Mountain biking

Perhaps more than any other pursuit, it’s mountain biking that demonstrates the changing face of tourism on Madeira.

The sun seekers that once monopolised the flights from Europe are now giving way to a more active generation. The island’s seemingly endless network of mountain biking trails are attracting more and more riders each year – and not just mere mortals like you and I; you’ve probably seen pro-riders like Josh Bryceland and Steve Peat citing Madeira as their winter training ground of choice.

The island has a bit of everything – XC trails that mix Madeira’s famous levada’s with spectacular coastal singletrack, or flowing, rooty descents through forests of Japanese Cedar: the perfect choice for an uplift day. Our favourite trails are the steep, technical zig-zagging footpaths that hug the cliffs on the North Coast – reminiscent of the best trails we have here in the Lakes, only dry and warm !

Whether you’re thinking of a full week of mountain biking or a day tour as part of your holiday – whatever your preferred style of riding, there’s a trail for you on Madeira.