Madeira Levada Hikes — The 5 Most Beautiful Tours

Madeira Levada Hikes — The 5 most beautiful tours on the flower island

Madeira is a hiker's paradise — and the levadas are the reason. These historic irrigation channels were built from the 15th century onwards to carry water from the rain-drenched northern slopes to the arid south. Today, over 2,500 kilometers of levadas crisscross the entire island — and along these channels run the most beautiful hiking trails I have ever experienced. Through ancient laurel forests, past waterfalls, through dark tunnels, and over gorges with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

I spent a week in Madeira, had the DJI Mini 5 Pro and the Sony A7 IV in my backpack, and hiked every day. Here are my 5 favorite spots — with all the information you need for planning.

1. Levada do Caldeirão Verde — My absolute favorite (13 km, medium)

If you only hike one levada on Madeira, make it this one. The trail starts at Queimadas Forest Park and leads you through a laurel forest that feels like another dimension. Moss-covered trees, wisps of mist drifting through the canopy, birdsong—like something out of Jurassic Park, only more real.

The hike leads through four tunnels—and this is where things get adventurous. The longest is about 100 meters long, pitch black, and so low that you sometimes have to duck. A headlamp is essential. The floor is wet, the ceiling drips, and all you hear is the echo of your footsteps and the gentle lapping of the levada beside you. Sounds intimidating? It's awesome.

At the end awaits Caldeirão Verde — a "Green Cauldron" into which a 100-meter-high waterfall plunges into an emerald-green pool. The surrounding rock walls are covered with moss and ferns. I sent the drone up, and the view from above took my breath away — the lush green of the pool nestled within the vertical rock faces, the waterfall a white thread in between.

Practical information Caldeirão Verde

• Distance: 13 km (round trip)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Medium (tunnels, partly narrow paths)
• Start: Queimadas Forest Park (parking available, arrive early!)
• Elevation gain: Minimal — typical Levada, almost flat
• Highlight: The waterfall at the end + the mystical laurel forest

2. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo — The royal tour above the clouds (7 km, difficult)

Technically not a levada hike, but the most spectacular tour on Madeira. You hike from the island's third highest point (Pico do Arieiro, 1,818m) to its highest (Pico Ruivo, 1,862m). And the special thing about it: you hike above the clouds. Literally.

I set off from Pico do Arieiro at 5:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise. Below me was a solid blanket of clouds, above me a starry sky that slowly turned orange. When the sun rose above the clouds and the surrounding peaks emerged like islands from a white sea—that was one of the top three moments of my entire Creator career. The drone was running at full speed, and I had goosebumps despite my fleece jacket.

The trail itself is challenging: narrow paths on steep slopes, steps carved into the rock, a tunnel, and steep ascents and descents. Don't underestimate it in wet or windy conditions—people have slipped and fallen here. But in good weather and with sturdy footwear, the hike is manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Once you reach Pico Ruivo, you'll have a 360-degree view of the entire island—on clear days you can see Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands on the horizon. There's a small mountain hut where you can warm up and have a coffee before heading back down.

Practical information Pico-Tour

• Distance: 7 km (one way) or 14 km round trip
• Duration: 3-4 hours each way
• Difficulty: Difficult (steep sections, altitude, changeable weather)
• Start: Pico do Arieiro parking lot (accessible by car)
• Elevation gain: Approximately 600 meters of elevation gain and loss
• Tip: Start before 6 a.m. for sunrise. Dress in layers — it's 10-15°C colder up there than in Funchal.

3. Levada das 25 Fontes — The Instagram classic (11 km, easy-moderate)

25 Fontes — 25 springs. At the end of this levada hike, 25 small waterfalls cascade from a moss-covered rock face into a natural pool. This is the spot you know from Instagram and Pinterest. And it's just as impressive in real life as in the pictures — which isn't the case with every Instagram spot.

The hike starts at the Rabaçal car park and initially descends steeply (remember: downhill at the beginning means uphill at the end). Then it follows the levada through a dense laurel forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the last remnants of the primeval forest that once covered all of Southern Europe. The air smells of damp moss and earth. Every now and then, a Madeira chaffinch appears—they are found only here.

Once you arrive at the pool, I recommend setting up a tripod, attaching an ND filter, and using a long exposure. The waterfalls will become silken threads, and the pool will be mirror-smooth. It's one of my best landscape photos ever. The circular shape of the pool is particularly visible from above with a drone—but be careful: the rock walls are steep, and the wind inside is unpredictable.

Bonus tip: Combine this tour with the Levada do Risco. From the same starting point, you can reach another waterfall in 20 minutes—a 100-meter free fall into a narrow pool. This adds perhaps two hours to the hike and is absolutely worth it.

Practical information 25 Fonts

• Distance: 11 km (round trip, including Risco detour)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Difficulty: Light to medium
• Start: Rabaçal Parking Lot (shuttle bus from above or 20 min walk)
• Highlight: The pool with 25 waterfalls + Risco as a bonus

4. Levada do Rei — The Royal Levada (10 km, easy)

If you're looking for something more relaxed after the Pico tour or the Caldeirão Verde hike, the Levada do Rei is perfect. "The Royal" — and the name is fitting. You'll hike through one of the most beautiful and best-preserved laurel forests on the island, almost entirely flat and shady, with the gentle babbling of the levada as your constant companion.

The hike starts in Ribeiro Bonito and leads through dense greenery. What makes this levada so special is the tranquility. Unlike 25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde, there's hardly anyone around. I was completely alone on a Tuesday morning—just me, the forest, and the water. A photographer's dream: The diffused light in the laurel forest creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Long exposures by the water, macro shots of moss and ferns, the Sony A7 IV with the 16-35mm wide-angle lens—I could have photographed for hours.

