Levada do Furado
The Levada do Furado is an 11 km linear levada walk (PR 10) from Ribeiro Frio to Portela in the heart of Madeira's laurisilva UNESCO forest, rated moderate and taking 3.5–4 hours along a 200-year-old water channel through ancient laurel woodland. It is the island's oldest signposted levada walk and the classic introduction to the laurisilva, with several narrow exposed sections, two short tunnels, and a downhill finish at Portela (587 m). Most walkers do it one-way with a taxi or bus pickup from Portela.
What is Levada do Furado?
The Levada do Furado is an 11 km linear levada walk (PR 10) from Ribeiro Frio to Portela in the heart of Madeira's laurisilva UNESCO forest, rated moderate and taking 3.5–4 hours along a 200-year-old water channel through ancient laurel woodland. It is the island's oldest signposted levada walk and the classic introduction to the laurisilva, with several narrow exposed sections, two short tunnels, and a downhill finish at Portela (587 m). Most walkers do it one-way with a taxi or bus pickup from Portela.
Key facts
- Trail code
- PR 10
- Distance
- 11 km linear (Ribeiro Frio → Portela)
- Duration
- 3.5–4 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start point
- Ribeiro Frio (860 m)
- End point
- Portela (587 m)
- Elevation gain
- Negligible climb; ~270 m net descent
- Tunnels
- 2 short, head torch recommended
About Levada do Furado
Levada do Furado sits in the lush, north-facing slopes around Santana and is a moderately demanding hike — good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 11 km point-to-point route, Levada do Furado climbs around 300 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 4 and 5 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, registered as PR10 in the regional PR catalogue. Markings are maintained by the forestry service, but a closure after rain or rockfall is normal — verify the day before you walk.
Levada do Furado (PR10) is the classic east-coast laurisilva traverse — 11 km point-to-point from Ribeiro Frio across the spine of the island to Portela, following one of Madeira's oldest levadas (built in the 18th century) through UNESCO-listed laurel forest. Around 240 m of net descent toward Portela but with several short climbs, mossy stone steps, and a handful of dripping cliff overhangs along the way. Allow 4 to 5 hours including stops; the surface is uneven in places but never technical.
From 2026 PR10 is part of the IFCN Simplifica paid network — a timed ticket (€3) is required and must be booked online before you arrive in Ribeiro Frio. Walk it east-to-west (Ribeiro Frio → Portela) for the easier downhill version, finishing at the Miradouro da Portela restaurant for lunch. The logistics work cleanly with public transport: SIGA bus 103 from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio in the morning, SIGA bus 53 or 78 from Portela back in the afternoon. Exposed sections have low railings or none at all; avoid in heavy rain when the levada path becomes slippery and rockfall risk increases.
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.
- Book a timed Simplifica ticket online before arriving — required from 2026.
- Walk east-to-west (Ribeiro Frio → Portela) for net downhill; arrange a Portela pickup or use SIGA bus 53/78 back.
- SIGA bus 103 from Funchal reaches Ribeiro Frio in around 1 hour.
- Proper hiking shoes — uneven mossy stone in several sections, slippery after rain.
- Carry a headlamp for the short unlit tunnels and water for 4 to 5 hours.
- Avoid in heavy rain or low-cloud days; the cliff overhangs drip heavily and visibility drops to nothing.
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
Santana, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.73494, -16.88619
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Levada do Furado 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.
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Frequently asked
How hard is the Levada do Furado?+
Moderate. The walking is almost flat along the levada, but several sections are narrow with steep drops, and the surface can be slippery after rain. Confident walkers with no fear of heights manage it easily.
Can I walk PR 10 one-way?+
Yes — the standard route is one-way from Ribeiro Frio to Portela. Pre-book a taxi pickup from Portela or use one of the daily SIGA buses from Portela back to Funchal.
Is the Levada do Furado safe?+
Yes for confident walkers in dry conditions. Several sections lack handrails next to the levada, so it is not suitable for young children or anyone with vertigo. Avoid in heavy rain when the path gets slippery.
What will I see on the Levada do Furado?+
Continuous UNESCO laurisilva — ancient til, vinhático and laurel trees, ferns, mosses, and frequent Madeira firecrest and chaffinch. The trout farm at Ribeiro Frio is worth a stop before or after.
Is the Levada do Furado open?+
PR 10 is one of the most reliably open levadas, but check live trail conditions before driving up. Storm damage occasionally closes short sections.
How long does the Levada do Furado hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada do Furado in around 4 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 6 hours. The route is 11 km long with about 300 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada do Furado suitable for beginners?+
Levada do Furado 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 do Furado?+
No, Levada do Furado 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.
How long does Levada do Furado take to walk?+
Most walkers take 4 to 5 hours for the full 11 km Ribeiro Frio to Portela traverse, including viewpoint stops. Strong walkers can do it in under 4 hours; family groups should plan 5 to 6 hours.
Is Levada do Furado dangerous?+
No, but it is exposed in several places — the levada path runs along a cliff edge with low or absent railings, and the surface is uneven and mossy. Wear hiking shoes with grip and skip the trail entirely in heavy rain when slip risk and rockfall risk both spike.
How do I get back from Portela to Funchal?+
SIGA buses 53 and 78 connect Portela to Machico and onward to Funchal — check timetables in advance as services are limited (last bus often around 17:30). Many walkers arrange a taxi pickup from Portela (around €45 to Funchal) to remove the timing pressure.
Plan around Levada do Furado
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