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Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal
Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal: walk in Madeira
Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal is a 10.4 km circular walk in Porto Moniz, signposted PR14+PR13, rated hard. It climbs about 1043 m in total and takes about 5 hours to walk.
Loop link-up combining PR14 Levada dos Cedros and PR13 Vereda do Fanal, a full circuit through the ancient Fanal laurel forest, often wrapped in mist.
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About Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal
Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal sits in the volcanic north-west corner of the island and is a demanding hike with exposed sections, long stair climbs and serious elevation change. Over its 10.4 km loop, Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal climbs around 1043 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, listed as PR14+PR13. The PR network is the safe default for self-guided hiking on Madeira, anything outside it is your own risk assessment.
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.
- Start at sunrise to beat both the heat and the cloud layer that often builds over the central ridge by late morning.
- 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
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal hike take?
Most hikers complete Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal in around 5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 7 hours. The route is 10.4 km long with about 1043 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal suitable for beginners?
Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal is rated hard and is not recommended as a first Madeira hike. It involves steep stairs, exposed ridges and serious elevation change. Build up to it on easier levada walks first.
Do I need a guide for Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal?
No, Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal 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 + Vereda do Fanal
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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