Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Madeira is an incredible island to hike and you can find diverse hikes from dry cliff side walks to summit peaks or trails along irrigation canals. The hike to Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most popular on the island and is very unique to the island. In my opinion it is one of the top 3 hikes on Madeira and worth the crowds.
The trail itself is almost completely flat (do not believe what All Trails says about this hike). The trail wanders through the forest along the mountainside and through tunnels to some waterfalls. Try to arrive early or hike this trail later in the day like we did to avoid the crowds.
If you are looking for other hikes in Madeira, make sure to check out:
- How to Watch the Sunrise from Pico do Arieiro Trail, Madeira
- How to Hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
Quick Look at the Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: maybe 50 feet
Difficulty: easy/moderate
This trail takes between 3-6 hours mostly due to the number of people on a narrow path. It can be difficult to get around people on the trail.
We had a very cloudy day for this hike which make it really beautiful in a way but we got no views and the trail was VERY muddy.
The trail starts in the forest and follows the irrigation stream for most of the hike. The trail gets narrower as you continue and there are some places where you are walking next to a drop off so use caution. During the 2nd part of the hike, you will pass through several tunnels. These are dark and you will need some type of light.
This trail passes 2 waterwalls and you can extend to the trail to another waterfall if you want a longer hike.
What to Know About Hiking Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Parking and the Trailhead
The hike begins at Queimadas Forest Park / Queimadas Parking Lot (also labeled Queimadas on Google Maps). There is a lot of spots here but it does fill up. We arrived around 2 pm and got a spot as other cars were leaving.
At the Queimadas lot you’ll have restrooms, a café, shaded picnic areas, and some small rustic buildings including some that resemble the traditional Casas de Santana. Useful to grab a snack, use the loo, and gear up.
Fee
There is a 3 Euro fee per person to hike this trail. You can pay online or at the kiosk inside the building. If you are caught without paying the fee there is a fine of 50 euros. There is also a fee to park your car that can be paid as you leave the car lot.
What to Pack
Be prerared for wet conditions and make sure to wear hiking shoes (plenty of roots and rocks!) You should bring a light (preferrably more than a phone, but that also works in a pinch, water/snacks, possibly rain gear. Sun protection less important since there’s forest cover and often clouds.
Details of the Hike
It’s easiest to think of this hike in two sections as an out and back route. Note that the trail itself is not hard but there are many narrow sections with a drop off and only a small cable. Use caution if you are afraid of heights or if you have young kids. At one point Freja (13) slipped and it gave me a moment of panic as one leg went off the steep section.
We did not get any views as it was cloudy on this day. There is still plenty to see, but even when it’s clear, this hike is more about the forest, the tunnels, and the waterfalls and less about the views.
The first section is mostly forested and the trail begins as a wide trail with a bunch or flat sections and roots. Eventually the trail narrows and follows directly alongside the irrigation flow. This continues fairly unchanged until about 2 miles where you cross a small bridge. There are trail signs here marking the start of the second portion of the hike.
From here you will pass through several tunnels. These tunnels are mostly even footing but there is still a drainage stream and low ceilings at times. The trail eventually ends at around 3.5 miles at the Levada do Caldeirão Verde (waterfall). At this point you can continue on or turn around and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
What Else to do on Medeira Near this Hike
If you are driving over to this part of the island, there are several other sites worth seeing. We stopped at The Casas Típicas de Santana: the traditional thatched houses of Santana. With their steep triangular roofs and brightly painted facades, these charming homes once dotted the entire northern coast. Today, the few that remain serve as proud reminders of the island’s heritage and cultural identity.
We also spent part of the morning waiting for the clouds to lift at one of the rocky beaches along the shore near Santana. We stopped at Calhau de São Jorge for about 1 hour for a break before the hike.
