Levada walks in Madeira: the complete guide

Levadas are irrigation channels, many of them centuries old, that carry water from the wet north and the mountains to the farms and towns of the sunny south. Beside most levadas runs a narrow maintenance path. Those paths, flat and winding along the contours of the mountains, have become some of the most beautiful walks in Europe.

How the official trails work

The regional forest service, IFCN, maintains a network of classified walking routes called PR trails (percursos recomendados), numbered PR1 to PR28, plus a few on Porto Santo. They are signposted, maintained and closed when dangerous.

Since 1 January 2026, walking a classified trail needs an online booking with a time slot, and non-residents pay a fee. Read trail fees and booking before you plan.

The best walks, by difficulty

Easy

Levada dos Balcões (PR11): a short flat walk from Ribeiro Frio to a balcony viewpoint over the central valleys. About 3 km return.
Levada do Risco (PR6.1): from Rabaçal to a tall waterfall in a green cauldron.
Levada do Rei (PR18): a gentle walk through laurel forest on the north coast to a waterfall. See easy levada walks.

Moderate

25 Fontes (PR6): the most famous levada, to a pool fed by many small waterfalls.
Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8): not a levada but a coastal walk across the bare, windswept eastern peninsula, with the ocean on both sides.
Caldeirão Verde (PR9): a long levada through deep laurel forest and tunnels to a waterfall in a vast green cauldron.
Levada do Furado (PR10): from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through ancient forest.

Challenging

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1): the great mountain walk between Madeira’s third-highest and highest peaks, on a path carved along the ridges.
Vereda do Fanal (PR13) and the paths of the Paul da Serra plateau.

When to walk

You can walk all year, but spring (March to June) and autumn (September to October) are best. In winter, high trails are often in cloud and close after storms. In summer, start early to avoid the heat and the crowds, and watch for wildfire closures.

What to bring

Shoes with grip, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, water, snacks, sun protection and a head torch for tunnels. See the packing list and hiking safety.

Getting to the trailheads

Most trailheads are in the mountains, with no useful bus. Drive, take a taxi, or join a guided walk with transport. Car parks at popular trails fill early, so arrive before 9:00. Linear walks are easiest with a taxi pick-up at the end.

Guided or independent?

The main trails are well signposted and easy to follow in good weather, so many people walk them alone. A guide is worth it for your first mountain walk, in uncertain weather, or if you want to learn about the levadas, the plants and the history. Licensed operators also handle bookings and the fee.

Respect the levadas

They are still working irrigation channels. Don’t throw anything in the water, don’t walk inside the channel, and give way on narrow sections. Take your rubbish home.