GUIDE TO HIKING LEVADA CALDEIRAO VERDE [MADEIRA]

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO HIKE LEVADA CALDEIRAO VERDE IN MADEIRA? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE HIKE?

The Levada Caldeirão Verde is one of Madeira’s most famous and beautiful hiking trails, offering an unforgettable experience through the island’s lush landscapes and unique irrigation channels, known as Levadas.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the must-sees in Madeira.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of our favorite hikes in Madeira. We will never forget our walk along the Levada watching countless waterfalls and crossing many tunnels!

Key Takeaways about a Hike to The Levada Caldeirão Verde

– Scenic Route: The trail runs through the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Madeira’s diverse flora and fauna.
– Destination – Caldeirão Verde Waterfall: The highlight of the hike is the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, which cascades into a beautiful green emerald pool.
– Trail Details: The trail is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) round trip and is considered of moderate difficulty. It starts at the Queimadas Forest Park and takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete.
– Safety and Preparation: wear suitable footwear and bring waterproof clothing, as the weather can change rapidly.
– Accessibility: The Levada Caldeirão Verde is accessible from Santana, a town located in the north of Madeira.

This video provides a sneak peek into Levada Caldeirão Verde

Full Hiking Guide to Levada Caldeirão Verde

Embark on a journey through the lush landscapes of Madeira by following the Levada Caldeirão Verde, one of the island’s most enchanting trails.

This guide will help prepare you for an unforgettable adventure through ancient forests and alongside the serene waters of a Levada.

What are Levadas?

Madeira in general and especially at Levada Caldeirão Verde, you can experience Levadas.

Levadas dates back to the 16th century. Designed to channel water from the northwest (wetter area) to the southeast (drier area) which is more suitable for agriculture, especially sugar cane plantations. Most of the levadas meander on the mountainside, but in some places they cross tunnels dug under the mountains.

The network of levadas is estimated at more than 2000 kilometers in Madeira! Impressive right!?

Over the years, most hikes in Madeira developed along the levadas. Hiking along the levadas during a stay in Madeira is a must. The most famous are the Levada das 25 Fontes and Caldeirão Verde. For us. Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most representative hikes of Madeira, with waterfalls, tunnels, and a path that follows the levadas all along!

Where is the start of the levada do Caldeirão Verde?

Little cafe at Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The start of the levada do Caldeirão Verde is in the heart of the Queimadas Forest Natural Park, 980 meters above sea level, just above the small town of Santana in Madeira. (Google map location here)

You will first reach a rather large parking lot, which is actually very convenient, but not free, it costs 3 euros. You’ll have to pay inside the small tourist office.

If you do not have a car, you can also opt for a guided tour which includes transportation. For more information on that, check it out here.

This levada do Caldeirão Verde is very famous in Madeira. Buses drop off quite a few tourists in the morning, so try to be there before 10am.

There is a small shop and small cafe before the start of the hike. Enjoy a good cup of coffee before starting one of the best hikes in Madeira, or finish your hike with a poncha, one of the most traditional drinks in Madeira. Be careful though, as you might get a little tipsy with a poncha after a full day of hiking 🙂

How is the hike at Levada do Caldeirão Verde?

Built-in the 18th century, this levada was used to collect water from the Caldeirão Verde river for irrigation to the south of the island.

Length of the hike

You will follow the levada for about 6.5 kilometres. You will have to return from the same way. So in total, the hike is 13 kilometers.

We took a little more than 4 hours to complete the hike with a break at midpoint to eat our sandwiches.

The difficulty level of levada do Caldeirão Verde:

The good part is that the hike is rather flat. As with all levadas, there is no drop.

Rain is quite common in this area of Madeira. For us, it rained pretty much the entire time. But we didn’t mind, it added to the beauty of the hike with water dropping from everywhere. It was a very mystical experience.

What to expect during your hike at levada do Caldeirão Verde?

You will see many waterfalls along the way. The last one is the most impressive though, with a huge and powerful drop!

You will cross 4 tunnels. Bringing a flashlight would be a good idea. While the phone light is still ok, the tunnels are pitch dark and very wet at some parks.

And overall you will observe the beautiful nature of Madeira! This hike will immerse you deep into the forest. You will be surrounded by lush nature from start to finish!

The Journey

The beginning of the hike is in a quite dense forest. After the first few kilometers, it starts to get prettier and prettier with a narrower path along the cliff and levada.

Fortunately, it is well maintained with enough protected fences everywhere. The cliffs are completely covered with moss and vegetation because water is constantly flowing.

Some points allow you to have an unobstructed view and glimpse the ocean, a real treat for the eyes. Not long after the start of the hike you will see the first majestic waterfall! It felt unreal for us. So much vegetation everywhere.

After crossing the 4th tunnel, it’s not long until you will reach the main waterfall. This marks the end of the trail.

If no rain, many will have their lunch at the waterfall. As it was raining quite heavily, we decided to have our lunch in the tunnel nearby. After that, it was time to head back to the parking lot and try the poncha at the little cafe!

Admire the largest primary laurel forest at Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Hiking through the levada do Caldeirão Verde, is also hiking through the largest laurel forest.

It is one of the natural jewels of Madeira, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. 90% primary, it has many endemic species of plants and animals.

The laurel forest extends mainly on the island’s north coast between 300 and 1300 meters above sea level and on the south coast in areas that are difficult to access between 700 and 1200 meters.

It covers approximately 15,000 hectares (20% of the territory).

The main waterfall at Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Hike at Levada do Caldeirão Verde in Madeira

The main attraction of this hike, is the last waterfall, the Grande Finale!

However, there is a sign indicating that it is forbidden to approach the waterfall. Indeed, in 2019, there was a landslide and 11 people were injured. It’s pretty serious, so they closed that section.

It’s a bit odd to keep the hike open but close to the main attraction. However, it is clear that most people would trespass the sign and still approach the waterfall. Obviously at their own risk…

Landslides are no joke, and there’s not much room to hide if rocks start falling in this arena-style canyon area. You will have to decide what to do for yourself. We decided to go anyway. But the landslide is indeed very impressive.

The waterfall is one of the best in Madeira. It is around 100 meters high and ends in an almost perfect circular lagoon below.

Useful information about levada do Caldeirão Verde

Here is a summary of all the information you need to know before starting the hike:

Trail Number: PR9 which is marked yellow and red
Distance: 2 x 6.5 kilometers
Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Level: easy to medium
Difficult passages are secured with a cable.
Take a flashlight for crossing the tunnels (and watch your head!).
The path can be slippery in places, especially in winter, so bring good walking shoes.
Paid parking on site

In Conclusion about levada do Caldeirão Verde

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the best hike in Madeira. With lush forest, several amazing waterfalls, and 4 incredible tunnels!

This Levada trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island due to its incredible waterfall. The good part is that the hike is mostly flat!

We enjoyed this hike and highly recommend it, especially for those who like to walk but don’t want a huge uphill trek. It really gives you so many great views and a huge waterfall without leading you up stairs or steep hills.

FOR OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN MADEIRA, READ THIS POST: 30 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN MADEIRA

GUIDE TO HIKING LEVADA CALDEIRAO VERDE [MADEIRA]