Our top-5 levada walks without kids
There are a total of approximately 200 levada walks on Madeira, with a total network of as much as 1,400 to 3,000 kilometers of water channels. Of these, only 30 are official PR hiking trails, so there are many more unofficial or smaller paths to hike. Here’s are personal top-5 when you’re hiking without children.
5. PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço
Highlights: although this is the busiest hike in our top-5, this is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ hike. Landscapes are absolutely unique on the island.
Difficulty: moderate (6km roundtrip, 3h00)
Insider tip: arrive early as it get busy quickly, another advantage is that the mornings are still cool as there’s no share on the trail
📍 Location Pin: 32.74302215663961, -16.70136207660812
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: P7VX+6C Caniçal, Portugal
4. PR 19 – Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
Highlights: this peaceful levada brings you waterfalls & stunning ocean views
Difficulty: moderate (2km oneway, 1h30)
Insider tip: this hike is often combined with PR 20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar, which was unfortunately closed when we where there
📍 Location Pin: 32.75274244371755, -17.21620342611663
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: QQ2M+X5 Prazeres, Portugal
3. Levada do Moinho & Nova
Highlights: this unofficial hike is circular and takes you across several waterfalls and ocean views
Difficulty: moderate (9km roundtrip, 3h00)
Insider tip: most tourists park near the church, better to park a bit more uphill
📍 Location Pin: 32.68972373483304, -17.09154182160889
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: MWQ5+V8 Ponta do Sol, Portugal
2. PR 17 – Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Highlights: tunnels, waterfalls, mountains, ocean views. This hike has it all!
Difficulty: hard (15km oneway, 6h30)
Insider tip: we parked at the beginning of the trail (see coordinates below). The endpoint is in the middle of nowhere so we couldn’t find a taxi and lifted back.
📍 Location Pin: 32.75428354203332, -17.018991120793565
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: QX3J+M7 Lombo do Moleiro, Portugal
1. Vereda de Larano & Levada do Caniçal
Highlights: Those two trails form one of the most beautiful and impressive coastal walks in Madeira. This combined route takes you along steep cliffs with wide views over the Atlantic Ocean and combines a quiet levada path with a spectacular coastal path
Difficulty: hard (13km oneway, 4h00)
Insider tip: park your car in Caniçal (see coordinates below) and walk to Porto da Cruz and take the taxi back from there
📍 Location Pin: 32.748134421708166, -16.740581843536685
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: P7X5+6M Caniçal, Portugal
