Levadas & Hiking
For the avid hiker, Madeira is famous for its levada walks.
In Madeira, the levadas originated out of the necessity of bringing large amounts of water from the west and northwest of the island to the drier southeast. The idea of this style of water channel was brought to Portugal by the Moors and similar examples can still be found in Spain, such as some Acequias in Spain.
In the sixteenth century the Portuguese started building levadas to carry water for agricultural purpose. The most recent were made in the 1940s. Madeira is very mountainous, and building the levadas was often difficult. Many are cut into the sides of mountains, and it was also necessary to dig 25 kilometres of tunnels.
Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island, they also provide hydroelectric power. There are more than 2170 km of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths.
The hiker must remember that he is almost always in a mountain environment, which entails high risks in some places due to being remote and of high altitude or with unstable weather, as such, always consult the local authorities before setting off on the adventure, adapt the courses to your experience and your level. Others are easily accessible and perfect for simple walks in the middle of nature and the Laurissilva forest.
Walking Code
Stay on track and if possible with GPS assistance.
Avoid noise or actions against nature.
Do not take plants or animals with you.
Do not throw rubbish away (tissues do not easily decompose).
Do not light fires.
If you are a smoker do not throw cigarettes ends on the floor, keep them for the dust-bin.
Do not change or damage the signs.
Safety
Don't walk alone, always take company.
Before starting out, make sure you have updated the instructions on the route.
Let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Be sure to confirm the time it will take so that you can finish before nightfall.
Take some extra food and water with you.
Wear suitable clothes and shoes.
If possible, take a mobile phone with you.
Check the weather conditions at the location of the route, before starting it.
In case of heavy rain or strong winds do not go on and/or turn back using the same route.
Don’t take risks.
Hiking Info
In case of emergency, dial 112
Regional Civil Protection Service: 291 700 112 Proteção Civil
Download APP - Prociv Madeira (IOS App & Android App)
Check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on Walking Routes.
Official Madeira Tourism Website - Visitmadeira.com
Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza - IFCN
Information of interest to the population that is disclosed by the competent authorities and made available on the website and app of the Regional Civil Protection Service.
Warnings (Procivmadeira)
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Backpack, Flashlight, Smartphone and Powerbank, Navigation tools such as a Map or GPS, Weather-appropriate clothing, Hiking Boots or Shoes, Plenty of food and water, Essential First-Aid Supplies.
Field code that you will find in some routes:
Right Way
Wrong Way
Footpath Turns Right
Footpath Turns Left
Official informative Safety Leaflet - WalkingSafely.pdf
Easy Trails
Vereda dos Balcões
Location: Ribeiro Frio (São Roque do Faial)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 56 HdF - 103 HdF - 138 HdF
Distance: 3km (Round trip)
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum altitude: 875m
Maximum altitude: 890m
Terrain: Regular, Unslippery, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Location: Achada do Teixeira (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 5.7km (Round trip)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 1582m
Maximum altitude: 1861m
Terrain: Regular, Stable, Steep.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada dos Tornos
Fanal
Location: Fanal (Ribeira da Janela)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6km (Circular)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 1079m
Maximum altitude: 1210m
Terrain: Irregular, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Pico das Pedras/Queimadas
Location: Pico das Pedras (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 4km (Round trip)
Duration: 1:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 875m
Maximum altitude: 910m
Terrain: Regular, Accessible to everyone.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda das Funduras
Levada da Serra do Faial
Levada do Alecrim
Location: Paúl da Serra
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6.7km (Round trip)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 1264m
Maximum altitude: 1290m
Terrain: Regular, Unslippery, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Rei
Location: São Jorge
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 11.2km (Round trip)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 531m
Maximum altitude: 735m
Terrain: Regular, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada da Silveira
Location: Queimadas (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 11.5km (Round trip)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 599m
Maximum altitude: 707m
Terrain: Regular, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Seixal/Chão da Ribeira
Location: Chão da Ribeira (Seixal)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 3.3km (Round trip)
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum altitude: 453m
Maximum altitude: 596m
Terrain: Irregular, Slippery.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Location: Ginjas (São Vicente)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 8.4km (Round trip)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 568m
Maximum altitude: 696m
Terrain: Regular, Stable, 3 Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Castelejo
