Levada Walk Caldeirão Verde with Madeira Adventure Kingdom
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Requires good stamina to handle uneven terrain, narrow paths, and moderate elevation changes over several kilometers.
Overview
Step into Madeira’s Laurisilva forest and follow historic levadas to the breathtaking Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Madeira Adventure Kingdom offers a guided hike showcasing the island’s unique natural beauty and cultural roots.
Levada Walk Caldeirão Verde
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating guided levada walk through the enchanting Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience breathtaking views, traverse natural tunnels, and discover the stunning Caldeirão Verde waterfall. This adventure is a paradise for nature lovers, showcasing Madeira's unique flora and fauna in a magical setting.
Duration
4.5 Hour
About
This walk begins at the Queimadas Forest Park at 980 meters above sea level, in the municipality of Santana, next to a shelter house with thatched roof, seems taken from a fairy tale. It’s inserted in full Laurissilva Forest, where we can enjoy a wide variety of plant species, to highlight the Stinklaurel (Ocotea foetens), the Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis), the Lily-of-the-Valley Tree (Clethra arborea), Common European Elder (Sambucus lanceolata), between others. The most visible bird species are the Chaffinch, the Firecrest, the Grey Wagtail, the Buzzard and with luck the Long-toed Wood Pigeon. As we walk along the Levada we find ourselves in a green and pleasant landscape, After passing by 4 natural tunnels, existing along the way, we find the beautiful Caldeirão Verde, an impotent cascade whose water falls in a beautiful lagoon emerald green color. After appreciating its natural landscape, we go round the same track back to Queimadas Forest Park.
Duration: approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes Distance: 13 km Highest point: 980m Lowest point: 890m Location: Santana Difficulty: Moderate Days: Thursday Note: Tunnels and Vertigo
Includes: Official Mountain Guide, transport and insurance (Required by Portuguese law)
Extras
Picnic - Ham n Cheese Sandwich 10€ Picnic - Chicken Sandwich 12€ Picnic - Chicken Salad 12€ Picnic - Tuna Sandwich 12€ Picnic - Tuna Salad 12€ Picnic - Veggie 15€
All of the packs come with: Bottle of water, juice, fruit and chocolate
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear
The trail often features wet, slippery sections near tunnels and waterfalls—good shoes improve safety.
Bring a headlamp
Natural tunnels along the levada are dark; a headlamp ensures safe passage through enclosed sections.
Carry sufficient water
Though the trail passes water sources, it’s best to stay hydrated with your own supply to avoid interruptions.
Start early to avoid crowds
Popular during peak season, leaving early offers a quieter experience and softer light for photos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Madeira Firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
- Madeiran Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs maderensis)
History
Levada irrigation channels were constructed beginning in the 16th century to bring water from rainy regions to agricultural fields on the island’s drier south side.
Conservation
Madeira’s Laurisilva forest is strictly protected due to its ecological importance, with efforts focused on preventing invasive species and minimizing human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Critical for navigating damp, slippery trail sections safely.
Headlamp or flashlight
Illuminates dark tunnel stretches along the levada.
Light rain jacket
Provides protection against sudden rainfall common in Madeira.
spring|fall|winter specific
Water bottle
Hydration is important, especially during warmer months or longer treks.