A gentler, lower-altitude levada walk through the terraced farmland of Madeira's southwest coast, passing banana plantations, small hamlets and vineyard terraces with sweeping views down toward the Atlantic — a good alternative for days when the higher mountain trails are clouded in.
The trail starts near Lombo dos Serrões, off the ER222 above Ponta do Sol, roughly 40 minutes by car from Funchal; a taxi is useful for a one-way return since the walk finishes at a different point along the coast. Covering 6km one way with about 100m of gentle net descent, the path follows a levada channel through low-altitude terraced farmland, making it noticeably easier and less exposed than the island's higher mountain trails. The surface is firm dirt and stone along the channel edge, with intermittent shade from scattered trees but longer open stretches across agricultural terraces where sun exposure is more significant than on the forested central-mountain routes. Landmarks include banana plantations, small hamlets, and vineyard terraces typical of Madeira's southwest coast, with sweeping views down toward the Atlantic for much of the route. Because the trail sits at a lower altitude than routes like Levada do Furado or PR1, it remains a reliable option on days when the central peaks are shrouded in cloud. There are no formal shelters along the route, and water sources are limited, so hikers should carry their own supply for the full 2-2.5 hour one-way walk.
| Distance | 6km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2–2.5h one way |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Car to the trailhead near Lombo dos Serrões, off the ER222 above Ponta do Sol; a taxi is useful for a one-way return |
| Best season | Year-round; spring and early summer show banana plantations and terraced vineyards at their greenest |
| Address | Trailhead near Lombo dos Serrões, ER222, 9360 Ponta do Sol, Madeira |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ponta do Sol / Prazeres area, western Madeira
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Sun hat, since parts of the route cross open agricultural terraces with little shade
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Trailhead near Lombo dos Serrões, ER222, 9360 Ponta do Sol, Madeira
32.6817, -17.1067 View on map
Highlights
- Terraced banana plantations and vineyards of Madeira's southwest coast
- Sweeping Atlantic views for much of the route
- Lower-altitude alternative when the central mountains are clouded in
- Passes small rural hamlets typical of the Ponta do Sol area
- Gentle, mostly downhill grade
Tips for visiting
- Arrange a taxi for the return trip, since the trail finishes away from the starting point
- Wear a sun hat, as open agricultural terraces offer less shade than forested levada routes
- Use this trail as a lower-altitude backup when cloud covers the central peaks
- Visit in spring or early summer to see the plantations and vineyard terraces at their greenest
When to visit
Year-round; spring and early summer show the banana plantations and terraced vineyards at their greenest.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair-accessible; the levada-side dirt path has an uneven edge, though it is gentler underfoot than Madeira's higher mountain trails.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Levada Nova take to walk?
The 6km one-way route typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours at a relaxed pace.
Is this trail shaded?
Only partially — it crosses open agricultural terraces with less canopy cover than Madeira's forested central-mountain levadas.
Why choose this trail over a mountain route?
Its lower altitude near Ponta do Sol keeps it walkable and clear even when the central peaks are covered in cloud.
Is transport needed at the end of the walk?
Yes, since the trail is one-way, a taxi back to the Lombo dos Serrões trailhead is recommended.