Respecting Madeira is crucial. Madeira is beautiful because it’s wild. But this same wildness means visitors must understand and respect the limits of nature — and the limits of their own judgment.
Every week, I see multiple situations where a simple lack of awareness leads to danger. So this article is my perspective as a local guide: direct, practical, and built on real experiences.
At Madeira Horizon, we aim to share the island’s true nature through responsible and honest exploration. Our goal is to guide you safely, not to sell unrealistic expectations.
Your safety is our priority. We track conditions daily, adjust plans when needed, and clearly communicate any risks, so you can enjoy your adventure with confidence.
We’re upfront about conditions—Madeira can be challenging and unpredictable. There are no false promises; we ensure you’re informed about possible risks.
We focus on authentic, meaningful experiences rather than tourist clichés. You’ll visit select sites at the best times, guided with care and respect.
For us, adventure means understanding and connecting with Madeira while protecting it. We want you to return home with real stories and a lasting appreciation for the island.
Here’s a list of a few famous places that are getting seriously damaged due to the lack of information and respect for our ecosystem, and that you should be aware so you can enjoy Madeira safely, responsibly, and with full respect for the island.
These places are very known on social media for their beauty, but no one talks about their dangers and on how bad behavior can impact on your safety and teach you how to protect our ecosystem.
I hope you will discover something different in this article.
1.Fanal Forest
Fanal is one of the oldest forests in Europe — a relic from before the Ice Age. These twisted laurel trees survived for millions of years thanks to Madeira’s climate. It’s a magical place, but also fragile — that’s why visitors should walk respectfully and never climb the trees!
But too many visitors treat the place like a playground. Influenced by many people posting videos and photos on social media, some visitors just want to go to this place for the same reason. I’ve seen countless social media content showing the beauty of the place, but very few talking about the reality, about the urgent need to protect this place.
Behind this beauty is a story that stretches back millions of years.
Long before humans existed, Madeira was covered almost entirely by Laurissilva, an ancient type of subtropical laurel forest. During the Ice Age, these forests vanished from most of Europe…
This makes the Laurissilva of Madeira — especially in Fanal — a living fossil, a direct link to Europe’s prehistoric environment.
In 1999, because of this exceptional ecological value, the Laurissilva of Madeira became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The famous “twisted trees” of Fanal are mostly Ocotea foetens, a species unique to Macaronesia (Madeira, Azores, Canary Islands). Some of these trees are several centuries old and their spooky shapes come from centuries of wind exposure, humid conditions, slow growth and natural adaptation to altitude
The result? They look like something out of a fantasy movie.
How Visitors Should Respect Fanal Forest:
- Never climb the ancient trees (risk of breaking branches + safety issues)
- Do not step on root systems
- Stay on soft paths and avoid disturbing wildlife
- Fog can appear suddenly — stay aware of orientation
- Respect the cows — they belong to local families
- Educate yourself a little bit about this place, its more than just a “photo spot”
Fanal is a living museum. Treat it like one.
2.Pico do Areeiro
Pico do Areeiro is one of Madeira’s greatest natural landmarks — a dramatic mountain summit rising above the clouds, shaped by volcanic forces and famous today for its unforgettable views. Standing at 1,818 meters, it is the third-highest peak on the island, yet the most accessible, making it one of the most visited places in Madeira.
But behind the beauty, there’s a fascinating story that spans geology, climate, ecology, and human history.
The area is part of the Central Mountain Massif, one of the most dramatic volcanic formations in the entire Atlantic.
Pico do Areeiro is home to several unique species, especially birds, The most famous is the Zino’s Petrel (Pterodroma madeira), one of the rarest seabirds in the world, found almost exclusively in the high cliffs between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. It’s also home to small patches of endemic shrubs, alpine grasses, high-altitude flowers, lichens and mosses adapted to cold and windy conditions. This is a fragile ecosystem — even though it looks tough.
PLEASE STAY ON THE PATH AND DO NOT DISTURB WILD LIFE!!!!
Safety Rules for Hiking at Pico do Areeiro
The trail between Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo (PR1) is one of Madeira’s most spectacular places — but also one of the riskiest if you’re not prepared. We have several deaths per year in this place due to their lack of information and because many of our visitors are trying to take the ultimate photo putting themselves in real danger. Weather can change in minutes, and every year accidents happen because visitors underestimate the terrain. Here are the non-negotiable safety rules every hiker must follow.
