Madeira BEST Levada Walks - Detailed Info and Photos
Madeira is an island of Portugal known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque levadas - narrow irrigation channels that traverse the mountains and valleys, making it one of the most scenic hiking destinations in Europe.
What are Levadas on Madeira
The most popular tourist attraction on the island are Levada Walks. Levadas are irrigation canals which transport water to the drier parts of the island. Along the canals you'll find hiking paths which can take you on adventure through a dense forest, long dark tunnels or even waterfalls which are often being the source of the water in levadas. Levada Walks are real adventure!
Pros and Cons of Hiking Levadas on Madeira
Hiking the levadas on Madeira is a must-do experience that gives you a unique way to explore the island. These trails are built alongside Madeira's iconic water channels, meaning they’re generally less steep and challenging than mountain hikes. You’ll follow a path that winds through lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and even tunnels, making the journey scenic and adventurous without being too exhausting.
One of the exciting features of the levadas is the tunnels, some stretching up to a kilometre. While they add to the adventure, they can be a bit tricky to navigate—you might need to hunch down and squeeze by others on the narrow paths. In some sections of the levada, you can easily step aside to let people pass, but in tighter spots, like tunnels or narrow ledges, it takes a bit more patience.
Most levadas are out-and-back trails, so you'll need to walk to the end and then return the same way. This can be a bit repetitive, but the reward is often worth it—the trail might lead to a stunning waterfall or a scenic view, making the effort feel like a rewarding adventure. And, of course, you can turn back at any point if you're ready to wrap up your hike.
Watch our video about BEST Levadas o Madeira on YouTube
Planning a trip?
Looking to book an activity or hire a guide? After spending two years on Madeira, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for local travel services, which you can find in our Madeira E-Book. But when we’re exploring new places, we always turn to GetYourGuide. They offer a huge selection of activities from trusted providers, all with upfront pricing and reviews from real customers, so you can book with confidence. Check out the activities below and find your next adventure with GetYourGuide!
Best Levada Walks on Madeira
Here are the best levada walks on Madeira that offer a variety of stunning views and landscapes for hikers to explore!
Levada PR6 25 Fontes on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 8.6KM round trip
📈 Incline: 300M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4H
Levada 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall is one of the most popular and accessible hikes on Madeira, Levada 25 Fontes, is located in the Rabaçal area. It is a 8.6 km walk that will take you through the stunning laurel forest to a waterfall of 30 meters cascading down surrounded by 25 natural springs. From there, you can go to a viewing platform from which you can see one of the tallest waterfalls on Madeira - Risco Waterfall.
The trail is well-marked and is of moderate difficulty, making it a perfect hike for beginners or those with some hiking experience. However, some sections of the trail can be narrow and steep, so it's important to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Levada PR9 Caldeirão Verde on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 12KM
📈 Incline: 100M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-5H
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 12-kilometer hike that will take you through the scenic landscapes of Santana. The path begins with some very scenic levada trails, completely surrounded by jungle. The lush greenery is very dense, you’ll feel yourself in a real jungle. The trail passes through a dense forest, culminating in a stunning waterfall, and boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several tunnels on the way. This trail is relatively easy and suitable for kids. From the waterfall, you can extend your hike to Levada do Inferno, which also ends with a beautiful waterfall.
There is a parking lot at the hiking trailhead. There’s much going on here. You will find a nice cafe, small cottages where you can stay the night, ducks, a lagoon, and picnic areas here. It’s a great place to have a coffee and cake before or after your hike.
Levada do Moinho - Levada Nova Levada do Moinho on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 9KM
📈 Incline: 150M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3H
Levada Nova is a 9 km circuit hike combined out of two levadas that meet at a waterfall. This trail will take you through the picturesque valley and town of Ponta do Sol. Besides the stairs which connect two levadas, this trail is perfectly flat. The two levadas meet at a very unique waterfall carved in the rock with the trail leading just behind it. From the waterfall you'll continue to a short tunnel. It is important to know that there are several areas with abyss and without protection, so this hike is not recommended for less experienced hikers and definitely not for kids. There is parking and a toilet right next to the church where the trail begins. The trail actually begins behind this church. It’s a little hidden but there's an alley behind the church that leads you to the Levada
do Moinho.
Levada PR16 Fajã do Rodrigues on Madeira
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 16KM
📈 Incline: 100M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3H
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues is a 16 km hike that will take you through the beautiful landscapes of northern Madeira. The trail follows a narrow channel along the cliffside, offering breathtaking views of the AtlanticOcean and the surrounding mountains. On the way, you'll have to pass through several tunnels. One of them is veeeery long, narrow and low, so you'll have to walk bended for about a kilometer. On rainy days this trail gets very wet, so you might have to walk in water if the bad weather catch you on the way. The hike is relatively easy and is suitable for adult hikers of all levels, but it can be tough for people who don't like tight spaces or have back issues. It's a point to point trail ending on a small waterfall. From there you'll have to turn back and return with the same way. There is lots of parking space at the trailhead and a number of signs directing you from the parking lot to the official trailhead.
Levada PR14 Dos Cedros
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 11KM
📈 Incline: 400M if you return via Fanal; 100M if you do an out and back trail
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4H
Levada dos Cedros is a 11 km circuit hike that will take you through a beautiful forest of cedar trees and along a winding levada that is with few exceptions, mostly covered by trees. The trail is well - marked and has a moderate level of difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. However, some sections of the trail can be slippery, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain. There is one point of interest on this trail - a small valley full of small waterfalls. It's quite open and it seems like a good place to have a rest. From there, you can go back within the same way or walk over a kilometre upstairs to Fanal forest - another top location on Madeira.
If you're planning a trip to Madeira and want to explore its incredible levadas, be sure to check out our other articles and YouTube videos for more recommendations and insider tips on the best hikes on the island. Happy hiking!
PR18 Levada do Rei
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 5.3 KM (Point to Point)
📈 Incline: 70 M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 H
The PR18 Levada do Rei, or King's Levada, is one of the top picks for Madeira visitors. It’s long enough to get a nice workout, filled with lush greenery, has a fun waterfall, and won’t leave your legs feeling wrecked. It’s a great choice for hikers of all levels.
This fun and scenic hike starts at the Water Treatment Plant in Quebradas, São Jorge, and winds along to Ribeiro Bonito deep into the lush Laurissilva forest. You’ll kick off the adventure near the Quinta Levada do Rei restaurant—ideal if you want to grab breakfast before the hike or relax with lunch afterward.
Other Articles about Madeira you'd might like
Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
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