Yes, hiking poles can be very useful on Madeira’s trails, particularly on routes with steep climbs, descents or uneven terrain. They can provide extra stability, reduce strain on your knees and help on muddy or slippery sections. However, on short, easy trails they can sometimes be more cumbersome than helpful, especially where the path is narrow or you need your hands free. They are not essential for every hike, but for longer or more challenging mountain routes, many hikers find them a valuable addition.