Hiking in Madeira: The 8 Most Beautiful Levada Trails

Madeira has over two thousand kilometers of irrigation channels dating back to the 16th century. These so-called levadas now form the most beautiful hiking trails. With a rental car, you can reach all the starting points of the 8 best levadas.

Would you like some general information about the archipelago first? Then read our comprehensive guide and let yourself be enchanted by magical Madeira.

On this page:

• What are levadas?

• Overview: 8 levada trails + 2 other hikes

• The 8 most beautiful levada trails

• 2 iconic non-levada hikes in Madeira

• Which car class is best for hiking routes in Madeira?

• When is the best time to hike in Madeira?

• Frequently Asked Questions About Madeira

• Why a rental car is perfect for hiking in Madeira

What are levadas?

Levadas are narrow irrigation channels that were constructed starting in the 16th century to carry rainwater from the north to farmland in the south. The entire network is no less than 2,000 kilometers long, of which approximately 200 kilometers are accessible. The hiking trails often run right alongside the channels and through dense laurel forest (Laurisilva), which is found almost exclusively on Madeira and is therefore listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overview: 8 Levada trails + 2 other hikes

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The 8 most beautiful levada trails

Before you think you can just go hiking on a whim: for all official hiking trails (PR) on Madeira, you’re required to make a reservation online, select a time slot, and pay an entrance fee (usually €4.50 per adult; PR1 is an exception at €10.50). You can do this through the government portal SIMplifica. If you’re hiking with an official guide, they’ll take care of all that for you.

PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes (Calheta) – a legendary classic

11 km / 250 m elevation gain / ★★★ / 1 tunnel / 4 hours

A classic levada hike through dense laurel forest to the Lagoa das 25 Fontes, an amphitheater-shaped pool where 25 small springs trickle down the rock face into the water. Optional side trail to the impressive Risco Waterfall (100 meters high; flat, wide path; swimming not permitted at the base). This is the island’s most popular levada.

• Driving directions: From Funchal, follow the ER110 toward Paul da Serra/Rabaçal (50 min).

• Parking: large free parking lot, but it fills up quickly during the day. From the parking lot, first walk 2 kilometers downhill to the Rabaçal forest house (or take the shuttle bus, €3–5 per person).

• Practical tip: Go at sunrise or very early (before 9:00 a.m.); after 10:00 a.m., the tour buses start pouring in.

PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Santana) – waterfall

13 km / 300 m elevation gain / ★★★ / 4 tunnels / 5 hours

A long, unparalleled levada hike through the jungle to a “green cauldron” (Caldeirão Verde) featuring a 100-meter-high waterfall that plunges into an ice-cold lake. Along the way, you’ll pass through four tunnels carved into the rock and climb steep, cable-secured rock faces. A humid but enchanting hike with dramatic scenery.

• Driving directions: From Funchal, take the ER101 toward Santana (45–50 min).

• Parking: Parque Florestal das Queimadas (€3.00); you pay upon return.

• Practical tip: A flashlight or headlamp is required for the tunnels (one is about 200 meters long and can hold up to 10 cm of water after rain).

PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões (Ribeiro Frio) – short panoramic route

3 km / 50 m elevation gain / ★ / no tunnels / 1 hour

A short, flat hike through the Laurisilva forest to the Balcões lookout point, offering panoramic views of Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo. It’s an easy hike, and along the way you’ll see plenty of birds (finches that will eat right out of your hand).

• Driving directions: From Funchal, take the ER103 toward Ribeiro Frio (30–40 min).

• Parking: No designated parking lot; free parking along the ER103 or in small spots near the village; fills up quickly due to tour buses.

• Practical tip: Go very early (before 9:00 a.m.) if you want to hike in peace and see the birds up close; otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line for a parking spot.

PR10 – Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio) – laurel forests, UNESCO

11 km (one way) / 200 m elevation gain / ★★★ / no tunnels / 4 hours

Please note: This route has been closed since January 2026 due to a landslide. Check the current status via IFCN Madeira before planning your trip.

An old levada hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela, straight through dense Laurisilva forest with views of the Penha d'Águia rock formation. It’s a remote route, so you won’t have to deal with crowds.

• Driving directions: Take the ER103 to Ribeiro Frio; arrange for transportation back to your rental car from Portela.

• Parking: along the road in Ribeiro Frio.

• Practical tip: Bring a flashlight for the tunnels and watch out for slippery rocks after rain.