At the end, you reach a picturesque spring area where several small tributaries converge. Not a dramatic waterfall, but a quiet beauty that is almost more meditative than the grander spectacles. Perfect for families, older hikers, or days when you simply want to be in nature without exerting yourself.

Practical information Levada do Rei

• Distance: 10 km (round trip)
• Duration: 2.5-3 hours
• Difficulty: Light
• Start: Ribeiro Bonito
• Special feature: Quiet, few tourists, perfect for photography

5. Vereda do Pico Ruivo via Achada do Teixeira — The short route to the summit (6 km, medium)

Want to reach Madeira's highest point but don't have 7 hours for the challenging hike? Then take this route. From Achada do Teixeira, you can reach Pico Ruivo in about 45 minutes — the shortest and easiest way to the summit.

Less dramatic than the route from Pico do Arieiro, but the view from the top is identical: a 360-degree panorama, a sea of clouds, the entire island below. I hiked this route in the late afternoon and experienced the sunset at the top—a completely different experience than the sunrise on the longer route, but just as magical. The warm, golden light bathed the volcanic rocks in shades of orange, while below me the clouds slowly filled the valleys.

The path is well-paved, with a few steps, and manageable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. At the starting point, there's a curiosity: the "Homem em Pé" ("Standing Man") — a natural basalt formation that looks like a standing person. A good photo opportunity before the actual hike begins.

Practical information short Pico route

• Distance: 6 km (round trip)
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Difficulty: Medium (stairs, some elevation)
• Start: Achada do Teixeira Parking Lot
• Tip: Start for sunset around 4 pm (depending on the time of year)

General tips for levada hikes in Madeira

equipment

Sturdy hiking boots with good tread are essential—the trails are often wet and slippery, especially after rain. A headlamp is necessary for the tunnels (a smartphone flashlight will do in a pinch, but a proper headlamp leaves your hands free). Always carry a rain jacket—on Madeira, the weather can change from sunshine to fog and rain in 30 minutes. Bring at least 1 liter of water, and 1.5 liters for longer hikes. Hiking poles are optional, but recommended for the Pico hike.

Best time to travel for hiking in Madeira

Possible year-round – that's the beauty of Madeira. Temperatures range from 16°C (winter) to 25°C (summer). Best months: April to June and September to November. In summer, it can get humid in the valleys, while in winter the higher elevations are often shrouded in clouds. But even in December, I usually had good hiking weather on the levadas.

Drones on Madeira

Drones are officially prohibited in the Madeira Natural Park (Parque Natural da Madeira). In practice, this is enforced differently—I would avoid them at popular spots like 25 Fontes and Caldeirão Verde. Outside the protected areas (coast, Funchal, Pico do Arieiro), I had no problems. Always fly respectfully, don't disturb other hikers, and ask if in doubt.

Costs for a hiking week in Madeira

Position	Cost
Flight (from Germany, return)	€120–250
Rental car (7 days, small car)	€140–200
Accommodation in Funchal (7 nights, mid-range)	€350–500
Food & Drinks	€200–300
Activities & Extras	50–100 €
Total per person	€860–1,350

Madeira is surprisingly affordable for an Atlantic island. Eating out costs about half of what you'd pay in Germany. An espresso is €0.70, a beer €1.50, and a complete meal with fish and wine is under €15. Renting a car is highly recommended: the levada trailheads are scattered all over the island and difficult to reach by bus.

FAQ

Do I need a guide for the Levada hikes?

No — all 5 hikes in this guide are well signposted and doable without a guide. The paths are clear (you follow the levada). For the Pico hike, a guide might be helpful in bad weather, as orientation can be difficult in fog. Otherwise, a good hiking app (I use Komoot) and basic hiking knowledge are all you need.

Can I do the tours in the rain?

Yes, the levada walks are great—you're mostly in the forest, and a bit of rain actually makes the atmosphere even more mystical. I would cancel the Pico tour (No. 2) in case of rain or strong winds—the exposed sections become dangerous. Generally speaking, Madeira has microclimates. It can be sunny in the south while it's raining in the north. Always check the weather forecast for the specific region.

Are the levadas suitable for children?

The Levada do Rei (No. 4) is perfect for children from about 6 years old — flat, shady, and short. The 25 Fontes (No. 3) is also suitable if the children are used to hiking. Caldeirão Verde (No. 1), with its tunnels and narrow sections, is only suitable for children from about 10 years old. The Pico Tour (No. 2) is only suitable for children from about 12-14 years old, depending on their fitness level.

When is the best time of day for hiking?

Start early—7 to 8 a.m. Firstly, because of the light (especially on the Pico tour), secondly, because of the tourists (25 Fontes is overcrowded from 11 a.m. onwards), and thirdly, because of the weather (clouds often form in the mountains in the afternoon). I started every tour before 8 a.m. and had the trails largely to myself.

Which levada is the most beautiful for photos?

Caldeirão Verde (No. 1) for its mystical forest atmosphere and waterfall. 25 Fontes (No. 3) for the perfect Instagram shot at the pool. Pico-Tour (No. 2) for epic landscape shots and drone footage above the clouds. Levada do Rei (No. 4) for tranquil, meditative forest scenes. Each has its own unique visual character.

More about Madeira: My complete Madeira travel report

About the author: Max Haase is Germany's most influential travel influencer with over 4.2 million followers. He specializes in drone footage and luxury travel. Cooperation requests here.