One of Madeira's most celebrated levada walks through pristine laurisilva forest to a 100m waterfall in a dramatic caldron valley. The trail follows a water irrigation channel carved into cliffs with multiple tunnels requiring a headtorch.
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of Madeira's most famous levada walks, a 12.4-kilometre return trail (6.2 km each way) that follows a historic water irrigation channel deep into the laurisilva forest above Santana in the island's northeastern highlands. The walk begins at Queimadas Forest Park (Parque das Queimadas), located at approximately 900 metres elevation in the municipality of Santana.
Trailhead access: Queimadas Forest Park is reached by car via the ER101 road from Santana; the drive takes approximately 20 minutes from Santana town centre. Public bus service to the trailhead is limited; most hikers drive or arrange a taxi from Santana. A small car park is available at the trailhead. No entry fee or permit is required to walk the trail.
Distance and elevation: The route is 12.4 kilometres return with an elevation gain of approximately 300 metres across the full walk. The levada channel path sits at a relatively consistent altitude, but dips and climbs occur at several points where the channel cuts through gully terrain.
Surface and exposure: The trail follows a narrow concrete or rock-cut levada channel path, typically 60–80 centimetres wide. The route passes through four unlit tunnels — the longest approximately 150 metres — that require a headtorch. Several sections traverse vertical cliff faces with a sheer drop on one side and no railing. The dense laurel forest (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site) provides near-complete shade and constant humidity throughout the walk.
Landmarks: The route leads progressively deeper into the Caldeirão Verde canyon, passing endemic Madeiran flora including tree heaths and giant laurels. The endpoint is Caldeirão Verde — a 100-metre waterfall cascading into a circular basalt pool. Walkers who continue beyond the standard turnaround reach Caldeirão do Inferno, a second, more isolated waterfall and pool deeper in the canyon.
Water and shelter: No water sources are available along the trail itself. Queimadas Forest Park has a café open in season and covered picnic areas at the trailhead. The enclosed laurel canopy provides constant shelter from direct sun, wind, and light rain throughout the route.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Santana, Madeira
- Best season
- Year-round; best March to May and September to November
Highlights
- ancient laurel forest (UNESCO)
- 100m Caldeirão Verde waterfall
- levada irrigation channels
- endemic bird species
- tunnel passages
Tips for visiting
- A headtorch is mandatory for the four unlit tunnels; a phone light is insufficient for the longest passages.
- Trail shoes with grip are recommended — the levada path becomes slippery after rain and inside the humid tunnels.
- Start by 8 am to beat crowds; the path is narrow and difficult to pass other walkers in either direction.
- Avoid the trail during or immediately after heavy rain when the waterfall approach becomes slippery and the path floods.
- Wear a light waterproof jacket — the laurel forest is humid and mist is common even when the coast is sunny.
When to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal — temperatures are mild, the waterfall runs at full flow after winter rains, and visitor numbers are lighter than in peak summer. The trail is walkable year-round except during severe weather.
Accessibility
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail is not wheelchair accessible. The narrow levada path, unlit tunnels, and cliff-edge sections with no handrails make it unsuitable for mobility aids or strollers. Visitors with limited mobility may find shorter, barrier-free levada walks closer to Funchal more suitable.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to walk the Levada do Caldeirão Verde?
No permit or entrance fee is required. The trail starts at Queimadas Forest Park, which is freely accessible. Parking at the trailhead is also free.
How many tunnels are on the route and do they require a torch?
There are four tunnels, ranging from a few metres to approximately 150 metres in length. A headtorch is essential as the tunnels are completely unlit and the floors can be wet and slippery.
Is the trail suitable for children?
Older children comfortable on narrow paths with some exposure can manage the route. The levada edge has no railing and drops sharply in places, so young children require close supervision. Toddlers and young children are not recommended on this trail.
What is the best time of day to start the walk?
An early morning start between 7 and 9 am is recommended to beat crowds, take advantage of clearer morning light in the forest, and allow ample time to reach the waterfall and return comfortably.