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Levada do Moinho
Two distinct walks share this name
This is the classified PR7: a one-way 10.5 km route from Ribeira da Cruz to Junqueira in Porto Moniz. The established Levada do Moinho & Levada Nova page covers a different 11.5 km unclassified circuit above Ponta do Sol.
See the Ponta do Sol circuit →Levada do Moinho: walk in Madeira
Levada do Moinho is a 10.5 km out-and-back walk in Porto Moniz, signposted PR7, rated moderate. It climbs about 80 m in total and takes about 3.5 hours to walk.
A 10.5 km levada walk across the north-west corner of the island, from Ribeira da Cruz down to Junqueira, through farming terraces, tunnels and water tanks well off the tour-bus circuit. Officially closed at the moment.
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About Levada do Moinho
Levada do Moinho sits in the volcanic north-west corner of the island and is a moderately demanding hike, good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 10.5 km point-to-point route, Levada do Moinho climbs around 80 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 3 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 PR7 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.
- Bring a headlamp, some sections pass through unlit lava tunnels.
- 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.
- Official route sheet: 10.5 km, moderate, about 3h30, Ribeira da Cruz (E.R. 101) → Junqueira (Tornadouro), maximum altitude 940 m and minimum 504 m. Net descent is about 436 m; the ascent figure here is our estimate from those altitudes.
- Current status: IFCN lists the PR7 as ENCERRADO (closed). The badge above reflects the latest successful check of the official table.
- One-way walk: the start and finish are different villages, so plan a taxi or a second car before you set off.
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
Porto Moniz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.84080, -17.19260
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada do Moinho.
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.
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Levada do Moinho. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada do Moinho hike take?
Most hikers complete Levada do Moinho in around 3.5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 5 hours. The route is 10.5 km long with about 80 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada do Moinho suitable for beginners?
Levada do Moinho 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 Moinho?
No, Levada do Moinho 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.
Plan around Levada do Moinho
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Levada do Moinho in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada do Moinho.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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