Looking for one of the most relaxing hikes in Madeira, but still want some adventure? On the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, experience a calm forest walk, weave through narrow tunnels, and picnic in front of a spectacular waterfall. There’s almost no elevation gain too, so the this is the perfect hike for a lighter day in Madeira.
Since it is a flat, easy, picturesque trail, Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira. It really helps to get here early, especially in the summer months. Two-way traffic along the irrigation canals gets a little tricky, so an early start ensures low crowds along the way, at least for the walk out to the waterfall.
Here’s what you need to know to hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike (PR9) and have the best experience.
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Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike (PR9) Hiking Stats
These GPS Stats are roundtrip (out and back) to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
Distance: 11.5 km (7.2 miles) roundtrip
Total Ascent: 45 meters (145 feet); mostly flat
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 3 to 6 hours; We did this hike in just under 3 hours but we hike fast and were one of the first people on the trail; the return hike took a little bit longer, with two-way traffic and lots of pauses along the irrigation canals
Beyond the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, the trail continues to the Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall. If you choose to add this on, it will add an additional 2 km (1.25 miles) to the total roundtrip distance.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hiking Fee
As of late 2024, there is now a fee to hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9). The fee is 3 euros per person, for any non-resident over 12 years old. Hikers who do not pay the 3 euro fee will be charged a 50 euro fine. I read that this will start on October 28, 2024 and January 1, 2025. As of now, it looks like you can pay the fee online and there may also be some sort of payment station or kiosk at trailheads.
If you hike this trail when the fee is implemented and have any information to share with us, please let us know in the comment section at the end of this guide. Thank you in advance!!
Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike
A Brief Overview of What to Expect
Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) is an out & back, easy, flat hike. The trail is a dirt path through the forest that follows an irrigation channel. Along the way you’ll also pass through several small tunnels that cut through the mountains, before ending up at Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Here you can turn around or continue to the Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall.
Other sources may list this hike as having a large amount of elevation gain. This is not true, as the trail passes through tunnels that eliminate any hilly or mountainous climbs. In fact, this hike hardly has any elevation change at all, and remains relatively flat the entire time. It’s a gradual uphill walk to the waterfall, but so gradual you may not realize that you are slowly gaining elevation.
Do note that this is not a hike for views. The entire time you’ll be within a forest, shaded by trees. There are a few views of the mountains, but for most part, this is a forest hike.
It is also good to know that the trail gets pretty narrow in multiple places. In these narrow sections the trail is only wide enough for one person. There will be an irrigation channel to one side and a thin cable railing on the other side. During these sections it will be difficult to pass other hikers in front of you or to pass on-coming hikers.
For the best experience, start the hike early. We started at 8:30 am and the trail was fairly quiet on the way to the waterfall, making the hike to Caldeirão Verde a very serene experience (we did this in 2024). During our return hike we encountered a constant line of on-coming hikers.
Parents should consider if this trail is appropriate for their children. There are many sections where the trail narrows and there is only a cable railing along the cliffside edge of the trail. Parents should evaluate if that is a sufficient safety measure for their children but we do not think this hike is appropriate for young children.
Step-By-Step Trail Guide
First Half of the Hike: Trailhead & Beyond
The trail starts out on a wide, flat dirt path that follows an irrigation channel. A network of roots weave along the trail, and you’ll hike by some pretty interesting looking trees. The entire trail winds through a forest, so you won’t find incredible views like some of the other hikes in Madeira. However, there are occasional breaks in the trees that offer glimpses out over the mountainside.
The start of the hike
The surrounding plant life will become lusher and more vibrant as you continue along the trail. For us it felt like hiking through the upper layers of a tropical jungle, but with pleasant temperatures.
This hike is super enjoyable in the calm of the morning, with hardly any other hikers on the trail. With a flat trail through a forest, it’s very easy to enter a relaxing rhythm and let your mind wander.
The trail continues this way for a while. No trail splits, no major changes in elevation. There’s a slight change at approximately 3.2 km (2 miles), where you’ll cross a stone bridge that overlooks a small waterfall.
Beyond this bridge, the trail will narrow and become wide enough only for 1 to 2 people. You’ll follow a stone path that leads along the irrigation channel, with a thin cable railing on the other side of you. Passing other hikers can be a challenge here, which is why we recommend beginning this hike early in the morning.
At roughly 4 km (2.5 miles), you’ll reach a large break in the trees. This brief view is one of the only great shots overlooking the canopies covering the mountainsides.
Second Half of the Hike: Tunnels & the Caldeirão Verde Waterfall
Just beyond the view is the first of three tunnels. Hiking through these was our favorite experience of the day. Make sure to bring a flashlight, and don’t forget to crouch! It can get pretty narrow while hiking through the tunnels. There’s only one way in and out of the tunnels, so it’s impossible to wander off the trail here.
