Trail Type

Levada Walks in Madeira

Levadas are Madeira's iconic irrigation channels, built over centuries to carry water from the mountains to farmland. Today, the maintenance paths beside them offer some of Europe's most unique hiking experiences through UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forest.

What Makes Levada Walks Unique

Following Water

You walk alongside flowing water channels, often through lush forest. The gentle gradient (water needs to flow) means less steep climbing than mountain trails.

Tunnels & Exposure

Many levadas pass through dark tunnels (headlamp required) and narrow paths with drops. Check each trail's tunnel and exposure info before you go.

Weather Matters

Levadas can be slippery after rain. Paths may close after storms. Always check trail status the same day.

All Levada Walks (16)

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PR6.1

Levada do Risco

Open

Two-tier waterfall, easy add-on to PR6

0.5-0.75h2kmEasy
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR4

Levada do Barreiro

Partially Open

Poço da Neve ice house (1813), Funchal panoramic views, high-altitude flora, Ribeira de Santa Luzia valley

2-2.5h5.2kmEasy
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR23

Levada da Azenha

Open

Local agricultural levada passing through gardens

1h2.5kmEasy
Free accessView details →
PR25

Levada das Rabaças

Open

High altitude levada on the Paul da Serra plateau

2h6kmEasy
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR26

Levada do Glória

Open

Quiet eastern levada with views to the Desertas islands

1.5-2h4.5kmEasy
Free accessView details →
PR9

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Open

100m waterfall, emerald pool, jungle immersion

5-7h17.4kmEasy-Moderate🔦 Tunnel (m)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR18

Levada do Rei

Open

Forest immersion, waterfalls, less crowded than PR6

3-4h10kmEasy-Moderate
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR6

Levada das 25 Fontes

Open

25 natural springs, waterfall, Laurisilva forest

3-4h11kmModerate🔦 Tunnel (800m)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR13

Vereda do Fanal

Open

UNESCO Laurisilva forest, misty atmosphere, ancient laurel trees

3.5-4.5h10.8kmModerate
Free accessView details →
PR7

Levada do Moinho

Closed

Historic water mills, Laurisilva forest, Achadas mill ruins

3-4h10.3kmModerate
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR10

Levada do Furado

Closed

One of Madeira's oldest levadas, deep Laurisilva forest immersion, Ribeiro Frio trout farm

4-5h11kmModerate
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR14

Levada dos Cedros

Open

Deep Laurisilva forest, ancient cedar trees, UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest

2.5-3h7.2kmModerate
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR16

Levada Fajã do Rodrigues

Closed

Three tunnels (longest ~20min), dramatic valley, Ribeira do Inferno stream

3-4h7.8kmModerate🔦 Tunnel (600m)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR24

Levada da Fajã do Penedo

Open

Dramatic northern valleys and rich vegetation

2.5-3h6.8kmModerate
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR29

Levada dos Tornos (Camacha)

Partially Open

One of the most important water transport levadas

4-5h13kmModerate🔦 Tunnel (400m)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR17

Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

Partially Open

Jurassic Park scenery, jagged peaks, levada tunnels, cascading waterfalls, ridge walk

6-7h18kmHard🔦 Tunnel (500m)
€ Fee requiredView details →

Levada Walk Tips

  • Bring a headlamp even for short tunnels — phone flashlights aren't bright enough
  • Wear waterproof shoes — paths can be wet year-round
  • Start early to avoid crowds on popular routes like PR6 and PR9
  • Check if your route requires booking via SIMplifica
Easy WalksMountain HikesFear of Heights GuideBeginners Guide