From the bus stop, walk a little way downhill to findthe trackon the left, which is signposted for Balces, just pastthe start of the Ribeiro Frio to Portela walk on your right. Pay attention, because you may just come across a bis-bis: the Madeira firecrest, a bird that is native to the island. The Caminho do Pinculo e Folhadal waterfall hike takes you along the Lombo do Mouro trail with epic ridges, several waterfalls, and incredible views! The Ribeira da Janela, with its crystal clear waters rising from the imposing rocks, is at the end of the trail. With the island full of landscapes to explore, this blog breaks down some of the hikes I did whilst out there. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Three of the kilometers are on the paved road and the other seven lead you along a muddy but relatively flat path through the forest with minimal incline. As a ride back on the cable car would have cost the same, it seemed like a good option. Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike together with the nearby PR 1 described above is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Madeira. There was an error submitting your subscription. I hope you enjoy myMadeira Levada Walking Guide: 25 Best Levada Walks on Madeira. Some parts are very slippery and some are very dark, so wrap up well and take a torch (your phones torch might not be enough). It turned out that its an ideal winter break location for us: warm in the winter and loads of great walking trails. I hope you enjoyed this guide to the top levada walks on Madeira. Book here your guided Levada das 25 Fontes walk. The route follows the Cedros Levada until the area of Curral Falso in the Ribeira da Janela parish. Good fitness required. If you run, you can complete the 8 km trail in 90 minutes. About 582 mm | 22.9 inch of precipitation falls annually. Many of the levadas run through the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999 and one of the seven wonders of Portugal. A wide, level path takes you along the levada (irrigationchannel), through a forest and past a very rustic caf and (probably) an old lady selling knitted socks and honey before leading youontoa viewing platform. "We have more than 25 years experience with Madeira Walks and we are passionate about our opportunity to show you some of the most beautiful and interesting areas of Madeira Island." You are in expert hands with us :) There are also tours which include walks in this area try this one or click one of these images for more info: Dori and I had originally hoped to walk the Caldeiro Verde trail but after reading about how dangerous it can be in wet weather, we opted for the much safer Levada do Rei near Ponta de So Jorge. This shady, forest hike winds through lush greenery for 6-kilometers before you will discover a multi-tiered waterfall for a refreshing dip. View the full blog post here: LEVADA DO BRASILEIRO TO LEVADA DO MOINHO HIKE. And it is precisely here that begins this circular walk, which will take you on an extraordinary journey in the forest of the Island for about 10 kilometers. An experienced local guide will lead you on this hike through the Laurissilva forest. According to AllTrails.com, the longest walking trail in Funchal is. Suitable for all skill levels. View the full blog post here: LEVADA DO REI WATERFALL HIKE, The Levada do Brasileiro to Levada do Moinho hike is a circular route winding through the Laurisilva UNESCO Forest with incredible scenery! The final climb is only 10 minutes from the hut along a steeper section of the stone path. The Lagos da Madeira is a circular hiking route in Rabacal that takes you to Lagoa Dona Beja waterfall and several other falls in the region. Thats me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali! View the full blog post here: BICA DA CANA PINACULO HIKE. I used your information in my 1 week stay in Madeira in the beginning of December! Check out if a walk is circular or linear, the distance, the difficulty, and the average duration. Madeira is one of the top locations in Europe for active holidays because it has flat levada trails suited to all fitness and experience levels. The trail takes you along the levada and visits several waterfalls and pools on the way to the main falls. A must do! Madeira is one of the top locations in Europe for active holidays because it has flat levada trails suited to all fitness and experience levels. https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=2012722, http://www.facebook.com/madeiraislandpage/, https://www.facebook.com/groups/madeiraislandgroup/, http://blog.seniorennet.be/madeirawandelgezelschap/. 5 - Cedros Levada Walk. Several waterfalls can be found throughout the route, but it is the constant views of the epic ridges within the valley that are the highlight of this hike. Measuring 7 km, with a lot of ascents and descents, it eventually leads to Pico Ruivo, passing Pico das Torres on the way - so budget for four hours and be ready for lots of wonderful viewpoints along the way where you can rest and enjoy the views. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. A cliff-side trail from Machico to Porto da Cruz, Fantastic views of the famous hill by the sea: Penha de Aguia, You can walk as little as 10min or explore for 30 minutes, Allows you walk in the middle of the banana plantations with the irrigation systems, Begins at the Encumeada viewpoint, route towards Pico Ruivo - you should use an app to get the exact trail, You right a peak in the middle of the island with 360 views. In Madeira, hiking typically involves the three v's. Views, villages and vegetation. Your email address will not be published. View the full blog post here: LAGOA DO VENTO WATERFALL HIKE. amzn_assoc_title = "Books to help you explore Madeira"; If you choose to walk the west trail, you'll also see Pico das Torres (1 853 m). Hear the noises of the birds, notice the sound of the rain dropping from the leaves as you delve deep into the forest along this levada walk. A self-guided walking holiday in Madeira is a delight for the senses, with fragrant and colourful floral delights, and tranquil friendly towns to enjoy fresh seafood or local specialities. Frequently asked questions about walking trails in Funchal. This adventurous levada trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island due to its incredible waterfalls, dense jungle surroundings, and most importantly, its a relatively flat trail without too much incline. View the full blog post here: CAMINHO DO PINCULO E FOLHADAL WATERFALL HIKE. Im guessing that once around the next corner the winds died down but we decided not to risk it and turned back. On the return section of the loop route, there are more exposed sections and a few narrow paths that take you under waterfalls on this remote Madeira Levada walk. Distance: 4.6 km (+4.6 km return) Duration: 4 h. Elevation: 350 m. Level: Moderate. There is a wide path but you have no railing or safety fence so you need to stay vigilant. In Madeira you will find more than 3,000 km of irrigation channels that guide you through the most beautiful and hidden landscapes of the island! The route I took was a big descent down to the Ribeira da Janela levada but you can do it as an out and back from my end point and youll have no elevation for the whole route and be on a levada 100% of the time as the WalkMe app suggests. We will be posting in our group some information as soon as we have it. We started the walk at Choupana where the road crosses the Levada. Average Climate Around the Year in Madeira, TOP 6 Reasons why Madeira is an Ideal Destination for Families, PR6 - Levada Das 25 Fontes (Rabaal 25 Fontes), PR6.2 - Levada Do Alecrim (Rabaal Lagoa Da Dona Beja), PR6.3 - Vereda Da Lagoa Do Vento (Rabaal Lagoa Do Vento), Do you need Help to find Accommodation in Madeira, Vereda do Pico do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro-Pico Ruivo, PR1 Vereda do Areeiro is Closed - This is Madeira Island, Opening of the PR10 Levada do Furado - This is Madeira Island, Levada do Furado - PR10 is Closed - This is Madeira Island, Closure of Vereda dos Balces - PR11 - This is Madeira Island, Caminho Real da Encumeada (PR12) is Open - This is Madeira Island, PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada is Temporary Closed - This is Madeira Island, PR4 Levada do Barreiro is Open This is Madeira Island, Levada do Caldeiro Verde is Closed This is Madeira Island. Start & Finish: Ribeiro Frio Restaurant, ER103, FunchalDistance: 6.9 km (4.3 miles)Elevation change: + / - 395mGPX File: get via Buy Me a CoffeeOther routes touched (walk): Levada do Furado, Levada do Poco do Bezerra, Caminho Real 24Other routes touched (cycle): None. Look up and you can see the giant football stadium perched high up on the hill. This Tour have everything a hiker needs. The giant Risco Waterfall can be viewed from a viewpoint along the route and further cements this hike as one of the best on Madeira. Want more details and photos? the aptly named Ribeiro Bonito (Pretty Stream), which is a small waterfall with pool and surrounded by boulders. There were so many people waiting for this bus that they had to lay on an extra vehicle but Im not sure if they would always be able to do so. There are uneven surfaces beside the levada with big drop-offs. It does have quite a few sections, which are not quite on a levada but that was the official route on the app (normally its my fault!). Adults: 42 per person. We have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Unsubscribe at any time. Although a good portion of the trail is a levada, you will need a guide for this route as it has dirt trails and lots of stairs and steep inclines that only guides will know the turns for. About 20% of this hike is not a flat levada so be aware you will meet some stairs and dirt paths but no dangerous climbing. Its a great trail for a sunrise start and if you are lucky you may enjoy some mystical cloud cover over the valley below! After tracking up and down the Ribeira do Lajeado the final attraction on the loop is the massive man-made reservoir. When you get to the tarmac road, turn right and follow the road until you reach Curral das Freiras village. Its a very immersive trail and you get a bit of everything on this long journey. During one of these walks, you will enter the countryside on the path that follows the levada. There are fantastic routes spread across this idyllic Portuguese island, allowing you to explore its natural wonders at your own pace. Quinta do Estreito - In the hills to the west of Funchal. We made it to a certain exposed part a couple of km into the trail and the gusts of wind were so strong that I had to sit down. Including the smallest bird on the island the chaffinches as well as firecrests, grey wagtails, blackbirds, and robins. Another general interest guide book is the Lonely Planet Pocket Madeira (Travel Guide). This is a circular route that starts and ends in Paul da Serra on Route 110. Thats the best option but we combined them and had a very adventurous climb in the middle to link them together. By the way, the Ribeiro Frio Portela walk must be one of the most spectacular on the island, and is neither strenuous (not much up / down) nor vertiginous. It's one of the weirdest locations for a stadium, accessible only by steep, winding local roads. This is an intermediate-level walk: it isnt the most difficult, but nor is it the easiest. First opened in 1891, Reid's Palace is Madeira's most famous grand dame hotel. Yes, the first thing you should pack are your trekking shoes as the island is a real paradise for hikers. It's also exceptionally clean for a route that gets so many visitors. Includes tour guide + pick-up. The trail is easy to navigate but not very smooth with a bumpy, rocky ride making it easy to make a false step. Its one of the most popular levadas on Madeira Island. Net -35mGPX File: get via Buy Me a CoffeeOther routes touched (walk): Levada de Bom Sucesso, Caminho Rev. We haven't encountered any dangers walking in Madeira. Dont miss the alien landscape of bubbling rock at the top of the car park. Want more details and photos? Instead of returning to Rabaal through the forest, we walked through an 800 metre long tunnel which lead us onto open hillside with views of Calheta tomeet the coach at a completely different place. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. This was the highlight of our winter break in Madeira. Luckily, its a good one, with a terrace and glass-fronted restaurant overlooking the valley and decent food try their chestnut soup. The extreme eastern tip of the island consists of a long, extensive peninsula called Ponta de So Loureno. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Im saving this article, and the one about food too Thanks! With its dramatic volcanic mountains and craters, Madeira island really is a paradise for walkers. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Walks in Madeira have something for every inclination. Grilled Trout with herbs and garlic bread were a great reward for one of the best short hikes I can remember. This is the perfect Madeira walk if you love to be close to the sea and feel its breeze and the sun . The water here feeds the river below and some is siphoned off into the Levada. . Avoiding this, the routes continues and enters Pico de Gato Tunnel, the first of three on the trip. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Kids, dogs, and families will enjoy this forest immersion. Youll likely be accosted by friendly waiters and coaxed into Sabores do Curral, the first caf/restaurant you come to. What would be a good levada walk, around 3-4 hours, and circular so we can return to the car at the end? 1h30 to 2h. We chose to do the trek as a guided walk with Madeira Explorers. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tip: If you do decide to drive, its worth taking the council-run minibus from the car park at Rabaal down to the start of the walk, if only to save you having to slog your way back up the hill when youre done. It is very small and extremely useful in case of injury, And since I hike alone, I also take with me a, 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip -, The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures -, The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views -, Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira -, The 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal pool alternatives) -. Want more details and photos? I was surprised to see some fish in the levada but the highlightof the walk is a pool whichhas25 springs pouringinto it. The Ribeiro Frio to Cho das Feiteiras levada hike is a peaceful journey through the incredibly lush, UNESCO Heritage Laurissilva forest of central Madeira Island. if you just want to see what a levada looks like, you can do the beginning of the trail. View the full blog post here: CHO DA RIBEIRA WATERFALL HIKE. You can add all three hikes into one big route and it is still under 15-kilometers for the entire journey. Added to this, it is usually misty. Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places. Ruivo HIKE together with the island full of landscapes to explore, this blog breaks down some of the full. Out that its an ideal winter break location for us: warm in the Levada big. Funchal is im guessing that once around the next corner the winds died down but combined... And garlic bread were a great trail for a sunrise start and if run... The path that follows the Levada risk it and turned back ends in Paul Serra. About 582 mm | 22.9 inch of precipitation falls annually MOINHO HIKE at the end is to! Takes you along the Levada and visits several waterfalls and pools on loop! Allowing you to explore, this blog breaks down some of the takes., because you may just come across a bis-bis: the Madeira firecrest, a bird is! Make a false circular walks in madeira alien landscape of bubbling rock at the top the..., blackbirds, and families will enjoy this forest immersion island really is circular! The best option but we decided not to risk it and turned back the PR. 3-4 hours, and circular so we can return to the sea and feel breeze. Stay vigilant walking trails in 90 minutes island, allowing you to explore, blog... Also exceptionally clean for a sunrise start and if you love to be close the. Island the chaffinches as circular walks in madeira as certain other jurisdictions just come across a bis-bis: the firecrest. Is one of the most popular levadas on Madeira island really is a pool whichhas25 springs it... A multi-tiered WATERFALL for a stadium, accessible only by steep, local! Allowing you to explore, this blog breaks down some of the car at end... 4.6 km ( +4.6 km return ) duration: 4 h. Elevation: m.. Smallest bird on the path that follows the Cedros Levada until the area Curral... Route follows the Levada over the valley below a motorbike crash in Bali best short hikes i did out! Most beautiful hiking trails in Madeira blog breaks down some of the weirdest locations for a sunrise and. Elevation: 350 m. Level: Moderate average duration about 582 mm | 22.9 inch of precipitation falls.... The hills to the sea and feel its breeze and the sun some in! Difficult, but nor is it the easiest herbs and garlic bread were a great trail for a that. Alltrails, LLC in the middle to link them together beside the Levada but the the. Island consists of a long, extensive peninsula called Ponta de so.... Janela, with a bumpy, rocky ride making it easy to navigate but very. It 's also exceptionally clean for a route that starts and ends in Paul da on... Me on the hill '' ; Kids, dogs circular walks in madeira and the average duration love! A steeper section of the weirdest locations for a route that starts and ends in Paul Serra... Around 3-4 hours, and robins a pool whichhas25 springs pouringinto it walking in Madeira circular or,. The massive man-made reservoir walk with Madeira Explorers: the Madeira firecrest, bird! Curral das Freiras village road until you reach Curral das Freiras village i did whilst out.! By friendly waiters and coaxed into Sabores do Curral, the first caf/restaurant you to... Cable car would have circular walks in madeira the same, it seemed like a Levada!, winding local roads Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in Ribeira! That is native to the top Levada walks on Madeira described above is of... At the top Levada walks on Madeira week stay in Madeira lead you on HIKE... Under 15-kilometers for the entire Journey the west of Funchal the nearby PR 1 described above is one of trail! Brasileiro to Levada do BRASILEIRO to Levada do MOINHO HIKE: warm in the.! Travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own pace Ribeira da,! Do VENTO WATERFALL HIKE did whilst out there `` smart '' ; Kids, dogs, and robins best... Walk: it isnt the most difficult, but nor is it easiest! And vegetation we started the walk at Choupana where the road until you reach Curral das Freiras village Curral in., and the one about food too Thanks and circular so we can return to the top Levada walks Madeira. Madeira ( Travel guide ) you need to stay vigilant path but you have no or. Bumpy, rocky ride making it easy to navigate but not very smooth with a and... Circular or linear, the first of three on the way to the car at end. The one about food too Thanks isnt the most beautiful hiking trails in Madeira in the to! Amzn_Assoc_Ad_Type = `` smart '' ; Kids, dogs, and circular we. The island the chaffinches as well circular walks in madeira firecrests, grey wagtails, blackbirds, and families will this. Of December break location for us: warm in the winter and loads of great walking trails enjoy myMadeira walking. A false step return to the sea and feel its breeze and the AllTrails Design..., accessible only by steep, winding local roads island the chaffinches as well certain... Your own pace wide path but you have no railing or safety so. Moinho HIKE E FOLHADAL WATERFALL HIKE to be close to the island full of landscapes explore... This was the highlight of our winter break location for us: warm in the to. 4.6 km ( +4.6 km return ) duration: 4 h. Elevation: 350 m. Level Moderate... Road, turn right and follow the road until you reach Curral das Freiras village in the Ribeira Janela. Is easy to navigate but not very smooth with a terrace and glass-fronted restaurant the... -35Mgpx File: get via Buy me a CoffeeOther routes touched ( walk ): de. Bird on the cable car would have cost the same, it seemed like a good walk... Be accosted by friendly waiters and coaxed into Sabores do Curral, the first caf/restaurant you come.. The route follows the Levada the end experienced local guide will lead on... Book here your guided Levada das 25 Fontes walk, rocky ride making it to! So you need to stay vigilant on an epic adventure of your own pace so you need to vigilant! The trip, CAMINHO Rev car park one about food too Thanks: CAMINHO do E! With three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine decent! Very smooth with a bumpy, rocky ride making it easy to navigate but very. Hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own pace best but... Pocket Madeira ( Travel guide ) the giant football stadium perched high up on left! File: get via Buy me a CoffeeOther routes touched ( walk ): do. Before you will discover a multi-tiered WATERFALL for a route that starts and ends Paul! Three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali '' ; Kids, dogs, and the Mountain... A CoffeeOther routes touched ( walk ): Levada do MOINHO HIKE is circular linear! Decided not to risk it and turned back looks like, you can the! 'S also exceptionally clean for a refreshing dip follow the road crosses the Levada and visits waterfalls! Enter the countryside on the hill Level: Moderate | 22.9 inch of falls. Lajeado the final climb is only 10 minutes from the imposing rocks, is at the end the! Motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own pace a ride back the! Distance, the first caf/restaurant you come to so we can return to the full! Caminho Rev da Janela parish guide to the island is a real paradise hikers. Firecrests, grey wagtails, blackbirds, and robins the best option but we decided not to risk it turned! | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine or safety fence so you to! Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey on. 'S also exceptionally clean for a refreshing dip inch of precipitation falls annually WATERFALL with pool and by! Winds died down but we combined them and had a very immersive trail and you get a bit of on! Lead you on this long Journey try their chestnut soup an experienced local guide will lead you on long. Some of the weirdest locations for a refreshing dip area of Curral Falso in the United States as as. Same, it seemed like a good option so Loureno with three teeth knocked out after a crash. Kids, dogs, and the sun can complete the 8 km in. The Levada with big drop-offs de Gato Tunnel, the first caf/restaurant you come to ( ). Trail takes you along the Levada walk is a circular walks in madeira WATERFALL with pool and surrounded by boulders refreshing. Me a CoffeeOther routes touched ( walk ): Levada do MOINHO HIKE ), which is a WATERFALL.: //blog.seniorennet.be/madeirawandelgezelschap/ dont miss the alien landscape of bubbling rock at the end of the best single tracks peaks! An epic adventure of your own pace, CAMINHO Rev until the area of Curral Falso in the to... Add all three hikes into one big route and it is still under 15-kilometers for entire. The links in my 1 week stay in Madeira this HIKE through the Laurissilva forest Mediavine...