Caminho Velho do Rancho, a must-do walking trail on Madeira, Portugal

Almost by chance, I stumbled upon the Caminho Velho do Rancho walking trail on Madeira Island. It was a lucky day.

When I think of walking trails in Madeira, I usually start googling, and the “levadas” trails are most likely at the top of the list.

Walking along the Levadas

Levadas are irrigation canals or aqueducts that you can walk along.

They are pretty famous walks, and I will also write about them.

Other famous hikes include Encumeada, Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, and several others.

Without a doubt, all these walks are very impressive.

However, when you analyze their locations, you’ll notice they are all in the island’s interior.

Walking trail in Madeira
Walking trail in Madeira – Caminho Velho do Rancho

Not promoted coastal walking trails

I found nothing interesting while searching for a coastal trail to hike near Funchal, the island capital.

Although I understand that these slopes are steep, that alone isn’t a sufficient reason for the lack of walking trails because they certainly exist.

I can comprehend that my fellow tour operators primarily promote a specific set of trails, like the levadas, causing others to be forgotten.

Cape Girão, Madeira, Portugal
Cape Girão, Madeira, Portugal

Walking from Cabo Girão to Lido

Being fond of hiking with sea views, I couldn’t resist visiting Cabo Girão while in Madeira and attempting to return to Funchal, which promised all these elements.

As I prepared for my walk, I found no defined path between Cabo Girão and Funchal, or even to Lido.

The Lido/Funchal section didn’t seem appealing to me for walking.

Despite the absence of a trail and my strong desire to find one, I remained undeterred and decided to explore the area nonetheless.

During the bus journey to Cape Girão, I encountered a gentleman whom, regrettably, I failed to note down his name.

He mentioned he was born and raised in those locales.

This gentleman informed me of a path I could descend from very close to Cape Girão to the entrance of Câmara de Lobos.

Walking trail in Madeira
Walking trail in Madeira – Caminho Velho do Rancho

The Caminho Velho do Rancho walking trail

I encountered a level of spectacularity beyond my expectations, akin to the wonders depicted in the featured photograph of this text.

The trail, known as “Caminho Velho do Rancho,” is easily located.

Head downhill from Capo Girão towards Câmara de Lobos, keeping as close to the coast as possible, and you’ll find the indications for it.

This path descends sharply amid houses and farmland adorned with corn, strawberries, and various vegetables.

As I descended and gazed at the coastline, I couldn’t help but feel fascinated by the view.

However, navigating the trail isn’t without its challenges. 

The slope is so steep that it demands our constant attention, leaving little room for distraction.

Nonetheless, periodic pauses are essential to relish the breathtaking scenery.

This trail is relatively short, with a length of about 1 kilometer and an elevation loss of approximately 200 meters.

Yet, it exudes a rustic charm and offers views fit for royalty. 

This duality of characteristics is what lends the walk its allure.

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to engage with locals without the throngs of tourists often encountered on other trails.

Praia Formosa, Madeira
Praia Formosa, Madeira

After walking this short trail and along the coast towards Funchal (Lido)

I continued walking along the coast toward Lido after completing the short trail.

I will write about this second part of the morning in another post.

Walking trail on Madeira
Walking trail on Madeira – Caminho Velho do Rancho

To conclude

The Caminho Velho do Rancho walking trail, is a must-do trail when we go to Madeira.

Have fun.

David Monteiro