Often ranked among Madeira's finest forest walks, this trail follows a historic irrigation channel through dense, UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest between Ribeiro Frio and Portela, crossing several footbridges and passing waterfalls fed by the channel's overflow points along steep, tree-covered ravines.
The trail begins in Ribeiro Frio village on the ER103, accessible by car or bus in about 30-40 minutes from Funchal, and finishes in the village of Portela, so a return taxi or bus is recommended since the walk does not loop back to the start. Covering 11km one way with roughly 300m of gradual net descent and several short intermediate climbs, the path follows a historic levada channel cut into steep, tree-covered ravines through dense, UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest. The surface is narrow dirt and stone along the channel edge, occasionally slick where water seeps across the path, with continuous forest shade for almost the entire route. One short unlit tunnel partway along requires a headlamp. Landmarks include several footbridges crossing side ravines, small waterfalls fed by the channel's overflow points, and sweeping views down toward the north coast near Portela at the trail's end. There are few facilities en route, so hikers should carry water and a packed lunch; the trail has no formal refuges, though the forest canopy provides natural shelter from light rain. Hikers short on time sometimes turn around at the roughly halfway point near Lamaceiros for a shorter out-and-back walk.
| Distance | 11km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5–4.5h one way |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Car or bus to Ribeiro Frio; a return taxi or bus from Portela is recommended since the walk finishes at a different village |
| Best season | Year-round; laurisilva forest stays green in all seasons, though trails can be muddy after winter rain |
| Address | ER103 trailhead, Ribeiro Frio, 9230 Santana, Madeira |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ribeiro Frio to Portela
What to bring
- Hiking boots with good grip — sections of the channel-side path are narrow and can be slick
- Headlamp for one short unlit tunnel
- Water and packed lunch, as there are few facilities en route
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
ER103 trailhead, Ribeiro Frio, 9230 Santana, Madeira
32.7423, -16.8674 View on map
Highlights
- Dense, UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest for nearly the full 11km route
- Historic levada channel with several footbridge crossings
- Small waterfalls fed by the channel's overflow points
- Coastal views toward the north near the Portela finish
- Consistently rated among Madeira's finest forest walks
Tips for visiting
- Arrange a return taxi or bus from Portela in advance, since the trail is one-way
- Carry a headlamp for the short unlit tunnel along the route
- Pack water and lunch, as facilities are scarce along the 11km path
- Wear boots with good grip, since sections of the channel-side path can be slick
- Consider turning back near Lamaceiros, roughly the halfway point, for a shorter round trip
When to visit
Year-round; laurisilva forest stays green in all seasons, though trails can be muddy after winter rain.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; the narrow, sometimes slick channel-side path and an unlit tunnel make it unsuitable for limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Levada do Furado hike take?
The 11km one-way route typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours at a steady pace.
Is transport needed at both ends?
Yes, since the trail finishes in Portela, a different village from the Ribeiro Frio starting point, a taxi or bus back is recommended.
Are there facilities along the route?
Very few — hikers should carry their own water and food, as there are no shops or refill points along most of the trail.
Is the trail shaded?
Yes, it runs almost entirely under dense laurisilva forest canopy, keeping it cool even in summer.