PR15 – Vereda da Ribeira da Janela (Porto Moniz) – tunnels + remote

16 km / 400 m elevation gain / ★★★★ / 8 tunnels (!) / 6 hours

A rugged, long levada hike through a humid jungle with several tunnels (the longest about 1,200 m) toward the headwaters of the Ribeira da Janela. It gives you a bit of a “Jurassic Park” vibe; there are few tourists here compared to the eastern side of the island.

• Driving directions: From Porto Moniz, follow the signs from the ER101 toward Santa/Lamaceiros (10 min)

• Parking: Free, large parking lot at the Lamaceiros picnic area.

• Practical tip: A powerful headlamp is essential, and be sure to bring your own food and water, as there are no facilities beyond the parking lot.

Levada Nova (Ponta do Pargo) – along the west coast

9 km / 200 m elevation gain / ★★★ / 2 tunnels / 3.5 hours

A peaceful, little-visited circular hike along the west coast with views of the Atlantic Ocean, partly through eucalyptus forest and partly through open countryside.

• Driving directions: From Funchal via VR1/VE3 toward Calheta/Ponta do Pargo (1 hour).

• Parking: free, at the church/chapel in Ponta do Pargo or at the VE3/ER223 intersection.

• Practical tip: The initial section from the parking lot climbs steeply up a cobblestone path before the flat section begins.

PR18 – Levada do Rei (São Jorge) – peaceful laurel forest

10 km / 250 m elevation gain / ★★ / 1 tunnel / 3.5 hours

An accessible, relatively quiet hike through a eucalyptus and laurel forest to Ribeiro Bonito, a secluded natural sanctuary with a waterfall that you reach by passing through a short tunnel of vegetation. It’s much less crowded here than on the 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde trails.

• Driving directions: From Funchal, take the VE1 via Santana to the Quebradas water treatment plant in São Jorge (50 min).

• Parking: Free, small parking lot at the trailhead; if crowded, park along the road.

• Practical tip: Bring a raincoat, as you’ll walk under a small waterfall at the end.

PR7 – Levada do Moinho (Porto Moniz) – short family trail

10.5 km / 100 m elevation gain / ★ / no tunnels / 2 hours

Please note: This trail was closed in June 2024; check in advance to see if it has reopened.

A peaceful, historic hike past former water mills (Achadas, Cancelas, Levada Grande) through agricultural and wooded areas. Once the trail reopens, it offers beautiful views of the north coast.

• Driving directions: From Porto Moniz toward Ribeira da Cruz/Santa via the ER101 (15–20 min).

• Parking: free, limited space along the road at the starting point; alternatively, you can start at Portas da Vila, where there is more space.

• Practical tip: The start and end points are far apart; consider walking halfway and turning back, or arrange for a taxi ride back.

2 Iconic Non-Levada Hikes on Madeira

On Madeira, stunning hiking trails aren’t limited to the levadas. Here we describe two other hikes: one for very experienced hikers and one of moderate difficulty.

PR1 – Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo – from peak to peak

A narrow trail over ridges and through 5 short tunnels (the longest approx. 150 m) between the island’s two highest peaks (1,818 m and 1,862 m). Spectacular views over deep valleys and, if you’re lucky, a sea of clouds below you. A very impressive but challenging route with steep stairs.

• Driving directions: From Funchal via VR1/VE4 toward Poiso, then ER103/ER202 to Pico do Areeiro (35–45 min).

• Parking: Free at Pico do Areeiro (upper and lower parking lots); fills up within an hour after sunrise.

• Practical tip: Book well in advance during peak season; bring a headlamp for the tunnels and arrive well before sunrise to secure a parking spot.

PR8 – Ponta de São Lourenço – dramatic cliffs

8 km / 300 m elevation gain / ★★★ / no tunnels / 3 hours

A landscape quite different from the rest of Madeira: a barren, windy peninsula with red and black volcanic cliffs, ending at the island’s oldest lighthouse. A rugged, open landscape with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and little shade.

• Driving directions: From Funchal, take the VR1 to Caniçal, then the ER109 to Baía d'Abra (40–45 min).

• Parking: Free, parking lot at the end of the ER109; fills up quickly in the middle of the day.

• Practical tip: There’s no shade along the way, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water; go early (before 9:00 a.m.) or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and a full parking lot.

Which car class is best for hiking trails in Madeira?

At EasyTerra, you always reserve a car class, not a specific model; the car shown is for illustrative purposes only. If the car shown is no longer available, the rental company may provide you with a different car, as long as it falls within the same class.