Location: Porto da Cruz
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 56 - 103 - 138 HdF
Distance: 10km (Round trip)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 271m
Maximum altitude: 355m
Terrain: Regular, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Moinho
Location: Achadas da Cruz (Porto Moniz)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 80 Rodoeste
Distance: 13.4km (Round trip)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 680m
Maximum altitude: 936m
Terrain: Irregular, Slippery, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Norte/Boa Morte
Location: Boa Morte - Espigão
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 127 Rodoeste
Distance: 12.2km (Round trip)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 512m
Maximum altitude: 635m
Terrain: Regular, Stable.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Ribeiro Frio/Portela
Location: Ribeiro Frio - Portela
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 56 - 103 - 138 HdF
Distance: 10.5km (Point to point)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 601m
Maximum altitude: 903m
Terrain: Regular, Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Rocha do Navio
Location: Parlatório (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 103 138 56 HdF
Distance: 2.5km (Round trip)
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum altitude: 3m
Maximum altitude: 298m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs, Cable car.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda Nossa Senhora da Pedra
Location: Ponta de São Jorge (São Jorge)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 103 HdF - 138 HdF
Distance: 0.66km (Round trip)
Duration: 20 minutes
Minimum altitude: 196m
Maximum altitude: 269m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Moderate Trails
Ponta de São Lourenço
Location: Ponta de São Lourenço (Caniçal)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 113 SAM
Distance: 7.2km (Round trip)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 20m
Maximum altitude: 160m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Dry, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Rabaçal/25 Fontes/Risco
Location: Rabaçal (Paúl da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 10km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 959m
Maximum altitude: 1288m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs, Tunnel.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Camacha/Monte
Location: Camacha - Monte
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 129 - 77 - 111 - 112 HdF
Distance: 8.78km (Point to point)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 507m
Maximum altitude: 793m
Terrain: Regular, Steep, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Glaciar de Planalto
Location: Bica da Cana (Paúl da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 7 km (Circular)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 1471m
Maximum altitude: 1622m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Bica da Cana/Pinaculo
Location: Bica da Cana (Paúl da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 5km (Circular)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 1444m
Maximum altitude: 1577m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada da Serra/Lamaceiros
Vereda do Larano/Boca do Risco
Location: Porto da Cruz (Machico)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 9.6km (Round trip)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 390m
Maximum altitude: 490m
Terrain: Irregular, Dry, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Ribeiro Frio/Chão das Feiteiras
Location: Ribeiro Frio
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 56 - 103 - 138 HdF
Distance: 7km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 835m
Maximum altitude: 1181m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Pico do Facho/Levada do Caniçal
Fanal/Levada dos Cedros
Location: Fanal (Ribeira da Janela)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 12.5km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 842m
Maximum altitude: 1164m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Moinho/Levada Nova
Location: Ponta do Sol
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 80 - 142 - 8 - 146 Rodoeste
Distance: 8.6km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 308m
Maximum altitude: 488m
Terrain: Regular, Stairs, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Queimadas/Caldeirão Verde
Location: Queimadas (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 12.3km (Round trip)
Duration: 3hours
Minimum altitude: 878m
Maximum altitude: 995m
Terrain: Irregular, 4 Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Caminho Real da Encumeada
Location: Boca da Corrida - Encumeada
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 12km (Point to point)
Duration: 5 hours
Minimum altitude: 811m
Maximum altitude: 1340m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda do Fanal
Location: Paúl da Serra
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 10.76km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 1183m
Maximum altitude: 1437m
Terrain: Irregular, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada da Rocha Vermelha
Location: Paúl da Serra
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 15km (Round trip)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 802m
Maximum altitude: 1010m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, 1 Tunnel.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Monte/Levada do Bom Sucesso
Boca das Voltas
Location: São Jorge
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6.49km (Round trip)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 603m
