This hike was not what we expected...
When researching Madeira there was one type of hike everyone seem to recommend - the Levadas. Madeira's unique aqueduct system dates back hundreds of years.
The easy-sloped paths of the Levadas go through much of the wild and subtropical island interior and are an ideal way of hiking and exploring Madeira.
We did one of the must-do hikes on this island, Levada do Caldeirao Verde and Levada do Caldeirao Inferno, and I have to say it's one of the most amazing hikes I've ever experienced in Europe, and certainly in Portugal.
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde is well-maintained and quite obviously family-friendly, taking you through dark tunnels and stunning views of the Island's nature.
Levada do Caldeirao Inferno on the other hand is in a bit of a state and not very trekked, which made it an unusual gem to find.
The tunnels are flooded with water and difficult to pass, the path has the rails ripped off in sections due to the huge power of the water flowing from above, and due to the lack of people, it feels like you're in an Indiana Jones movie about to discover an ancient city.
This hike is going to be a tough one to beat.