Which class is suitable for hiking in Madeira depends, among other things, on the number of people you’re traveling with.

• Mini / Compact: Sufficient for all 10 hiking starting points. Maneuverable on narrow mountain roads ER101, ER218, ER228. Suitable for 2 hikers + daypacks.

• Mid-size: more comfortable for 3 or 4 people + hiking boots + gear. Still fits on all mountain roads.

• Automatic transmission: If you’re not used to shifting gears on steep slopes, rent a car with an automatic transmission. Constantly shifting gears on mountain passes can be very tiring.

• SUV: Unnecessary for most hiking trails. Only book one if you have luggage for a campervan-style trip or are traveling with more than 4 people.

When is the best time to go hiking in Madeira?

The spring months (April–June) and fall months (September, October) feature mild temperatures between 18 and 24°C, and you’ll have the best chance of clear weather for beautiful views. The peak season is during the summer months of July and August. The popular levada trails are very crowded then, and it’s also quite warm on the south coast (28°C). If you’re visiting Madeira during the summer months, check out our tips for renting a car during peak season.

From November through March, there are very few tourists in Madeira because of the heavy rainfall, especially on the north coast. Many trails are closed during this period, and tunnels can be slippery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madeira

What is a levada, and why do people hike along them?

A levada is a piece of Madeira’s history. These irrigation channels were built as early as the 16th century to carry rainwater from the north to the farmlands in the south. The trails running alongside them form a 200-kilometer hiking network through dense laurel forests, past waterfalls, and high above cliffs. The best part is that you’re never far from the sound of flowing water, and these trails are generally less strenuous than a typical mountain hike.

What car class do you need to reach the hiking trailheads?

For all 10 hiking routes in this article, a mini or compact car will get you around just fine. At EasyTerra, you always book by car class, not by a specific model. If the example car is no longer available, the rental company may provide you with a different car, as long as it falls within the same class. Can’t decide between a manual or automatic transmission? For mountain passes and routes with many tunnels, we recommend an automatic—it makes for a much more relaxed drive.

Do you need hiking or trekking shoes?

We’ll be brief on this: yes, they’re essential. Levada trails are often damp and mossy, especially in the tunnels, and can get quite slippery after rain. Are you planning to hike the PR1, the iconic route from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo? Then be sure to bring hiking boots with ankle support, as you’ll be walking over some pretty rocky sections there. We strongly advise against wearing sneakers or tennis shoes; your feet will thank you for something with more grip and support.

How do you know which hiking trails are open or closed?

Before you leave, always check the official website of the ICFN (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas), preferably the day before you go and again on the day itself just to be sure. Trails may be temporarily closed due to bad weather, wildfires, or maintenance work. Be sure to follow these guidelines: ignoring a closed trail can not only result in a fine of up to €5,000, but also poses a real risk of an accident. The 25 Fontes and Caldeirão Verde trails, in particular, are known for being closed periodically.

Do you need a credit card to pick up the rental car?

Yes, it’s required. All providers you book through us will require a credit card in the name of the primary driver when you pick up your rental car at Funchal Airport (FNC). A security deposit (between €700 and €2,500) will be held on that card until you return the car undamaged. Please note: debit or prepaid cards are not accepted for this purpose.

Want to drive around Madeira completely worry-free? Then rent a car with our Worry-Free label, and your deductible in case of damage will be covered.

Can you cancel your Madeira car rental for free?

Yes, and this applies as standard to every booking with EasyTerra: you can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the start of your rental period. No fine print, no separate “flex rate” you have to add—it’s simply included. If you book within those 48 hours before departure, free cancellation is usually no longer possible.

Why a rental car is perfect for hiking in Madeira

Madeira’s most beautiful levadas and hiking trails are often tucked deep in the mountains, at the end of winding roads, or near a remote parking lot. Rent a car in Madeira, and you’ll reach virtually any starting point on the island within 30 to 60 minutes—without fixed bus schedules, expensive transfers, or extra walking distance from the bus stop. Want to be at Pico do Areeiro before sunrise, or add a second hike in the afternoon because the weather is so beautiful? With your own car, you set the pace and the schedule, and you’ll have plenty of time for the real adventure: the hike itself.

Want to visit non-hiking destinations too? Check out our comprehensive guide to magical Madeira.

Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, but if you’re looking for the ultimate combination of volcanic trails and guaranteed winter sun, Tenerife is the perfect alternative.

Has Madeira’s unique island vibe left you wanting more? Then be sure to add these hidden gems in Mallorca to your bucket list for your next European trip.

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