Levada Walks in Madeira: Best Levada Hiking Trails Ranked

The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 17.4 km out-and-back walk from Queimadas Forest Park above Santana, following an 18th-century laurisilva levada to a 100 m waterfall dropping into a green rock amphitheatre. Almost flat, four unlit tunnels, moderate exposure, one of the two most famous levada walks on the island.

Walk through Rabaçal's laurisilva to a lagoon fed by 25 springs. One of the most popular routes, go early.

Quiet 10.6 km out-and-back levada walk from São Jorge on Madeira's north coast to the spring of Ribeiro Bonito. Deep laurel forest, one short unlit tunnel, and a fraction of the crowds of 25 Fontes for a very similar green-wall payoff.

Long, wild levada through dense laurisilva on the north-west plateau. Multiple tunnels, headlamp required.

Unclassified two-levada circuit above Ponta do Sol linking Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho, banana terraces, two waterfalls you can walk under, and a short head-torch tunnel. Not the classified PR7 Levada do Moinho in Porto Moniz. Mostly flat concrete edge-path with steep drops; easy underfoot but exposed.

Short waterfall walk above Ponta do Sol following the Levada Nova past several cascades, including the iconic shower-through-the-waterfall section.

Classic point-to-point levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through dense laurisilva, one of Madeira's most popular all-day walks.

Extension of Caldeirão Verde reaching a wilder, deeper amphitheatre, long, exposed sections, several tunnels.

Short, easy walk from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall through laurel forest. Often combined with PR6 25 Fontes.

Quiet high-altitude levada walk on the southern slopes of the central massif, with views over Funchal.

Atmospheric levada from Fanal to Curral Falso through ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist.

Loop link-up combining PR14 Levada dos Cedros and PR13 Vereda do Fanal, a full circuit through the ancient Fanal laurel forest, often wrapped in mist.

Levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) to the Ribeira do Inferno, 3.9 km each way (7.8 km return, about 3 h 30), with tunnels and views over the São Vicente valley. Almost level: the official sheet gives 600 to 630 m altitude.

A long, remote levada walk of about 10.8 km dropping from the Fanal road (ER209) to the canal keepers' house above Lombo da Atouguia, well away from the busy Rabaçal routes. Check the live IFCN status before planning it.

A 10.5 km levada walk across the north-west corner of the island, from Ribeira da Cruz down to Junqueira, through farming terraces, tunnels and water tanks well off the tour-bus circuit. Check the live IFCN status before planning it.

Porto Santo's levada walk: 4.1 km of shaded channel path from Camacha, through Ribeiro Formoso to the Graça Chapel, under the pines planted to green the island's driest slopes. Check the live IFCN status before planning it.

Long, gently sloping levada around the eastern flank of the central massif. Many entry points, good for half-day walks.

Levada do Norte from below Cabo Girão to Boa Morte: approximately 10 km one way through Madeira's cultivated slopes, with coastal views and a tunnel section.

Wide, easy levada across the Paul da Serra plateau, open moorland with endemic flowers and panoramic skies.

Quiet branch off the 25 Fontes route descending steeply to a hidden waterfall and lagoon, slippery, not signposted.

Loop from Rabaçal along the rosemary-lined Levada do Alecrim with a steep descent to the Lagoa do Vento waterfall and lagoon, quieter alternative to the 25 Fontes crowds.

Tunnel-heavy levada along the wild Ribeira da Janela valley, five long tunnels, requires a headlamp and waterproofs.

Easy, low-altitude levada from Maroços to Caniçal across the dry eastern foothills, mostly in open sun.

Long, almost-flat unclassified levada walk linking Monte and Camacha above Funchal, passing the famous Hortensia and Jasmin tea houses. Free to walk, no IFCN booking.