Top 10 Levadas & Nature Trails
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 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 Arieiro - 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:1862 m / 1542 m
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: 630 m / 630 m
3. Levada do Alecrim
Distance: 1,8m (+ 1,8km return)
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1,5 hours
Start/End: Rabaçal Shelter / Lagoa do Vento
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1600 m / 200 m
4. Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Distance: 6,5 Km (+ 6,5 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5:30 hours
Start/End: Queimadas Forestry Park / Queimadas Forestry Park
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 980 m / 890 m
5. Vereda do Fanal
Distance: 10.8 Km/ 5,6 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
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6. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Distance: 4 Km (+ 4 Km return)
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Start/End: E.R. 109 (Baía d’Abra - Caniçal) / E.R. 109 (Baía d’Abra - Caniçal)
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 110 m / 5 m
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 / E.R.110 (Rabaçal, Paul da Serra)
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1290 m / 900 m
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
9. Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
Distance: 2,7 km
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1:30h
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 450 m / 184 m
10. Vereda do Pico do Castelo
Distance: 3,2 Km /4,6 km
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1,30hr/2,15hr
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 435 m / 225 m
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