Azores vs. Madeira: Which Portuguese Island is best for Hikers & Adventure Travellers?

AllTravel Guides

Jun 7

If you’re planning a hiking trip to Portugal and can’t decide between the Azores and Madeira, you’re not alone. Both are stunning volcanic archipelagos in the Atlantic, bursting with epic landscapes, cultural charm, and trails that will leave your legs tired and your camera roll full.

I’ve explored both islands solo, and while I didn’t bring my family along, I can say that both are very family-friendly—with everything from gentle nature walks to scenic drives and hot springs. Just keep in mind that some of the boutique stays I loved were adults-only, so it’s worth checking when you book.

Now let’s get into the trail-tested truth: how they compare, what makes each one shine, and which island might be right for your next adventure.

Landscape & Scenery

Madeira: Sharp, bold, and vertical.

Madeira rises dramatically from the sea. Its jagged ridges, sheer cliffs, and levada trails cut into mountain slopes make it feel like a playground for experienced hikers and ridge runners.

Highlights: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Levada das 25 Fontes, Ponta de São Lourenço
Vibe: Bold, bright, and dramatic—ideal for adrenaline and sunrise lovers.

Azores: Think Jurassic Park meets Iceland.

The Azores (especially São Miguel) are lush, green, and rugged, with crater lakes, geothermal springs, rolling hills, and waterfalls that feel pulled from a dream. It’s misty, moody, and wildly beautiful.

Highlights: Sete Cidades caldera, Lagoa do Fogo, fumaroles in Furnas, hot springs, black sand beaches
Vibe: Peaceful, untamed, and immersive—perfect for decompressing and slowing down.

Winner: Depends on your mood. Azores is soft and immersive; Madeira is bold and energizing.

Hiking & Trail Access

Madeira:

The levada trail system makes hiking accessible and plentiful.
Signage and infrastructure are excellent, and buses can get you close to many routes.
But it gets busy—even during shoulder season, I found some trails absolutely packed.

Azores:

Trails are quieter, often unmarked, and feel remote and natural.
A car is essential to reach most trailheads.
Ideal for fastpacking, long-distance solitude, and slow hiking with a thermos of tea.

Winner: Madeira for infrastructure and ease; Azores for quiet and adventure.

Culture & Vibe

Madeira:

Livelier and more touristed, especially near Funchal.
Offers a mix of culture, nightlife, coastal dining, and adventure.

Azores:

Life moves at a slower pace. You’ll find geothermal cooking, cozy cafés, fresh seafood, and locals who are warm but not in a rush.
It’s the perfect place to unplug and unwind.

Winner: Azores for peace and calm. Madeira for variety and buzz.

Parque Terra Nostra, Furnas, Azores, Portugal

Logistics & Travel

Accommodation

Azores (São Miguel): Eco-lodges, farm stays, guesthouses
Madeira: Hotels, villas, rural retreats

Weather

Azores (São Miguel): Unpredictable, misty, humid
Madeira: More sun, drier ridgelines

Flight Access

Azores (São Miguel): Direct from Toronto and Lisbon, fewer options
Madeira: Frequent flights from mainland Europe

Getting Around

Azores (São Miguel): Rental car essential
Madeira: Buses + taxis work, but car still helps

Winner: Madeira is easier logistically. Azores offers the reward of remoteness.

My Personal Take

Both islands are absolutely worth visiting—but they’re uniquely different. Which one is right for you depends on what kind of adventure you’re craving.

I loved, loved, loved the hiking in Madeira. It was unlike anything I’ve done before—those levadas, the volcanic ridges, the sheer drops… it’s a mountain-lover’s dream. But it was also SO busy. And this wasn’t even peak season. On some trails, I found myself in a line of hikers, which kind of broke the magic for me.

In contrast, my time in the Azores felt like a deep breath. It was laid back, quiet, and incredibly grounding. I needed a reset this trip, and the Azores gave me space to decompress. It felt like a slower, softer adventure—and exactly what I needed at the time.

Quick Breakdown

Scenery: Tie

Solitude: Azores

Trail Infrastructure: Madeira

Cultural Energy: Madeira

Off-the-Grid Feel: Azores

Ease of Travel: Madeira

Ease of Driving: Azores

Best for Levada Lovers: Madeira

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Azores and Madeira isn’t really about which one is “better.” It’s about what you need right now:

If you want space, stillness, misty mornings and crater lakes: Go to the Azores.
If you want bold peaks, sunrise hikes, and high-elevation thrills: Head to Madeira.

Or do both. Either way, you’ll be hiking through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.

Interested in the Ultimate Portuguese Adventure?

Check out our complete Portugal Guide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!