Martin & Tina
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14. 02. 2025 Madeira’s levadas are one of the most interesting engineering works on the island and a popular tourist attraction. There are over 200 of them on the island. They are a system of irrigation canals that have been built since the 16th century to distribute water from the wetter mountain areas in the north to the drier parts of the island in the south, where most of the agricultural production was located. Due to Madeira’s mountainous terrain, the levies were cut into the rocks, running through deep valleys and often winding along steep cliffs. Many of them have been improved over the centuries and some are still functional today.
The original purpose of the levadas was purely practical – to provide enough water for agriculture, especially for the cultivation of sugar cane, which was once the main economic commodity of Madeira. Later, the levadas also began to supply hydroelectric power stations and became a key element of the island’s water management. Nowadays, in addition to their primary function, they are also popular tourist routes, as they lead through a breathtaking landscape, past waterfalls and forests.
Some of the most famous levadas include Levada do Caldeirão Verde which leads through tropical vegetation, narrow paths and tunnels to a waterfall. Beware, from 2025 onwards, there is a fee to enter this particular levada. For more information, see our article.
Caldeirão Verde
Caldeirão Verde is located in the heart of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its waterfall that cascades into a crystal clear pool. A trip to the Caldeirão Verde offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as the chance to see unique flora and fauna, including the Madeiran long-toed pigeon and the Trocaz pigeon.
The route starts in Parque das Queimadas near Santana, there is a large paid parking lot where you can park your car – you pay when you return from the tour. You can also buy something good here, or go to the toilet. Be sure to bring water and snacks as this hike will take about 5 hours, depending on your pace, whether you make stops along the way, and how crowded the place is. The trail is very narrow on several large sections of the hike. The trail is very well marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost here.
You will pass through several tunnels along the way, so take a headlamp and be careful not to hit your head like I did.
At the end of this trail is a beautiful waterfall where most people have a snack before heading back. If you have the strength and desire, head further up to Caldeirao do Inferno.
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Another levée worth mentioning and visiting is Levada dos Balcões, is one of the less difficult ones and at the end of it you can see a view of the wide surroundings and, if you are lucky, you can feed the finches from the palm of your hand.
Levada dos Balcões
Levada dos Balcões is a very popular levada, known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests. Due to the high number of visitors, it can be more difficult to find a parking space, parking is available directly at the entrance to the levada, variously along the road or in more distant car parks. This can make your route longer. But don’t let this put you off and go to the levada. The route is along a forest path, which can be muddy in places, but it is a very easy route. Along the way, hikers may spot a local bird, the Madeira finch. Don’t forget to bring birdseed for it, and you can then take a photo with the finch in your hand. The site has a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and water, and there is a small snack stand along the way.
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Another iconic route is Levada das 25 Fontes, named after the numerous springs and cascades found in the area.
Waterfall 25 Fontes
The Levada and the 25 Fontes waterfall (translated as 25 springs) is definitely one of the most visited natural attractions in Madeira; however, if you go hiking early enough in the morning, you will avoid the crowds of tourists and have the lake and the waterfall almost to yourself.
There are several ways to get to the lake – we chose the shorter option, which is just over three kilometres long, but again has an elevation gain of almost 400 metres. So the hike definitely takes some time; however, apart from the elevation gain, it is easy and accessible.
The waterfall itself is thirty metres high and (as the name suggests) is a series of springs that flow down the rock to form a lake, offering the perfect opportunity for a quick refreshment mid-hike.
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Today, the Levadas are not only a technical monument, but also one of the main tourist attractions of Madeira. Every year, they attract thousands of visitors who want to discover the beauty of this Portuguese island and walk some of the most beautiful trails that lead through lush nature and unique mountain scenery. And if you’d like to head to Madeira, we recommend our seven-day itinerary, which includes not only the aforementioned levadas, but also other beauty spots – viewpoints, the mysterious Fanal Forest and much more.
Week in Madeira – hikes, levadas and breathtaking views
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Each of our itineraries includes recommendations for accommodations, rentals, and local restaurants in addition to tips on places to visit. We also add a few practical tips to make planning your trip even easier. So happy travels to the island of eternal spring!
