TOP 10: Best levada walks in Madeira

Madeira Island is full of fascinating nature trails and choosing the TOP 10 is undoubtedly a real challenge.

As this choice is always a very personal and subjective opinion, in this article we share our TOP 10 hiking:

Top 10: Best levada walks in Madeira

LEVADA DOS CEDROS (PR14)

A magical path in full harmony with nature, involved by a wide variety of endemic species of flora and fauna of the Archipelago. At the end of the levada, the waterfall and the lagoons make this place perfect to relax and enjoy the good energy of nature.

LEVADA DO REI (PR18)

This is one of those walks that fill our eyes and soul, engulfing us in the emerald green nature that, from time to time, opens up to offer breathtaking landscapes. At the end, we arrive at the magnificent Ribeiro Bonito, where waterfalls and lagoons make this a truly unique place.

VEREDA DO FANAL (PR13)

With a mix of landscapes, this walk is a true nature adventure. Along the way, we can delight with the magnificent panoramic views and enjoy nature in its purest state, feeling its freshness surrounding us, in an energizing walk that appeals all the senses.

LEVADA DA RIBEIRA DA JANELA

We have a special affection for this “levada”, although it is not a walk that we recommend frequently. It is about 30km, with 9 tunnels (one of them with almost 2 kilometers), but there is something special about overcoming this challenge. A tip: in the end, we recommend you to climb the river for about 100 meters, where you can rest and recharge the batteries in a simply perfect place, where the great rocks form beautiful lagoons.

LEVADA DOS TORNOS – BOAVENTURA

In one of the most hidden places of the Island of Madeira, begins this walk that leads us to the origin of Levada dos Tornos, which is one of the most important and extensive of the Island. As we walk,  we enter into the heart of the laurissilva forest and discover its true beauty. Surrounded by the abundant greenery of nature, the best thing to do is go with the flow and enjoy the experience.

LAGOA DO VENTO

Beginning in the Rabaçal area, this walk traverses a small part of the Levada do Alecrim and leads us to discover Lagoa do Vento, one of the most beautiful places of the island, with an imposing waterfall that falls from the top of the rock, forming an immense lagoon. This is the perfect place to feel the force of nature and refresh our senses. Although it is more physically demanding, its beauty and good energy worth the effort.

LEVADA DO CALDEIRÃO VERDE (PR9)

This is one of the best known treks, a classic made by tourists and residents. Starting at Casa das Queimadas in Santana, the walk continues towards the Caldeirão Verde where we come across an imposing waterfall that falls from the top of the “Caldeirão”, forming a simply magnificent lagoon.

LEVADA DO ALECRIM

Beginning in the Rabaçal area, this is one of the most beautiful routes, full of endemic species of flora and fauna of Madeira. At the end of the route you will find the waterfall and lagoon of Dona Beja, framed in a magnificent and peaceful space where you can take a picnic and enjoy the good energy of nature.

VEREDA DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO (PR8)

Another classic of the Island of Madeira, this is the walk that takes us to the east of the Island. The magnificent views illustrate the contrast between the rough sea of the north and the calm sea of the south of the Island. In the end, don’t forget to visit the Miradouro, the Casa do Sardinha and, if the weather is fine, enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea.

RIBEIRO FRIO – PORTELA (PR10)

This trek starts at the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, which is very popular and known for its trout farming. Along the way, we enjoy a nature full of life that guides us on a magical journey. The panoramic views fill our eyes and the tunnels give a touch of mystery to the walk. At the end, you can visit the viewpoint of Portela to appreciate the imposing rock of Penha D’Águia.

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7 comments

[…] TOP 10: Best levada walks in Madeira […]

2018-10-21 16:03

[…] of the highlights of the trip was to hike some levadas. It was so beautiful, and the air so fresh and clean. I loved every minute of it. It was like […]

[…] During this time a network of small irrigation canals called the Levada was built. You can still hike along the Levada today, where you will see some of the best scenery that the area has to […]

[…] you’re interested in hiking the legendary levadas or sampling the famous wine, there’s something for everyone in Madeira. (As long as you’re […]

Maria Rosario Lobo
2019-06-20 19:13

Fiz a caminhada no inicio de Junho/2019. Trata-se de uma caminhada tipicamente madeirense, zona montanhosa muito verde, tempo incerto, pelo que temos quer ir preparados para tudo, mas é exactamente isso que a torna tão especial / fantástica. Fazer esta caminhada é como voltar ao passado e ver a ilha com os olhos dos nossos descobridores. Os degraus de madeira são uma prova da força e engenho do povo madeirense, podem ser um pouco difíceis de fazer mas são o testemunho de outros tempos. Se poder inicie a caminhada descendo os degraus ( para mim é mais difícil subir ), no final da descida tem à esquerda a madre da levada ponto obrigatório é claro, para mim quedas de agua / cascatas / lagoas são sempre fantásticas / únicas, não são para comparar. Depois é só seguir a levada e cuidado com o terreno, dependendo da época pode estar lamacento / escorregadio em alguns sítios. Não perder a vista do miradouro. A paisagem sempre verde, as encostas, as montanhas os abismos, enfim tudo vale mais do que a pena. Para não ter que subir para o ponto de partida ( Estrada Regional 209) arranje forma de deixar um carro na saída da levada no Curral Falso. Eu subi pela estrada até ao ponto de partida mais é um pouco cansativo, tivemos sorte no entanto de não estar sol o que ajudou na subida.

[…] sure if this short route along two acequias could live up to that island’s memorable levada walks; however, we were keen to get […]

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