Taking a walk on the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo is reinvigorating, exciting and highly rewarding. Any hiker will find in the trails and levadas (man-made waterways across the mountains) of Madeira a challenge as well as a pleasant surprise. However, most trails pass through mountains in the heart of nature, and for this reason it is very important to get adequately prepared before starting a hike, so that you do not jeopardise your own safety.

Here we shall mention some codes of conduct and safety regulations that should always be followed.

Walking Code:

* Avoid noise or actions against nature
* Do not take plants or animals with you
* Do not throw rubbish away (tissues do not easily decompose)
* Do not light fires
* If you are a smoker do not throw cigarettes ends on the floor, keep them for the dust-bin
* Do not change or damage the signs

For your own safety...

* Before starting out make sure you have update instructions on the route
* Let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to return
* Be sure to confirm the time it will take so that you can finish before nightfall
* Take some extra food and water with you
* Wear suitable clothes and shoes
* If possible take a mobile phone with you
* In case of heavy rain or strong winds do not go on and/or turn back using the same route
* Don’t take risks

Contacts:

* Emergency number: 112
* Civil Protection: 291 700 112

The recommended routes for hikes within the Autonomous Region of Madeira are considered as small routes (PR). These are duly identified and described so that the users may, right from the start, be aware of the reality they will find. The trails are maintained, inspected and signposted by regional governmental organisations, especially by the Direcção Regional de Florestas (Regional Forest Board), which has helped by transferring some content through one of their projects, the Tourmac Project.

The walking routes recommended in the Autonomous Region of Madeira have been established and regulated by Regional Legislative Decree no. 7-B/200/M.

in www.madeiratourism.org

If you need a place to relax and enjoy the Nature, Hotel Pico da Urze is the right choice. BOOK NOW