Hike Pico Grande: The Uncrowded Trail to One of Madeira's Highest Peaks

I want to take you on one of our favorite hikes on Madeira: the trail to Pico Grande, one of the tallest peaks on the island. This is the payoff: stunning views of the surrounding rugged peaks on Madeira, from high above the clouds. Pico Grande is a 7-mile round trip hike, which takes roughly 5 hours. Depending on the trailhead you start at, the elevation gain is around 3,000 feet. I started at Boca da Corrida, 25 minutes northwest of Funchal. There’s a 3 Euro fee to hike, which you can pay using a QR code at the trailhead. The paths are lined with a mix of lush forests, and also sections scarred by a wildfire from a few years ago. The final stretch, just under a mile, is tough. You’ll climb a series of steep, rocky switchbacks, which seemed to be endless. You’ll need some help from a rope to get up the final ascent to the peak. The fog and clouds move in and out all day, so it’s great to relax, have a snack, and enjoy the changing views. I loved the old stone pavers and bridges along the Pico Grande trail, which were built centuries ago. The modern-day trail was once a royal footpath, and part of a network of transport routes on Madeira built in the 1800s. They connected villages, and were used to transport goods and mail by mule. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and snacks, because you’ll need them. Plus, make sure to download a map to follow offline (from AllTrails, for example) so you don’t make any unnecessary detours. FOLLOW JARED: Website: https://www.JaredsDetours.com Instagram:   / findingdetours   Facebook:   / jareds-detours-61558760049590