Exploring Paradise: Top 10 Levadas & Hiking Trails in Madeira, Portugal
With its many gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, it’s no surprise that Madeira has long been referred to as a “hiker’s paradise”. Many of these trails follow the old irrigation canals called “levadas” that were used to bring water from the north side of the island to the south. Although still used today, many of these canals are also widely used for walking. No matter your preference or experience level, there are many different types of trails all over Madeira. Beginners or those looking for a more leisurely nature walk should stick to the south side of the island, while those looking for a more exhilarating trekking experience should head north to the mountainous side of the island.
1. Vereda do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo
Distance: VN 7,4km and VS 8,7km
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3:30h
Start/End: Pico do Areeiro/ Pico Ruivo
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude:18572 m /1491 m
The Vereda do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo is one of Madeira's most renowned hiking trails, offering breathtaking vistas of the island's dramatic landscapes. This challenging trail takes you from Areeiro to the highest peak, Pico Ruivo, providing stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the rugged coastline.
2. Vereda dos Balcões
Distance: 1,5 Km (+ 1,5 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1:30h
Start/End: E.R. 103 (Ribeiro Frio) / E.R. 103 (Ribeiro Frio)
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 880m / 870 m
This relatively easy and family-friendly trail leads to a viewpoint known as "Balcões," where visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the Ribeira Frio valley and its lush forests. The trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and takes you through the island's enchanting Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Levada do Alecrim
Distance: 3.5 km (+ 3,5 km return)
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1,5 hours
Start/End: Rabaçal Shelter / Nascente da Levada do Alecrim
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1339 m / 1256 m
Levada do Alecrim is an easy 2.5-hour hike offering panoramic views of the Rabaçal Valley and Ribeira da Janela. The highlight is the Levada do Alecrim spring, supplying the Calheta Hydroelectric Power Plant and featuring the 'Dona Beja' lake, which feeds the stunning Lagoa do Vento waterfall, perfect for a refreshing stop.
4. Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Distance: 8,7 km (+ 8,7 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6:30 hours
Start/End: Queimadas Forestry Park / Caldeirão do Inferno
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1020 m / 872 m
The beginning of Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a 6.5-hour hike, is remarkable. The Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas, resembling traditional Casas de Santana, captivates with its triangular shape and thatched roof. As you proceed, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde terrace showcases the exotic beauty of nature. Amidst the Laurissilva forest, this historic 18th-century levada channels abundant water to Faial parish's farmlands, highlighting the island's rich heritage.
5. Vereda do Fanal
Distance: 10.8 Km
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Start/End: E.R. 209 Assobiadores / E.R. 209 Fanal
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1420 m / 1130 m
The Vereda do Fanal, a moderately challenging trail, leads to Fanal, home to a small volcanic crater designated as a Rest and Quiet Reserve by the Madeira Natural Park. This serene location offers relaxation and stunning views from natural viewpoints. The area is surrounded by ancient Til (Ocotea foetens) woods, some of which have graced the landscape since before the island's discovery, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
6. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Distance: 3 Km (+ 3 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2h30 hours
Start/End: E.R. 109 (Baía d’Abra - Caniçal) / Casa do Sardinha
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 126 m / 23 m
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offers a pleasant hike despite its undulating terrain. This volcanic peninsula consists mainly of basalt, with limestone sediment formations. At its end, you'll find two islets: Desembarcadouro Islet and Farol Islet. The semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds result in sparse vegetation and no trees, a stark contrast to the rest of the island. It's a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, boasting rare plants and diverse fauna.
7. Levada das 25 Fontes
Distance: 4,6 Km (+ 4,6 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3h
Start/End: Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal / 25 Fontes
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1288 m / 964m
Levada das 25 Fontes offers a tranquil hike amidst stunning natural beauty. It leads to Lagoa das 25 Fontes, formed by waters flowing from Paul da Serra through 25 springs. The landscape is truly unique, providing an opportunity for contemplation and appreciation of nature's intricate outlines.
8. Vereda das Queimadas
Distance: 2,1Km
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 45 minutes
Start/End: Queimadas / Pico das Pedras
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 890 m / 870 m
The "A path for all" trail is carefully crafted to allow everyone to connect with Madeira's lush nature. It serves as the starting point for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, offering accessibility and a gateway to the island's natural beauty.
9. Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã (Porto Santo Island)
Distance: 2,7 km
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1:30h
Start/End: ER 120 / Terra Chã
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 450 m / 184 m
The Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã trail, initially created for cargo mules, starts at regional road ER 120, leading to the island's second-highest point, Pico Branco. During the hike, you'll encounter the impressive prismatic geological formation known as Rocha Quebrada, through which the trail was ingeniously carved.
10. Vereda do Pico do Castelo (Porto Santo Island)
Distance: 3,2 Km /4,6 km
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Start/End: Moledo / Canhão Viewpoint
Duration: 1,30hr/2,15hr
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 435 m / 225 m
Vereda do Pico do Castelo, starting at Moledo, offers two routes along the forest road, one on the northern side of Pico do Facho and the other, the island's longest trail, on the southern side. The hike introduces hikers to exotic species like Aleppo pine and indigenous flora like the dragon tree (Dracaena draco). This enriching experience provides a close connection with the diverse flora of the region. On the way to Pico do Castelo, historically a fort protecting against pirate attacks, you can explore the Canhão Viewpoint, adding to the adventure
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