Maximum altitude: 843m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Hard Trails
Penha de Águia
Location: Penha de Águia (Porto da Cruz)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 53 SAM - 78 SAM - 208 SAM
Distance: 6km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 135m
Maximum altitude: 623m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda do Areeiro/Pico Ruivo
Location: Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 10.9km (Round trip)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 1519m
Maximum altitude: 1861m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery, Tunnel.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Lagoa do Vento
Location: Rabaçal (Paúl da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6.7km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 1045m
Maximum altitude: 1290m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery, Stairs.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada Nova/Santo da Serra
Levada do Caniçal/Boca do Risco
Ponta do Pargo
Location: Ponta do Pargo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 142 Rodoeste
Distance: 15.88km (Circular)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 395m
Maximum altitude: 636m
Terrain: Regular, Steep, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Paúl II
Location: Paúl da Serra
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 15km (Circular)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 1296m
Maximum altitude: 1578m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Unmaintained.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Pinaculo/Bica da Cana
Location: Lombo do Mouro - Bica da Cana
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 10.82km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 1332m
Maximum altitude: 1600m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Galhano/Levada da Rib. da Janela
Location: Fonte do Bispo - Ribeira da Janela
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 22.4km (Point to point)
Duration: 7 hours
Minimum altitude: 430m
Maximum altitude: 1232m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, 8 Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Caramujo/Plaino Velho/Paredes
Location: Bica da Cana (Paúl da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 7.62km (Circular)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 1183m
Maximum altitude: 1562m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, 2 Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Queimadas/Caldeirão do Inferno
Location: Queimadas (Santana)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 20.15km (Round trip)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 878m
Maximum altitude: 1097m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, 12 Tunnels.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Location: Encumeada
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 139 - 6 Rodoeste
Distance: 17km (Circular)
Duration: 5 hours
Minimum altitude: 925m
Maximum altitude: 1530m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Pico da Cruz/Trompica
Location: Fontes (São Paulo)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 123 Rodoeste
Distance: 10.64km (Circular)
Duration: 2:30 hours
Minimum altitude: 979m
Maximum altitude: 1412m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Road.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Chão dos Terreiros
Location: Boca da Corrida (Jardim da Serra)
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6.43km (Circular)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 1236m
Maximum altitude: 1440m
Terrain: Irregular, Plants over pathway.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Poço das Pulgas
Location: Ponta Delgada
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: 6 Rodoeste
Distance: 5km (Circular)
Duration: 4 hours
Minimum altitude: 284m
Maximum altitude: 788m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Slippery.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Porto Santo
Pico Branco/Terra Chã
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 4.87km (Round trip)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 184m
Maximum altitude: 415m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Dry.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Vereda do Pico Castelo
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 6.45km (Circular)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 261m
Maximum altitude: 442m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Stairs, Dry.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Pico de Ana Ferreira
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 4.45km (Circular)
Duration: 2 hours
Minimum altitude: 38m
Maximum altitude: 243m
Terrain: Irregular, Dry, Steep.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Greta da D. Beja
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 2km (Round trip)
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum altitude: 1m
Maximum altitude: 38m
Terrain: Irregular, Dry, Steep.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Levada do Pico do Castelo
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 3km (Point to point)
Duration: 1 hour
Minimum altitude: 142m
Maximum altitude: 169m
Terrain: Regular, Dry.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Espigão/Praia do Zimbralinho
Location: Porto Santo
Directions: Starting point GoogleMaps
Bus: Not available
Distance: 7.76km (Circular)
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 1m
Maximum altitude: 259m
Terrain: Irregular, Steep, Dry.
Difficulty: 
Itinerary: Preview - Wikiloc
Download File for GPS: .gpx - .kml
Check the official Regional Civil Protection Service map with up-to-date information on Walking Routes.
