case when hiking.
Dry socks
We’ve already establish that you never know when the rain might hit. Thus, keep a dry pair of socks with you, especially if you’re not bringing waterproof shoes. Otherwise, remember that’s always good to wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable during the hike.
Water bottle, Snacks, energy bars, and fruit
Bringing snacks or energy bars is not a Madeira-specific tip. Besides the obvious, don’t forget to include some tropical fruits typical of Madeira, including our famous bananas, passion fruit passion fruit bananas, guavas, cherimoyas, and pepino melon. If you prefer classical flavours, tangerines, cherries and strawberries are also available in season. When in doubt, a bolo de mel is not high on protein but it’s certainly high on sugar, giving you a quick refuel to finish the hike.
headlamp or Flashlight
Many levadas have tunnels, so it’s wise to bring along a headlamp or a flashflight (probably easier to bring on your carry on). This is especially important if you want to go on long hikes starting early in the morning.
A hat
I’m not a big fan of hats because well, they can be blown away. Nonetheless, a wide-brimmed hat that you can safely secure on your head is another thing you should pack for Madeira. The hat will protect you from the sun and avoid sunburns, especially if you forget to reapply sunscreen in the middle of the hike. But, if you forgot your hat, there are a few affordable options at Decathlon, so it’s not the end of the world!
An offline map
And now, the final, great thing you need to bring with you when you’re hiking in Madeira. You’re in the middle of a massive volcanic reef, so cell signal can be spotty. Not to mention that using data eats up your battery. So, make sure you have an updated physical map or an offline map with you. And remember, don’t stray from official routes! This is the best way to remain safe while hiking, get assistance if needed, and reaching one of the ends of the levada.
A Word about Other hiking equipment:
A lot of people bring walking sticks or trekking poles to help them on their hikes. However, these are optional – it really depends how serious you’re about hiking, trekking, and which routes you’d like to explore – and a hassle to bring. If you cannot fit them into your carry on, don’t worry. There are plenty of places on the island where you can buy or even rent hiking equipment like poles, tents, and much more.