Best Levada Walks in Madeira
Eight levadas from twenty minutes to a full day, with honest difficulty ratings.
By Madeira.Vacations · 9 min read · Last checked 20 July 2026
Easy and short
Levada dos Balcões — 3 km return, almost flat, ends at a viewpoint over the Ribeira da Metade valley. The best introduction to levada walking.
Levada Nova at Ponta do Sol — a short stretch to a waterfall you can walk behind.
The classics
Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco, from Rabaçal: around 11 km combined with a shuttle down the access road. Start before nine or accept the crowds.
Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas: 13 km, several unlit tunnels, bring a head torch.
Access and safety
Some routes require a paid permit and several close after storms. Always check the official trail status before setting out, and take a torch for any levada with tunnels.
Places mentioned above
Prices, opening hours and trail access change often. We last checked this on 20 July 2026 — confirm before you set off.
