One of our favorite ways to escape the crowds and connect with nature on Madeira is by hiking the beautiful Caminho dos Pessegueiros Park. This 19.8-km out-and-back trail takes you through a stunning forest area, but we especially love the first part of the hike, which starts at the picturesque waterfall of Água D'alto and ends where the main road is met again. And that is usually the only part we do.

If you go in the afternoons you'll most likely get that road all to yourself. The peaceful atmosphere and the enchanting surroundings make it feel like you have stepped into a scene from "I Am Legend"—but in the best possible way. Instead of feeling deserted, the trail feels like a secret haven, full of life and beauty as the nature actually have taken over the old road.

Walking along this path, it’s fascinating to imagine that it used to be one of the main roads of transportation on the island. The history adds a layer of intrigue to the already captivating scenery, making us feel like explorers discovering a forgotten world. It is super cool.

The part of the hike that we are mentioning here is easy but if you do the whole hike it can be a bit challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain, but it’s well worth the effort.

The combination of the lush forest, the serene waterfall, and the rich history makes this stretch of the trail truly special. It’s not the full length of the hike, but it’s definitely the part worth visiting.

And btw. Thanks us for how freaking beautiful it is later :D