Levada da Serra do Faial
Long, gently sloping levada around the eastern flank of the central massif. Many entry points — good for half-day walks.
About Levada da Serra do Faial
Levada da Serra do Faial sits in Santo da Serra and is a moderately demanding hike — good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 18 km point-to-point route, Levada da Serra do Faial climbs around 200 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 5 and 6 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
Bring more water than you think you need and pace yourself — the second half is where most people struggle. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, which means it is marked, maintained and mapped — but conditions can change quickly when cloud rolls in from the Atlantic.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip — basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Carry at least 1.5 L of water per person and a windproof layer; the summit ridge can be 10 °C colder than the coast.
- A small head torch is useful in case the route enters any tunnel section.
- Mid-morning is fine, but earlier starts mean clearer views and emptier paths.
- Check the official ‘Estado dos Trilhos’ status before you go — trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October combine long daylight, stable weather and lower trail traffic. Winter is fine for the lower levadas but unreliable on the high ridges.
Location
Santo da Serra, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.71670, -16.83330
Frequently asked
How long does the Levada da Serra do Faial hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada da Serra do Faial in around 5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 7 hours. The route is 18 km long with about 200 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada da Serra do Faial suitable for beginners?+
Levada da Serra do Faial is rated moderate. Beginners with reasonable fitness can complete it, but expect uneven ground, some exposed sections and a few hours on your feet.
Do I need a guide for Levada da Serra do Faial?+
No, Levada da Serra do Faial is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada da Serra do Faial.