Get woofing on your Madeira holiday with a dog!

Why should you take your dog to Madeira?

With chilled-out island vibes, Madeira is a great place for a holiday, whether you've got two legs or four. Staying in pet-friendly holiday lettings in Madeira means that both you and your dog can enjoy a fabulous time. In general, the island is a dog-friendly place. In fact, the entire nation of Portugal is made up of dog lovers; it's estimated that one-third of Portuguese households have at least one canine family member, and dogs enjoy some of Europe's most generous legal protections. Madeira has a dog-friendly beach where you can take your pal for a walk all year round, as well as dozens of hiking trails that wind through the island's mountainous interior.

Where are the best places to go for a walk around Madeira?

Many of Madeira's hiking trails are very steep and can be hard going, so if you've got a pug or a Frenchie, he might want to sit them out! Some of the best places to walk your dog in Madeira include the Portinha Path in Levada dos Tornos. This is a good choice for all dogs, as it's an easy trail that runs for 1.3 km and can be completed in less than half an hour. At just under 7 km, the Funchal Ecological Park Route offers more of a challenge. It takes about two hours to do the entire route, and it's popular with trail runners as well as dog owners. Finally, if you've got a strong, energetic dog, try the loop that runs from Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova. This 8-km trail is quite challenging and usually takes around 3.5 hours to finish, so make sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl!