Caldeirão Verde Levada Hike with Transfer Madeira

4.8 (1,281 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Certified by Haqqi Tours

DurationAbout 8 hours
Daily
Group
Pickup available

Caldeirão Verde Levada Hike with Transfer Madeira

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Overview

This day out takes you to the north of Madeira to hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, the PR9 trail and one of the most beautiful levada walks in Madeira. It is a self-guided hike with a shared return transfer: we collect you early from your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico and drive you to Queimadas Forest Park near Santana, where the trail begins. On arrival you receive hike instructions and a digital map, then follow the water channel at your own pace through the Laurissilva forest, past short tunnels and cliff-side sections, to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall falling into a green lagoon. The day lasts about 8 hours. It suits fit walkers who prefer not to drive the mountain roads.

Highlights

Shared pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Start at Queimadas Forest Park with its traditional thatched house
Hike the PR9 levada through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest
Pass through short tunnels carved into the rock
Reach the Caldeirão Verde waterfall and its green lagoon
Hike instructions and a digital map on arrival
Hike at your own pace, without a group to follow
Early departure for a quieter trail

Full Description

Queimadas Forest Park near Santana

Queimadas Forest Park lies in the hills above Santana, on the green north side of Madeira, at around 900 metres. At its centre stands a traditional A-shaped thatched house in the style for which Santana is famous, surrounded by lawns, ponds and tall trees covered in moss. It is the starting point of the PR9 trail and one of the most photogenic picnic spots on the island.

The drive from Funchal takes about an hour through the mountains or along the east coast, and the last section is a narrow forest road, which is why many visitors look for a Caldeirão Verde hike with transfer. Mornings here are often cool and damp, as clouds gather on the northern slopes, so start with a warm layer and a rain jacket in your bag.

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is an irrigation channel that carries water from the mountains around the Caldeirão Verde valley towards the farmland of the north coast. Its maintenance path is now the PR9 trail, about 6.5 km each way, mostly flat as it follows the gentle slope of the water. The return walk usually takes 4.5 to 5.5 hours at a relaxed pace.

Along the way you pass through several short tunnels carved into the rock, some low and wet, so a torch or headlamp is essential. Other sections run along the side of steep cliffs with stunning views over deep valleys; many have railings, but you should always walk carefully and keep to the inner side. If you are wondering whether the Caldeirão Verde hike is difficult, it is moderate: long but not steep.

Caldeirão Verde waterfall and lagoon

Caldeirão Verde means green cauldron, and the name describes the end of the trail perfectly: a deep, round amphitheatre of rock covered in moss and ferns, where a slender waterfall drops about 100 metres into a small, cold lagoon. The light filtering down into the green bowl and the sound of the falling water create a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere.

Take time here to rest, eat your packed lunch and take photos before walking back the same way. The waterfall flows all year and is strongest in winter and spring after the rains. The best time to visit Caldeirão Verde is in the morning, before most hikers arrive, which is exactly why our transfer leaves early from the Funchal area.

The Laurissilva forest of Madeira

The whole PR9 trail runs through the Laurissilva of Madeira, a laurel forest listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and the largest surviving forest of its kind. It is a living relic of the forests that covered southern Europe millions of years ago, with laurel, til and Madeira mahogany trees draped in moss, lichens and ferns.

The north side of the island catches the clouds from the Atlantic, so the forest is lush and green all year, full of small streams and waterfalls. Listen for the chaffinches and firecrests that follow walkers along the levada. Combined with the comfort of a transfer, this hike is one of the best things to do in Madeira for nature lovers who want a full day in the forest.

Itinerary

Pickup from your accommodationEarly pickup at 06:00 or 08:00 (as booked) in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz or Machico; the exact time is confirmed by message the day before.
Transfer to Queimadas Forest ParkAbout an hour's drive to the trailhead near Santana on the north side of the island.
Hike instructionsReceive trail instructions, a digital map and the meeting time for the return.
Levada hike through the LaurissilvaFollow the PR9 levada through forest, tunnels and cliff-side sections at your own pace.
Caldeirão Verde waterfallRest and enjoy the waterfall and lagoon before walking back the same way; about 4.5 to 5.5 hours in total on foot.
Return transferMeet at the forest park and ride back to your accommodation.

What's included

Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Shared return transfer to the trailhead
Hike instructions on arrival
Digital trail map

Not included

Hiking guide
Forest department hiking fee
Water and food

Is this right for you?

Great for

Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts

Not suitable for

People afraid of heights or with vertigo
People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
People with a low level of fitness
Young children

Meeting point

Pickup and drop-off are included at your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and Machico, at 06:00 or 08:00 as booked. The day before, you are contacted by WhatsApp to confirm the exact pickup point and time; the time shown at booking is an average. Drop-off is at the same place.

Important information

This is a self-guided hike: no hiking guide walks with you
The forest department hiking fee is not included and must be paid before the hike
Bring a torch or headlamp for the tunnels
Wear hiking shoes with good grip and bring a rain jacket and warm layer
Bring enough water and food, as there is no café on the trail
Good fitness is needed for about 13 km in total, including narrow cliff-side sections
Weather in the north is changeable; the hike may be postponed or cancelled if unsafe
Respect the meeting time for the return transfer given by the host

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private experience?

It is a shared transfer with other hikers, followed by a self-guided hike at your own pace.

How long does it take?

About 8 hours in total, including the transfers and about 4.5 to 5.5 hours of hiking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and Machico are included.

What is included?

The shared return transfer to the trailhead, hike instructions on arrival and a digital trail map.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.

Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?

Older children who are used to hiking can join with an adult. The trail has tunnels and cliff-side drops, so it is not suitable for young children, people with vertigo or limited mobility.

What should I bring?

Hiking shoes, a torch or headlamp, a rain jacket, warm layers, plenty of water, a packed lunch and your hiking permit.

How difficult is the Caldeirão Verde hike?

It is moderate: about 13 km return on a mostly flat path, with tunnels and some narrow sections beside steep drops.

Do I need a permit for the PR9 trail?

Yes, a forest department hiking fee applies and is not included; our team explains how to pay it when you book.

What is the best time of day and season?

Early morning is best for a quiet trail. The waterfall is strongest in winter and spring, while summer usually brings drier paths.

What happens in bad weather?

If heavy rain or wind make the trail unsafe, the hike is postponed or cancelled, and our team helps you choose another date.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date and pickup time in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes.