Easy & Moderate Levada Walks
Our favourite trails near the property, for a range of fitness levels
Trail status & fees checked: 31 Oct 2026 (against IFCN and the official fee table) · Page content last updated: 31 Oct 2026 · Today's trail status (IFCN) →
⚠️ Important: the four PR walks below need a booking and a fee
Since 1 January 2026, the classified walking routes (PR routes) in Madeira require an advance booking before you set out. Walks 1–4 below are classified PR routes, so this applies to each of them. (Levada Nova, from our door, does not need one.)
- Fee: €4.50 per person for a single route (€3.00 if you book through a tour operator holding an IFCN protocol)
- Children 12 and under: free — but they must still be included in the booking
- Madeira residents: free — registration on SIMplifica is still required
- Multi-route passes: €9.00 for one day, €22.50 for three days, €52.50 for seven days (these do not cover PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro)
- How: book a timed entry slot on the regional government's SIMplifica portal and bring the QR code — rangers check it at the trailhead
- No refunds for weather: a booking can't be refunded or moved if you cancel for rain, illness or a delayed flight — only if IFCN closes the trail. Check the forecast first and book close to the day.
Book and pay on SIMplifica → · Official IFCN fees FAQ → · More on booking & trail status
Good news: Levada Nova, the levada that runs right past the property, is not a classified route — no booking and no fee (see walk 0 below).
Where these figures come from — check them yourself
We publish the official sources so you never have to take our word for it. Fees checked against the Portaria on 31 October 2026; trail status against IFCN's list updated 14 September 2026. Fees and trail closures change, so please re-check before you travel.
- Fee table — Portaria n.º 801/2025 of 10 December, as amended by
Portaria n.º 48/2026 of 13 February 2026, Anexo I:
ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/…/Port48ISerie027_2026.pdf (amendment) · ISerie-218-Portaria-Taxas.pdf (original) - Whether a trail is open today — IFCN trail notices (the authoritative status list):
ifcn.madeira.gov.pt — trail status & alerts - Official route descriptions, distances and grades — Visit Madeira:
visitmadeira.com — hiking routes - Plain-language fee FAQ — IFCN:
ifcn.madeira.gov.pt — Fees FAQ (English) - Booking and payment — SIMplifica:
simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259
What Are Levadas?
Levadas are Madeira's unique irrigation channels—narrow waterways built centuries ago to bring water from the rainy north to the drier south. Today, the maintenance paths alongside these levadas create some of the world's most spectacular hiking trails, winding through forests, mountains, and tunnels.
With thousands of kilometres of levadas across Madeira, there's a trail for every ability level. Here are our favourite walks for beginners and families, starting with the one outside our door.
Top Easy Levada Walks
0. Levada Nova — from our door
Booking: none — free, not a classified route
Distance: as far as you like; published loops are 7–12.5 km
Duration: 30 minutes to 4+ hours
Difficulty: Easy along the level levada path; the full published loops are moderate (climbs, one section reported without a railing)
Highlights: We are in the middle of the Levada Nova, 2 minutes' walk from your door. Head one way towards Santo António da Serra, or the other towards Machico and Santa Cruz. Walk out as far as you like and come back the same way.
Starting Point: 2-minute walk from the property — no car needed
1. Vereda dos Balcões (PR 11)
Booking: required — €4.50 per person (free for under-13s, still bookable)
Distance: 3 km round trip (1.5 km each way)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy - Flat, well-maintained path
Highlights: Ends at a stunning viewpoint (Balcões) with views of central mountain peaks. Beautiful laurel forest. Perfect for families.
Starting Point: Ribeiro Frio (about 25 min drive)
2. Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR 9)
Booking: required — €4.50 per person (free for under-13s, still bookable)
Distance: about 13 km round trip to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall (the official route continues to Caldeirão do Inferno: 8.7 km one way)
Duration: 4-5 hours to the waterfall and back
Difficulty: Moderate - Some narrow sections, tunnels
Highlights: Ends at a spectacular waterfall in a natural amphitheater. Ancient laurel forest.
Starting Point: Queimadas Forest Park, Santana (about 40 min drive). The car park is paid: €2/hour after the first 30 minutes, max €10/day (IFCN).
Note: Bring flashlight for 4 tunnels. Reopened 29 May 2026 after closure.
3. Levada do Rei (PR 18)
Booking: required — €4.50 per person (free for under-13s, still bookable)
Distance: 10.6 km round trip (5.3 km each way)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (official grade) - Level levada path, but a long walk
Highlights: Farmland, then laurel forest, ending at the Ribeiro Bonito stream. Very peaceful.
Starting Point: Quebradas, near São Jorge (north coast, about 45 min drive)
4. Levada das 25 Fontes (PR 6)
Booking: required — €4.50 per person (free for under-13s, still bookable)
Distance: 8.6 km round trip (4.3 km each way)
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (official grade)
Highlights: Ends at lagoon with 25 springs cascading down. Magical setting.
One-way rule: walk out along the levada and return by the signed "Bypass" path (IFCN).
Starting Point: Rabaçal on the ER105, Paul da Serra plateau (about 1h15 drive)
Safety & What to Bring
- Sturdy shoes: Hiking boots or trail runners with good grip (paths can be wet and slippery)
- Layers: Temperature drops in mountains, but you'll warm up while walking
- Water: Bring 1-2 liters per person
- Snacks: Trail bars, fruit, sandwiches
- Flashlight: Essential for tunnels (headlamp even better)
- Rain jacket: Weather changes quickly in mountains
- Camera/phone: Fully charged for photos
- First aid kit: Basic supplies
Important Safety Tips
- Stay on the path—levada edges can be slippery
- Don't lean over edges for photos—safety first!
- Check weather forecast before going (avoid during heavy rain)
- Start early (by 9 AM) to avoid crowds on popular trails
- Tell someone your plans and expected return time
- Mobile coverage is good in most areas, but not guaranteed in mountains
- If trail feels too difficult, turn back—there's no shame in that
Our Personal Recommendations
- Warm up on the Levada Nova straight from the door—turn back whenever you like
- Then try Vereda dos Balcões—it's short, easy, and incredibly beautiful
- Best time: Early morning (fewer people, better light for photos)
- Wear quick-dry clothing—tunnels can have water dripping
- Bring plastic bags to protect phone/camera in tunnels
- Have lunch in Ribeiro Frio after Levada dos Balcões—great trout restaurant
- Don't attempt levadas in fog or heavy rain—wait for clear weather