There can also be standing water in the tunnels, so waterproof hiking shoes or boots are ideal.
Not much further beyond the third and final tunnel, the trail will make a turn into a smaller valley, and you’ll arrive at a trail split. Head left to take the short, uphill trail to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. To the right, the main trail continues to the Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall.
From hundreds of feet up, water splashes down into a small freshwater pond. The whole area is mostly enclosed by giant walls of rock covered in moss, making for quite a serene scene and a great spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
From here, return the way you came. When you reach the split again, you have the option to continue the hike to the Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall or to head back to the parking lot.
Once you reach the trailhead, you can stop inside the café for coffee, drinks, or a small meal, if you’re hungry. There are also bathrooms here.
How to Get to Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail is located on the northeast side of Madeira, in the hills above Santana.
Here are driving distances and times to the parking lot from other towns on Madeira:
- Funchal: 45 km, 50 minutes
- Santana: 4 km, 10 minutes
- Caniçal: 26 km, 35 minutes
- Calheta: 60 km or 75 km (depending on the route); 1 hour 20 minutes both ways
- Porto Moniz: 44 km, 1 hour
Parking for Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
The parking lot is labeled as “Queimadas Parking Lot” on Google Maps.
Take a ticket at the parking gate as there is a small fee to park here.
This is a surprisingly large parking lot for this hike. Hardly any spots were taken by 8:30 am when we hiked this trail in July (the busiest season). But when we returned to the parking lot it was completely full and there was a line of cars waiting to enter the parking lot.
If you plan to hike this trail, then we strongly recommend arriving early; by 8:30 to 9:00 am for the best overall experience.
At one end of the parking lot are bathrooms. Just above the bathrooms is a shaded park area with a café and outdoor seating. Inside one of the buildings is a machine to pay for parking (do this on your return). This outdoor area is also where you will find the trailhead for this hike.
What to Bring on the Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) Hike
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight – can be helpful inside the tunnels
- Waterproof shoes – they are not essential but do expect your shoes to get wet inside the tunnels even if the rest of the trail is dry.
After your Hike
You have some options on what to do after finishing the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike. Tour Madeira’s iconic Santana Houses, visit a jaw-dropping viewpoint, and/or do another hike. Or if you want to unwind, grab some lunch and relax.
Casas Típicas de Santana (traditional Santana houses). These colorful houses with their thatch roofs are one of the most iconic sites in Madeira. These traditional houses were once scattered all along northern Madeira, with the few remaining ones standing as symbols of the island’s culture.
In the town of Santana you’ll find plenty of these houses scattered around. But for the best experience, visit the collection of houses at Casas Típicas de Santana. The houses have been converted into shops that sell souvenirs and artisan crafts, and there’s also a great view over the town and coast.
Although the site feels very touristy, the Santana houses are worth seeing if you’re in the area. A visit here can be quick, about 15 minutes, and there is a parking garage right across the street.
Miradouro do Guindaste. Here is a beautiful viewpoint out over the coast, not too far from the traditional Santana houses.
Levada dos Balcões Hike (PR11). I don’t recommend doing this hike midday in the summer as the road to reach the hike gets blocked with so many cars that you’ll end up sitting in a traffic jam (we sat in stand still traffic for 30 minutes). But if you are in Madeira during a less busy time, then you could do this short hike the same day you hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike?
This was by far the easiest hike we did in Madeira. The trail is almost entirely flat and shaded. Other sources may list this hike as having a large amount of elevation gain, but that is not the case due to the tunnels that take you through the mountains. It’s not a short trail, but the overall effort level is quite low.
What is the best time of day to hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde?
We prefer hiking Levada do Caldeirão Verde in the morning. For starters, the dim morning glow and lack of hikers really adds to the serenity of this trail. Plus, there are plenty of times where the trail narrows to only 1 to 2 people wide, making passing other hikers, or on-coming hikers, a challenge. If hiking in the morning, you can avoid this problem for most of the hike. It is also advisable to arrive between 8:30 am and 9:00 am before the parking lot fills up.
Is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde worth hiking?
That depends. If you only have a handful of days in Madeira and are looking to get one or two really good hikes in, we recommend skipping this one. Instead, check out Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) and Pico do Arieiro (PR1). If however you have plenty of time on the island and are looking for a relaxing yet fun hike, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde is worth your time. It is an easy and calm walk through the forest, it is fun navigating through dark tunnels, and you will see a beautiful waterfall.
If you have any questions about how to hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9), or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
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