- Check the Weather — If It’s Foggy, Windy or Raining, Don’t Go
- Wear Proper Shoes — Not Sneakers, Not Sandals
- Stay on the Marked Path — Never Leave the Trail
- Start Early — Never Late Afternoon
- Respect Your Limits — This Is Not a Beginner Trail
- Avoid Hiking Alone
- Don’t Rely on Weather Apps
- Respect the Signs and Barriers
- Respect Nature — Don’t Shout, Don’t Disturb Wildlife
Madeira Horizon Safety Message
“At Madeira Horizon, we bring guests to Pico do Areeiro but only allow them to walk when conditions allow it and only if you have proper walking shoes”
We never take risks with cliffs, fog, wind or unstable terrain.
Your safety is worth far more than any viewpoint photo.
3.Cascata dos Anjos (Anjos Waterfall) – Beauty, History, and Real Dangers Explained
Cascata dos Anjos — also known as the “Angels Waterfall” — is one of Madeira’s most photographed and talked-about spots. It’s the famous waterfall where water falls directly onto the old coastal road, allowing cars to drive under a natural curtain of water with the ocean right beside them.
It looks cinematic, wild, and exotic… and it truly is.
But behind this beauty lies one of Madeira’s most dangerous roadside spots, and many visitors don’t understand why. There is a lot of photos and videos showing the beauty but again no one warning about the danger the way locals now.
Where Is Anjos Waterfall?
Cascata dos Anjos is located in Ponta do Sol on Madeira’s southwest coast, along the old ER101 coastal road — one of the island’s most iconic but historically dangerous roads. This road used to connect villages before tunnels and modern infrastructure were built. Today, most traffic should use the new roads, there is signs that only allows locals that have Banana plantations on the area to go through.
The waterfall itself comes from natural springs higher in the mountain, but what most people doesn’t know is that before this water reaches this place, it goes through many levadas, farm lands and some houses, this water is not 100% pure.
Because it’s famous on social media, the area gets crowded. Tourists often stop in the middle of the road, park dangerously, walk unpredictably, and they stand under those cliffs without being conscious about the danger, they wait in line to get a picture under the waterfall. Branches, stones or other natural debris can fall with the running water, this dramatically increases the risk of accidents just for a picture.
Visitors standing near the cliff wall or driving slowly under the water are exposed. There have been multiple incidents over the years, including damaged vehicles and injuries.
Why Is Anjos Waterfall Very Dangerous?
Despite its beauty, Cascata dos Anjos is one of Madeira’s most hazardous public spots, and many people underestimate the risks. Here’s why:
The cliffs above Cascata dos Anjos are highly unstable, creating a significant risk of falling rocks. This danger is especially pronounced under certain conditions:
- After Rain: Heavy rainfall can loosen stones and soil, increasing the likelihood of rockfalls.
- With Wind: Strong winds can dislodge rocks from the cliff face, making the area hazardous.
- With Erosion: Ongoing erosion gradually weakens the cliff structure, contributing to instability.
- Natural Cliff Movement: The cliffs themselves are subject to natural shifts and movements, which can result in unexpected rockfall events.
How to Visit Anjos Waterfall Safely
- Never stop directly under the waterfall.
- Do not stand close to the cliff — rockfall risk is real.
- Avoid visiting during rain, strong wind or high tide.
- Keep your shoes firmly on — the ground is slippery.
- Drivers: move slowly but do not stop in the middle of the road.
- Pedestrians: avoid walking in front of cars — visibility is very poor.
- Don’t climb rocks or the cliff wall.
- Visit early morning or sunset for fewer crowds.
4. The Old Northwest Roads — Beauty, cliffs, and danger
Before modern tunnels connected the island, locals relied on a series of narrow, carved-in-the-cliff roads known today as the “old coastal roads.”
These roads are more than just pathways — they are living memories of Madeira’s past, showcasing the courage, engineering, and daily challenges of earlier generations. For decades, these roads were the only access around the island.
These roads were built directly into the cliffs, meaning they were constantly exposed to the raw power of nature. The cliffs above the roads are unstable, and falling rocks are still common, especially after heavy rain. There is signs of warning at the beginning of these roads and in some of them you can see with your eyes huge rocks that has fallen.
