The most beautiful Levada Walks in Madeira
Welcome to Madeira, an island celebrated not just for its exquisite wine and warm climate, but as a haven for hikers of all levels seeking unique trails with breathtaking views. At the heart of its hiking prestige are the levadas, an extensive network of over 200 irrigation channels that crisscross the island, offering paths through some of its most stunning landscapes. Which route to take depends on how fit or adventurous you are. You can see a list of all the levadas here or keep reading to discover our choice of the most beautiful Levada walks in Madeira.
What Are Levadas?
Levadas are irrigation channels developed in the 16th century to distribute water from the rainfall-rich north to the drier southern regions of Madeira. Today, they also serve a dual purpose as pathways for hikers. Many of the levadas run through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999 and one of the seven wonders of Portugal. They have different levels of difficulty – depending on your level of physical fitness and your group’s fitness level: some are ideal for families while others are only suitable for those who are more fit.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail ( PR9) promises an enchanting walk through thick ancient forests leading to a stunning waterfall. It’s a lush pathway that takes you deep into the São Jorge Valley, offering great views, cool shade and misty air, typical of Madeira’s laurisilva forests.
Except for some steps at the beginning, it is mostly a flat walk. Almost 6 km and 4 small tunnels later, you will arrive at the approx 100m high Caldeirão Verde waterfall falling into a beautifully coloured lagoon.
Just before the lagoon, you will find a small picnic place with some places to sit on and relax before you start the walk back. The area around the lagoon is technically closed off due to a rockfall in 2019. However, many walkers decide to take the risk and go down to the lagoon. If you decide to do this it is at your own risk and if you are with a guide they may not allow it.
Length: 12km
Time: 3-4 hours.
Level: Easy to Moderate
Note: This is one of the most popular walks on the island, so it can get very busy at certain times of the year.
Levada dos 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco
The Levada das 25 Fontes is renowned as one of Madeira’s most accessible yet captivating hikes.
This route begins with a descent to Rabaçal, Calheta, from where it takes about three hours to do the 9 km round-trip. It leads up to one of the most spectacular lagoons, the 25 Fontes, which is fed by a several waterfalls from Paul da Serra. Here, a stunning curtain of 25 streams cascades into a pool, inviting hikers to refresh themselves in its cool waters. Along the trail, a viewpoint offers a spectacular sight of the giant Risco Waterfall.
Length: 9km
Time: 3 hours.
Level: Easy to Moderate
Levada do Rei (PR18)
The Levada do Rei, also known as ‘Kings Levada’, leads you on a peaceful trail into a jungle wonderland where you can find several stunning waterfalls and spectacular views over the São Jorge and Santana farmlands. One of the more popular trails on Madeira Island, it offers a bit of everything without a strenuous incline. This is definitely one of the most beautiful Levada walks in Madeira.
This means you can enjoy the waterfalls, lush scenery, and beautiful jungle walking trails without having to battle up steep hills. 10km in total, at the 5km mark, there is a beautiful gorge area with small waterfalls and lovely pools for a refreshing swim. This is a great spot for a snack or lunch before returning.
Length: 10km
Time: 3 to 4 hours.
Level: Easy to Moderate
Levada do Furado PR10
From the lush greenery of Ribeiro Frio to the dramatic coastal scenes at Portela, this levada offers a journey through some of Madeira’s most diverse settings. Clinging tight to the steep mountainside, it winds through the forest from the trout-farming hamlet of Ribeiro Frio (“cold river”) high in the mountains, eastwards to the pretty village of Portela which has a fantastic view of the north-eastern coast
The trail is straightforward, bordered on the right by a lush mountain forest and on the left by steep cliffs. While the dense foliage often obscures the magnitude of the drop, this path is not for the faint-hearted. The precipitous cliff-side frequently encroaches upon the trail, though a safety fence is consistently in place to provide a secure barrier from the edge.
11km in total the path is flat or slightly downhill for most of the route before descending approximately 300m into Portela. It’s best to do this as one way route and be picked up or hop on the bus to Funchal when you arrive in Portela.
Before beginning the route in Ribeiro Frio, you could do the PR11 trail, Vereda dos Balcões. It’s a wide, flat, easy forest trail running for around 1.5km before reaching the stunning Balcões viewpoint, with probably the best single view of Madeira’s highest peaks.
Length: 11km
Time: 4 hours.
Level: Easy to Moderate
The Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal (PR17)
The Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal waterfall hike takes you along the Lombo do Mouro trail with epic ridges, several waterfalls, and incredible views! It’s a long one with 18-kilometers of trail and more than 700 meters of incline throughout the route. It’s a great trail for a sunrise start and if you are lucky you may enjoy some mystical cloud cover over the valley below! The path often carves its way through huge stone walls and narrow tunnels before delving into the Laurissilva Forest. It’s a very immersive trail and you get a bit of everything on this long journey.
Length: 18km
Time: 7- 8 hours.
Level: Moderate to hard
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Ready to explore the majestic scenery and trek along some of the most beautiful Levada walks in Madeira? Plan your journey today with Sarah our Madeira expert.
