Madeira Island is a jewel for hiking enthusiasts. We loved the breathtaking scenery and the famous Levadas, irrigation channels carved out of the rock in the 16th century. The maintenance trails that run alongside them wind through the island’s lush vegetation. We were amazed to see them!
Here’s our selection of the best Levadas to visit in Madeira, with our helpful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s best Levadas: tips
Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, with trails through lush vegetation, breathtaking scenery, mountainous terrain and, last but not least, the Levadas! We discovered that these are 16th-century irrigation channels carved into the rock. They were used to transport water from the more watered areas in the north-west of the island to the more arid areas in the south-east, where sugar cane and vines were grown. These canals, covering some 3,000km, have become a major tourist attraction on the island.
We’ve visited a few of them, which we’ll tell you about in this article. Their maintenance roads offer breathtaking hiking trails that took us through exceptional natural landscapes. Note that there are many levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert, these trails are accessible to all. But of course, there’s plenty to do in Madeira besides hiking!
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- Levada das 25 Fontes – PR6
- The Levada do Moinho
- La Levada do Caldeirao Verde
Here’s a map to help you find your way around:
1. Levada das 25 Fontes – PR6
Why go there? Our review
The PR6 trail, also known as the Levada das 25 Fontes hike, is one of Madeira’s must-sees! We found this hike truly breathtaking. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful hikes on the island! Here’s what’s in store:
- You’ll enter a lush valley
- You’ll travel along a Levada, the famous traditional irrigation channels.
- You’ll marvel at the splendid trees and lush greenery.
- We recommend taking a break in front of the 25 Fontes waterfall, where water gushes out of the rocks.
- The more adventurous can continue on to the majestic Risco waterfall.
We loved this hike, which offers total immersion in the island’s natural beauty. To find out more, see our article dedicated to the Levada das 25 Fontes hike.
Useful tips
- Location: west of the island, on the Paul da Serra Plateau.
From Funchal: 50min drive. From Calheta Beach: 20min drive and from Ribeira Brava: 40min drive - Access: The official starting point for the hike is Maison Rabaçal, at the bottom of the valley. You’ll need to park at the Rabaçal parking lot. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., a shuttle bus (for a fee) runs the 2km from the parking lot to the start of the walk. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: Between 5 and 11km and between 3 and 5h depending on your starting point (parking lot or official start) and whether you wish to continue to the Cascade de Risco, which adds around 1.5km round trip.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty.
There are no particular obstacles along the way, which is fairly flat all the way except for a number of steps. - Best time: As this is a very popular walk on the island, we recommend early morning or late afternoon for sunrise or sunset.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need suitable hiking boots. There’s a snack bar and toilets at the starting point, but nothing else along the way.
Let yourself be guided along the Levada Das 25 Fontes trail on a small-group excursion – Find out more and book
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Levada do Caldeirao Verde – PR9
Why choose this tour? Our review
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9) is another of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes. We loved its lush setting, where you can observe the luxuriant endemic flora that lines the path. The path leads to the Cascade de Caldeirao Verde. This hike is far from boring; the route is punctuated by 5 tunnels hidden among damp rock faces and vegetation. If you wish, you can even complete this exploration with a loop to the beautiful Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall.
In short, we recommend this hike, which will take you into another world for a few hours. If you don’t have a car, or if you’d like to hike in a group, opt for a half-day guided tour!
To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Levada do Caldeirao Verde hike.
Useful tips
- Location: north of the island, near Santana, in the Parque Florestal de Quiemadas.
From Funchal: 45min drive. From Sao Vincente: 40min drive and from Porto da Cruz: 20min drive - Access: The starting point is at the parking lot. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 13km and about 5h30 round trip. Add 4.5km and around 2h round trip if you wish to continue to the Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall.
- Difficulty: this is an easy route.
The path is flat and sometimes narrow, there are a few steps and the tunnels can be dark, so don’t forget your flashlight! If you wish to continue to the Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall, there are steps along the way. - Best time: As this is a very popular walk on the island, we recommend you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need hiking boots, a raincoat and a flashlight. There’s a café and toilets at the starting point, then nothing else along the way.
3. Verada dos Balcoes – PR11 (easy)
Why take this walk? Our review
This walk, unlike the others mentioned in the article, is only partly along a Levada. Yet it has nothing to envy them and is even one of our favourite Madeira hikes! We highly recommend this peaceful stroll, especially at the beginning of your stay! Indeed, we found it a perfect introduction to Madeira Island and its treasures. Among other things, you’ll discover..:
- Madeira’s lush flora and fauna
- breathtaking views of the lush green valley, sea and mountain peaks
- a Levada, the island’s typical irrigation canal, built in the 16th century
To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Verada dos Balcoes walk.
Useful tips
- Location: central-eastern part of the island, near Ribeiro Frio.
From Funchal: 40min drive and from Porto da Cruz: 25min drive - Access: The starting point is along the ER103 mountain road. There is no dedicated parking. Ribeiro Frio can be reached by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 3km and about 1h round trip.