I see almost every day people trying to go in with their cars, exposing themselves to great life danger. Walking is a better option, but still not very recommended, so if you do it just keep in mind that at any moment a rock can fall on you and theres no one around that could call for emergency services. Indeed people has died in the past in these places so don’t go there like there’s no danger at all.
Starting in the 1990s, Madeira’s investment in modern road tunnels transformed life on the north coast, replacing these hazardous cliff roads, rockfall-prone areas, and storm-damaged sections. Today, tunnels offer quick, safe, and reliable access. Use them and please check all road signs before doing something stupid.
5.Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is part of the Madeira Natural Park and classified as a Partial Nature Reserve. This means flora, fauna and geological formations are protected.
The landscape is unique because it is semi-arid, almost desert-like — completely opposite to the lush Laurissilva on the north and west of Madeira.
Ponta de São Lourenço is the oldest part of Madeira to rise from the ocean.
The peninsula was created by basaltic lava flows that hardened into layered cliffs. Over millions of years, the constant action of wind, waves and erosion carved the dramatic shapes we see today.
The PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most walked trails on the island. Unfortunately like many others hikes, people tend to get out of trail and they don’t realize how bad it can be for this place.
Abundant Wildlife in a Seemingly Barren Landscape
Despite its dry and almost desert-like appearance, Ponta de São Lourenço supports a surprising diversity of life, particularly among birds and reptiles. The area is home to the Berlenga lizard, also known as the Madeiran wall lizard, which can often be seen basking on sun-warmed rocks. Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, with species such as shearwaters and Berthelot’s pipit inhabiting the peninsula. Kestrels are commonly spotted soaring overhead, while several endemic seabirds nest on the rugged cliffs, making this area vital for bird conservation.
Beyond the land, the surrounding waters form a protected marine reserve that is equally rich in biodiversity. Although rare, monk seals are occasionally sighted in these waters. Dolphins are more frequently seen, delighting visitors with their playful presence. The marine environment is also home to a variety of seabirds and features vibrant volcanic underwater landscapes, adding to the region’s unique ecological value.
Protecting the Flora — This Environment Is Extremely Delicate
Ponta de São Lourenço, though seemingly rugged, has delicate vegetation that recovers slowly from damage. Walking off marked trails can destroy rare, endemic plants and harm new seedlings. With little natural protection, soil and roots are easily damaged, leading to erosion and lasting scars. A single careless step can threaten decades of growth and the survival of unique local species.
Preventing Erosion — Footprints Add Up and Damage the Landscape
São Lourenço’s soil is thin, dry, and easily eroded by wind and water. Stepping off marked trails damages vegetation and accelerates erosion, widening paths and altering the landscape. Displaced soil can fall onto cliffs and lower areas, further harming the environment. Marked trails are vital to concentrate human impact and protect the peninsula from extensive damage.
Respecting the environment means ensuring its beauty stays intact for future generations.
Conclusion — Enjoy Madeira Fully, Respect Its Power, Protect Its Future
Madeira is one of the most extraordinary islands on Earth — but also one where nature always has the last word. The cliffs, mountains, waterfalls and old coastal roads that attract thousands of visitors each year are breathtaking, but they also demand attention, caution and respect.
This little guide was created not to scare you, but to help you enjoy the island with awareness. When you understand the risks, follow the marked trails, respect signs, and avoid taking unnecessary risks for photos, you allow yourself to experience Madeira safely and responsibly.
But safety is only half of the story.The other half is protection.
Places like Pico do Areeiro, Fanal, São Lourenço, are fragile environments that are suffering from the pressure of modern tourism. Off-trail footsteps, irresponsible behaviour, climbing fences, damaging roots, or ignoring warnings all contribute to long-term destruction.
These areas need urgent attention.
They need visitors who understand that they are walking inside ecosystems that must be preserved, not playgrounds for social media.
Every small action matters:
Staying on paths, respecting fences, avoiding cliff edges, not damaging plants, not disturbing wildlife — these are simple choices that protect Madeira for the next generation.
At Madeira Horizon, we carry this responsibility seriously.
We guide you honestly, avoid dangerous or fragile areas when necessary, adapt to conditions, and teach you how to enjoy the island safely and without harming it.
Enjoy Madeira.Respect Madeira. Protect Madeira. Let the island impress you, and leave it as beautiful as you found it.