Levada do Furado
Classic point-to-point levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through dense laurisilva — one of Madeira's most popular all-day walks.
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.
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
Santana, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.73110, -16.88610
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.
Download levada-do-furado.gpxLoading route preview…
Preview only. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada do Furado. Machine-readable feed: /api/public/trail-conditions/levada-do-furado.
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 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.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada do Furado.