Best Levada Walks in Madeira

The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 13 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 10.4 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.

Two-levada loop 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. 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.

Short, dramatic levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) ending at a cliff-pierced tunnel above a green ravine.

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

One of Madeira's longest levadas — 60 km total, most walked between Cabo Girão and Boa Morte through banana and vine country.

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.