- Difficulty: this is an easy route. It’s just flat.
- Best moment: It doesn’t matter. However, given that there is no dedicated parking and therefore few parking spaces, arriving early or at the end of the day will make things easier for you.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need sneakers at the very least. You’ll find restaurants and other shops in Ribeiro Frio, and a café with toilets and a lovely viewpoint halfway along the hike.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
4. Rota da Banana – RB1 (easy and short)
Why visit it? Our review
This fun little stroll will give you the chance to spend some time under the banana trees. Here, you’ll discover how the famous Levada is actually used at the foot of the mountains. We loved the time we spent in the plantations of Madeira’s famous sweet little bananas. The trail is lined with authentic cafés from which you can admire the scenery.
Useful tips
- Location: Madalena do Mar in the southwest of the island.
From Ponta do Sol: less than 10min drive and from Polo do Mar: 15min drive - Access: The starting point is along Rua do IV Centenario. There is no dedicated parking, but you can park in the village. The village can be reached by public transport.
- Type of route: loop.
- Duration: 1.9km and between 10 and 30min depending on your preferences.
- Difficulty: this is a very easy route. It’s all flat and the path is well signposted.
- Best moment: It doesn’t matter.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need sneakers at the very least. You’ll find cafés and restaurants in Madalena do Mar and along the way.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
5. Levada do Moinho – PR7
Why visit it? Our review
In our opinion, this mountainside hike is a must on any trip to Madeira:
- You’ll enter the heart of the Laurissilva Primary Forest, a unique ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- You’ll come across the ruins of historic watermills linked to the Levadas’ ingenious ancestral irrigation system.
- Of course, we were amazed by the beauty of the landscape and enjoyed observing the terraced farming.
- We also enjoyed a cool tunnel crossing.
- Finally, the Levada do Moinho is no exception, where you’ll cross paths with the Nova waterfall.
Useful tips
- Location: in the south of the island, near Ponta do Sol.
From Funchal: 34min drive and from Porto Moniz: 50min. - Access: The starting point is at Lombada da Ponta do Sol, next to the church. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Type of route: loop.
- Duration: 8 to 10km and about 4h30 round trip.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty.
There are no particular obstacles apart from a few steps on the path, which is flat throughout. Here you’ll find a tunnel. - Best time: this walk is very popular on the island, especially with trail runners. We recommend an early morning or late afternoon visit for greater peace and quiet.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need suitable hiking boots. There are a few cafés/restaurants in the starting village, but nothing along the way.
Enjoy peace of mind with a round-trip transfer to the Levada do Moinho from Funchal, Ribeira Brava or Câmara De Lobos. Read more
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
6. Levada do Rei – PR18
Why visit it? Our review
We recommend this hike for an enchanting trip along the Levada do Rei! You’ll discover a UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest, verdant mountains and a beautiful waterfall to cool off under. You can also observe the island’s endemic flora and fauna, such as the Trocaz Pigeon, a rare and protected species. The famous Levadas tunnels, overgrown with lush vegetation, will also punctuate your journey. All these elements make it one of the most beautiful hikes on the island!
Useful tips
- Location: north of the island, in Sao Jorge.
From Funchal: 55min drive and from Porto da Cruz: 25min. - Access: the starting point is near the Quebradas water treatment plant in Sao Jorge. You can get there by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 10km and about 4h round trip.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty.
There are no particular obstacles apart from a few steps on the path, which is flat throughout. - Best time: This is one of the most popular walks on the island, so we recommend you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for more peace and quiet.
- Equipment & facilities: You’ll need suitable hiking boots. There are a few cafés/restaurants in the starting village, but nothing along the way.
Take a half-day guided tour of the Levada do Rei! – See program and availability.
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Other Levadas in Madeira
We weren’t able to visit all the Levadas on the island during our stay, but you should know that there are many trails along the 3,000km of canals that criss-cross Madeira. We can’t wait to go back and discover them! While some, such as the Levadas de 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde, are highly reputed, others are more confidential. Be careful, some Levadas are now closed as they are considered too dangerous.
Here’s a list of Madeira’s main Levadas:
- Levada do Risco (PR6.1) – easy
- Levada do Alecrim (PR6.2) – moderate
- Levada da Ribeira da Janela – moderate
- Levada do Furado (PR10) – easy
- Levada da Serra do Faial – moderate
- Levada do Caniçal – difficult
- Levada da Portela (PR10) – closed
- Levada do Castelejo – difficult
- Levada da Rocha Furada – difficult
- Levada do Pico do Infante – moderate
- Levada da Rocha Vermelha – closed
- Levada dos Cedros (PR14) – easy
- Levada Fajã do Rodrigues (PR16) – easy
- Levada Prazeres – easy
- Levada dos Tornos – moderate
Travel with peace of mind as you explore Madeira’s Levadas with a guide! We think it’s the easiest option for safe and enjoyable hiking.
Discover our guided tours of the Levadas with transfer included
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
