Explore Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest: Enchanting Santana Hike from Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; comfortable walking on uneven paths for 12km is needed.
Overview
Discover Madeira’s lush Laurisilva forest on a 12km moderate hike between Queimadas and Caldeirão Verde. Experience towering laurel trees, island vistas, and cascading waterfalls on this unforgettable adventure.
Enchanting Santana (Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde)
Duration: 4 hours walk | Full Day | Grade: Moderate
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 4-hour journey through Madeira's lush Laurisilva forest along the historic levada and vereda trails. Experience breathtaking views of the North coast as you explore the island's remote heart, making this moderate 12km hike an unforgettable adventure in nature's embrace.
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Duration
4 hours
About
Make contact with the verdant Laurisilva forest as you walk along this historical levada and “vereda” through a densely wooded landscape that captures the imagination. The views over the island’s North coast are breathtaking, as you wind your way into the remote heart of Madeira.
Trail: Queimadas and Levada do Caldeirão Verde Location: North Length: 12km Grade: Moderate
Pick-up
- Free in Funchal
- Outside 10€ / Pax
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes, a snack and a bottle of water
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
The levada and vereda trails include rocky, uneven terrain that requires shoes with good grip and ankle support.
Bring enough water and snacks
Carry water and light snacks to stay energized during the 4-hour trek, as there are no facilities along the route.
Start early for best light
Begin your hike in the morning to enjoy softer light for photos and cooler temperatures.
Check weather forecasts
Weather can change quickly in mountainous Madeira; pack a light rain jacket just in case.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
- Trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz)
History
The levada network dates back to the 16th century, originally built to transport water from the wet north to the drier southern farmland.
Conservation
The Laurisilva forest is carefully protected under UNESCO regulations, with efforts to limit trail erosion and preserve native species.
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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Crucial for navigating rocky and sometimes slippery levada paths.
Water bottle
Keep hydrated throughout the 4-hour hike.
Light rain jacket
Protects against sudden weather changes common in Madeira’s mountains.
Camera or smartphone
Capture sweeping coastal views and lush forest scenes.