Rock Climbing in Madeira
Discover 115+ routes across 10 crags on solid volcanic basalt. From beginner-friendly coastal cliffs to challenging mountain trad routes.
Rock Type
Black Basalt - Solid volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooled magma. Excellent friction and reliable holds.
Best Season
Year-round climbing with average temps of 19.6°C in Funchal.
- ✓Best: April - October
- ✓Good: November - March
- ⓘCheck weather for mountain crags in winter
Grade Range
Routes for all abilities using the French grading system.
- Beginner: 3 - 5
- Intermediate: 5+ - 6c
- Advanced: 7a - 8a+
- Trad: Alpine III - IV
Climbing Disciplines
Sport Climbing
The most popular discipline with pre-placed bolts. Concentrated along the scenic east coast at Ponta de São Lourenço and around Funchal.
- Well-bolted routes
- Grades: French 3-8
- Single pitch (mostly under 20m)
Traditional Climbing
Emerging scene with excellent routes in the central mountains. Lombo do Mouro is the premier training ground for gear placement.
- Natural protection
- Alpine grades III-IV
- Mountain environment
Bouldering
Outdoor bouldering at Ponta de São Lourenço (V3-V12). Indoor gym at Madeira Climbing Center in Funchal.
- Coastal boulder field
- Wide grade range
- Indoor option available
Deep Water Soloing
Extensive coastline with rocky outcrops. Sea temps around 22°C year-round. Connect with locals for beta.
- Coastal cliffs
- Warm water year-round
- Local knowledge essential
Multi-pitch & Alpine
True mountaineering on Pico das Torres and Pico Cidrão. Requires full rack and high fitness. Guide recommended.
- Mountain peaks
- Long approaches
- Full trad rack needed
Via Ferrata
Despite ideal terrain, there are currently no established via ferrata routes in Madeira.
Climbing Crags
Explore 10 documented climbing areas across Madeira, from beginner-friendly coastal crags to challenging mountain venues.
Baía D'Abra
📍 Ponta de São Lourenço
The epicenter for beginner and intermediate climbing in Madeira. Located on the easternmost peninsula within a protected natural park, Baía D'Abra off...
Grades: French 4a - 6c+
Access: easy (10-15 minutes)
Socorridos
📍 Funchal
Considered one of Madeira's premier crags for advanced climbers. The compact basalt cliff offers sustained sport climbing primarily in the French 6 an...
Grades: French 5c - 7c
Access: moderate (15-20 minutes)
Lombo do Mouro
📍 Between Encumeada and Bica da Cana
An excellent location for traditional climbing and learning gear placement. The high-quality basalt is well-suited for placing protection, with routes...
Grades: Alpine III - IV
Access: moderate (20-30 minutes)
Ribeira Brava
📍 Ribeira Brava
A versatile sport climbing venue close to the town of Ribeira Brava. The crag offers varied routes from 5a to 7a+, making it suitable for climbers of ...
Grades: French 5a - 7a+
Access: easy (5-10 minutes)
Peugeot
📍 Funchal Area
A convenient roadside crag near Funchal offering technical sport climbing from 6a to 7b. Perfect for quick climbing sessions without long approaches....
Grades: French 6a - 7b
Access: easy (5 minutes)
São Gonçalo
📍 Funchal Area
An urban climbing venue in Funchal providing convenient access for local climbers and those staying in the city. Good for training and quick sessions....
Grades: French 6a - 7a
Access: easy (10 minutes)
Juncal
📍 Ponta de São Lourenço
Part of the broader Ponta de São Lourenço climbing area, Juncal offers a mix of sport and traditional routes in a beautiful coastal setting....
Grades: French 5a - 6c
Access: easy (10-15 minutes)
Prainha
📍 Ponta de São Lourenço
A trad-focused crag by the sea, offering traditional climbing experiences in the Ponta de São Lourenço area. Requires trad climbing skills and gear....
Grades: Not specified
Access: easy (10-15 minutes)
Praia Formosa
📍 Funchal
A pleasant seaside crag in Funchal offering mixed sport and trad climbing at intermediate grades....
Grades: French 5c - 6b
Access: easy (5-10 minutes)
Chão das Galinhas
📍 Central Mountains
A traditional climbing venue in the mountain environment, offering a more remote and committing climbing experience....
Grades: Not specified
Access: moderate (30+ minutes)
Getting Started
Essential Resources
- ▸Digital Topo: 27crags.com - The de facto online guidebook with 115 routes catalogued
- ▸Climbing Center: Madeira Climbing Center - Island's only bouldering gym and community hub in Funchal
- ▸Permits: Required for climbing in protected areas. See our licensing guide
Transportation
- ▸Car Rental: Highly recommended for most crags. Roads are steep and winding.
- ▸Bus Access: SAM line 113 reaches Ponta de São Lourenço from Funchal (1h 15min)
Where to Stay
West Coast (Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Calheta) - Access any crag in under 40 minutes
Funchal - Close to climbing center, more amenities, bus connections to São Lourenço