Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova
Short waterfall walk above Ponta do Sol following the Levada Nova past several cascades — including the iconic shower-through-the-waterfall section.
About Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova
Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova sits in Madeira's sunniest western strip and is an accessible walk suitable for most fitness levels. Over its 6.9 km loop, Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova climbs around 250 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
It packs a lot of variety into a relatively short distance, which is why it stays busy through the season. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails. It sits outside the official PR network, so it is less obviously waymarked — bring a downloaded map and treat the route description as your primary source.
What to know before you go
- Trail runners are fine on dry days; switch to grippy hiking boots if rain is forecast — wet basalt is unforgiving.
- Bring more water than the distance suggests; the cumulative climb is what drains energy, not the kilometres.
- 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
Ponta do Sol, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.69432, -17.08769
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova to load into your watch, phone or GPS device. Always carry an offline map and follow the painted PR waymarks on the ground — GPX is a guide, not a substitute for navigation.
Download caminho-das-cascatas-da-levada-nova.gpxLoading route preview…
Preview only. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova. Machine-readable feed: /api/public/trail-conditions/caminho-das-cascatas-da-levada-nova.
No verified reports yet for this trail. We only publish entries we can stand behind — dated, first-person, and signed. If you've walked it in the last few weeks, use the form above and we'll add it here with credit.
Frequently asked
How long does the Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova hike take?+
Most hikers complete Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova in around 2.5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 4 hours. The route is 6.9 km long with about 250 m of elevation gain.
Is Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova suitable for beginners?+
Yes. Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels, including families with older children. Sturdy shoes are still recommended.
Do I need a guide for Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova?+
No, Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova 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 Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova.