In a nutshell
- Levadas are historic irrigation channels in Madeira, often accompanied by scenic hiking trails — exploring at least one is a must during any Madeira trip.
- In this guide, we’ll explain what levadas are and share 5 of the most beautiful levada hikes in Madeira — with tips on difficulty, duration, and how to get there.
- For each of the levada walks, we give you helpful tips such as duration, level of difficulty and how to get there. Let’s go!
What are the Levadas in Madeira?
Levadas are man-made water channels in Madeira, resembling small canals or streams. They were built to transport rainwater from the wetter parts of the island to drier agricultural areas.
The history of the levadas goes back to the 15th century, when the first channels were constructed. Many are still in use today as part of the island’s irrigation system.
Since there are trails alongside nearly every levada, you can hike right next to the water, enjoy stunning scenery, and take beautiful photos along the way.
It’s no surprise that levada hikes are one of the top things to do in Madeira.
The 5 Best Levada Hikes in Madeira
There are countless levada hikes in Madeira – so many that it’s hard to say exactly how many exist.
We’ve selected 5 of the best levada hikes — with something for every experience level.
The levada hikes in Madeira on a map
To help you plan, we’ve marked the locations of our 5 best levada walks on a map of Madeira.
Levada das 25 Fontes
- Length: app. 10 kilometers
- Difficulty level: medium
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Name: PR 6 / PR 6.1
- Start/end point: ER 105 Rabaçal parking lot, Rabaçal forester’s lodge
The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most popular trails, known for its lush scenery, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes. Be prepared for crowds, especially in peak season.
There are some steep sections, but the path is generally well maintained and easy to follow.
Route of the Levada dos 25 hike
You start at the parking lot in Rabaçal and follow the PR6 towards the forester’s lodge. Once there, take the path to the left past the building. Then walk along the Levada dos 25 Fontes for a while.
The next highlights are the Miradouro do Paul and the 25 Fontes spring river with a waterfall.
From there, continue along the PR6 until it crosses the PR6.1. Turn off here and walk along the Levada do Risco to the Risco waterfall – the highlight of the levada hike!
From the waterfall, take the path back to the junction and continue along the PR6 to the forester’s lodge – the end of the hike.
How to get to the Levada das 25 Fontes trail
If you are driving, you can park at the parking lot in Rabaçal and start your hike there.
The forester’s lodge, and therefore the end of the trail, is around 2 kilometers from the parking lot. After the hike, you will have to add another 2 kilometers or take the shuttle back to the parking lot.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour or a transfer from Funchal.
Book a guided Levada das 25 Fontes hike
Book a transfer to the Levada das 25 Fontes hike
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Length: 17.4 km (there and back)
- Difficulty level: medium
- Duration: 4-7 hours
- Name: PR9
- Start/end point: Parque Florestal das Queimadas
The trail to Caldeirão Verde is one of the longest and most spectacular levada hikes in Madeira and is perfect if you like hiking.
Course of the Caldeirão Verde hike
On this levada hike, you walk along the levada the whole time.
You walk through many tunnels, so a headlamp is recommended. A cell phone is also sufficient.
Be aware: parts of this trail are narrow and exposed, so it might not be suitable if you’re afraid of heights.
After walking almost 6 kilometers, you will arrive at an impressive waterfall: the Caldeirão Verde. From here, you walk the same way back to Queimadas.
How to get to the Levada do Caldeirão Verde
If you come by car, you can park at the Queimadas parking lot. Bring some cash — parking is inexpensive, but card payments might not be accepted.
Alternatively, you can book a transfer from Funchal.
Book a transfer to the Caldeirão Verde hike
If you don’t have much hiking experience, it is definitely worth booking a guided tour for this levada hike.
Book a guided Caldeirão Verde levada hike
Levada do Rei
- Length: 10.6 km (there and back)
- Difficulty level: medium
- Duration: 2.5 – 4 hours
- Name: PR18
- Start/end point: Quinta Levada do Rei
The Levada do Rei is a relatively flat trail, making it accessible for most hikers and great for a relaxing walk in nature.
Course of the Levada do Rei hike
This levada hike starts and ends at the Quinta Levada do Rei restaurant in the village of São Jorge. From there, you walk through forests and always along the Levada do Rei.
In between, you have beautiful views and pass various plant species.
The highlight awaits you after a good 5 kilometers: the Ribeiro Bonito waterfall. Note that you will have to climb a little over stones on the last stretch to the waterfall.
From Ribeiro Bonito, you take the same route back to São Jorge.
How to get to the Levada do Rei
You can easily get there by car, as there is a parking lot at the Quinta Levada do Rei.
If you prefer to walk with a guide, book a guided tour from Funchal.
Book a guided Levada do Rei hike
Levada da Serra do Faial (Vereda dos Balcões)
- Length: 3 kilometers (there and back)
- Difficulty: easy
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Name: PR11
- Start/end point: Casa do Ribeiro Frio
If you don’t want to hike much, but just want to see a levada in Madeira, this is the right place for you. The trail to the Balcões viewpoint is a very easy levada hike in Madeira.
Course of the Levada da Serra do Faial hike
Officially called Vereda dos Balcões, this trail begins in the charming village of Ribeiro Frio. From there, you walk about 1.5 kilometers alongside the Levada da Serra do Faial.
The path is flat, wide and really super easy. At the end you reach the Balcões viewpoint – from here you have an amazing view. Afterwards, you walk back the same way.
How to get to the Levada da Serra do Faial
If you want to drive, we recommend arriving early – we didn’t see many parking spaces.
Alternatively, you can take bus 56 from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio – but be careful! It only runs very rarely.
Levada Nova & Levada do Moinho
- Length: 8 km
- Difficulty level: medium
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Start/end point: Igreja da Lombada
As the Levada Nova and the Levada do Moinho run almost side by side, you can combine the trails and do a circular hike.
Route of the Levada Nova hike
At the Lombada church near Ponta do Sol, you first walk along the path along the Levada do Moinho. It is only slightly uphill, so it is not too strenuous.
After about 4 kilometers, a path leads up to the Levada Nova, which flows just a few meters above the Levada do Moinho.
Just after the halfway point, you’ll reach a striking waterfall and walk through a partially open tunnel – a highlight of the route.
Along the Levada Nova, you walk back towards Ponta do Sol.
Note: There are a few places along the Levada Nova that are not so well secured. Be very careful where you step here.
The Levada Nova Trail ends about 800 meters from the Igreja da Lombada.
How to get to the Levada Nova
There are not many parking spaces at the start of the hike. It’s best to park along the roadside nearby, as spaces at the trailhead are limited.
If you don’t want to hike on your own, book a guided hiking tour. This includes a transfer and guide.
Book a guided hike on the Levada Nova
Madeira Levada FAQs
Where does the water for the levadas in Madeira come from?
From rainy areas in the north of the island.
Due to high rainfall and natural springs, the amount of water in some areas of Madeira is very high.
How old are the levadas in Madeira?
The first levadas were built in the 15th century.
The irrigation system was further expanded in the middle of the 17th century.
What are the difficulty levels of the levada hikes on Madeira?
Most levada hikes are moderately difficult.
There is always a little uphill and downhill, but rarely very steep. The paths are usually firm.
However, it is sometimes muddy and slippery on the levada hikes due to all the water.
Those were our tips for levada hikes in Madeira
Have you explored any levadas in Madeira yourself? Or do you have other favorite routes to recommend? Share your experiences in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!