Levada dos Cedros
Atmospheric levada from Fanal to Curral Falso through ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist.
About Levada dos Cedros
Levada dos Cedros 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 7.2 km point-to-point route, Levada dos Cedros climbs around 180 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 3 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, catalogued as PR14. The PR sign at the trailhead is your reassurance, not a promise — weather on the central ridge can shift inside an hour.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip — basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Pack two litres of water per person — there are no refill points on the route — and a light fleece for the ridge wind.
- 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
Porto Moniz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.82594, -17.15794
GPX track
Download a GPX file for Levada dos Cedros 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 dos Cedros.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada dos Cedros hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada dos Cedros in around 3 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 5 hours. The route is 7.2 km long with about 180 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada dos Cedros suitable for beginners?+
Levada dos Cedros 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 dos Cedros?+
No, Levada dos Cedros 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 dos Cedros
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Levada dos Cedros in a day.
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Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.