Levada Walks & Hiking in Madeira

What is a levada

Levadas are narrow irrigation channels built over centuries to carry water from the wet north and mountains to the drier, sunnier south. Maintenance paths run alongside them, creating a vast network of mostly gentle, contour-following walking trails. Madeira also has tougher mountain (PR) routes across peaks and ridges. Trails are signposted with "PR" numbers (Pequena Rota).

Easy and beginner-friendly walks

• Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) – one of the most popular; a fairly level forest walk to a green amphitheatre waterfall. Several short tunnels (bring a torch/headlamp) and some exposed sections with railings. Starts at Queimadas, Santana.
• Levada dos Balcões (PR11 spur) – short and easy, ending at the Balcões viewpoint over the central mountains. Great for families. Near Ribeiro Frio.
• Levada do Rei (PR18) – gentle forest walk through Laurisilva to a spring source, starting near São Jorge.
• Levada da Serra do Faial / Camacha sections – easy, flat options close to Funchal.

Classic and spectacular walks

• Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) – the high mountain traverse from Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the island's highest peak. Stunning but strenuous, with many steps, tunnels and exposure. Go early for clear views above the clouds; check weather.
• Pico Ruivo via Achada do Teixeira (PR1.2) – the easiest route to the summit, a steady paved path.
• Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco (PR6 / PR6.1) – from Rabaçal down to a lagoon fed by "25 springs" and the Risco waterfall. Very popular; the access road to Rabaçal is restricted, so use the shuttle or walk down.
• Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) – the dramatic, treeless eastern peninsula of red and ochre cliffs. Exposed, windy, little shade — bring water and sun protection.
• Caldeirão do Inferno (PR9.1) – an extension of Caldeirão Verde for stronger walkers.

Safety and practical tips

• Check the weather and webcams before high mountain walks; clouds, rain and wind change conditions fast. The peaks can be clear while the coast is grey, and vice versa.
• Wear proper walking shoes, bring water, layers, a rain jacket and a headlamp (tunnels can be long, wet and pitch dark).
• Some trails have drops with cables rather than full railings; mind your footing, especially when wet.
• Trails sometimes close after storms or landslides — check current status. The official authority publishes trail conditions.
• Many trailheads are remote with limited buses; a car, taxi or guided transfer makes logistics far easier.
• Start early to beat crowds and afternoon cloud build-up.