Levada do Norte
One of Madeira's longest levadas — 60 km total, most walked between Cabo Girão and Boa Morte through banana and vine country.
About Levada do Norte
Levada do Norte sits in the historic fishing coast west of Funchal and is a moderately demanding hike — good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 14 km point-to-point route, Levada do Norte climbs around 250 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. 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
- Waterproof boots help here — the levada wall stays damp even in summer and the path turns greasy in patches.
- 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
Câmara de Lobos, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.65770, -17.00440
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Levada do Norte 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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Preview only. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada do Norte.
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Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Levada do Norte. Reviews are moderated before they appear — no account needed.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada do Norte hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada do Norte in around 5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 7 hours. The route is 14 km long with about 250 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada do Norte suitable for beginners?+
Levada do Norte 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 Norte?+
No, Levada do Norte 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 Norte
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Levada do Norte in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada do Norte.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.