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Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues: walk in Madeira
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues is a 5 km circular walk in São Vicente, signposted PR16, rated hard. It climbs about 884 m in total and takes about 3 hours to walk.
Short, dramatic levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) ending at a cliff-pierced tunnel above a green ravine.
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Route line (GPX)
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A 3.8 km route line for your watch, phone or GPS. It is the mapped line of the trail, not a track we recorded ourselves, so treat it as guidance and follow the signs and closures on the ground.
Download the GPX fileRoute data © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the ODbL. This file is published under the same licence. Source.
About Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues sits in the deep green northern valleys and is a demanding hike with exposed sections, long stair climbs and serious elevation change. Over its 5 km loop, Levada Fajã do Rodrigues climbs around 884 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, registered as PR16 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.
- 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
São Vicente, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.77890, -17.04928
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Levada Fajã do Rodrigues.
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 Fajã do Rodrigues. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
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Frequently asked
How long does the Levada Fajã do Rodrigues hike take?
Most hikers complete Levada Fajã do Rodrigues in around 3 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 5 hours. The route is 5 km long with about 884 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada Fajã do Rodrigues suitable for beginners?
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues 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 Fajã do Rodrigues?
No, Levada Fajã do Rodrigues 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 Fajã do Rodrigues
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Levada Fajã do Rodrigues in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada Fajã do Rodrigues.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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