Top 10 Levada Walks in Madeira for Beginners

Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of Madeira’s most iconic levada walks, leading through dense Laurissilva forest to a tall, dramatic waterfall.

You will get to see firsthand the ancient subtropical laurel forest, around 20 million years old, that covers about 15,000 hectares of Madeira’s cool, humid slopes. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, it shelters a rich diversity of endemic plants and animals and plays a key role in the island’s water cycle.

The path is mostly flat and rated easy to moderate, but beginners should be comfortable with 11–13 km of walking, narrow sections, tunnels and occasional exposure protected by railings.

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This circular route above Ponta do Sol combines the lower Levada do Moinho with the higher Levada Nova for a scenic 9 km loop.

The terrain is mostly flat with around 110m of elevation gain, but you should know that parts of Levada Nova run along a narrow ledge with steep drops and limited or no fencing, which might not be ideal if you have a fear of heights.

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Levada das 25 Fontes is often described as one of Madeira’s best “easy” levada walks, taking you through Rabaçal valley to a wall of small waterfalls and the tall Risco cascade (7.2 km). While classified as easy to moderate, it is also one of the island’s most visited trails. Since 2026 the SIMplifica reservation system spreads visitors across timed slots; still, start early, allow plenty of time, and expect some steps and steeper sections.

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Vereda dos Balcões is widely recommended as one of the easiest walks on the island, with a short, almost flat out‑and‑back route.

At the viewpoint, you get classic balcony‑style views over the mountains and valleys, making it a great first levada for families and nervous hikers.

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Levada do Rei offers a gentle trail through farmland and laurel forest to a lush, waterfall-filled end point.

The route is considered easy, with modest distance and minimal elevation, so families and beginners can focus on the scenery rather than the effort. But this hike is now very well known, so expect some crowds.

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This classic levada of 7.4km follows the contour of the mountains, mixing forest, valleys and sea views, and is generally rated easy to moderate. Because it is longer, beginners may prefer to walk just a section out‑and‑back rather than the full point‑to‑point route.

Close to Machico, Levada dos Maroços is known for its mellow gradient and views over terraced fields and the valley. This trail of 11.9km is often suggested as a beginner‑friendly option because it stays fairly low in altitude and avoids exposed mountain sections. It also has the advantage of being lesser known and less frequented, so it is perfect for an escape from the crowds.

Running from the coast into a deep green canyon, this levada walk is mostly flat and can be done as an 11.5 km one‑way or doubled out‑and‑back. Beginners who are comfortable with the distance will enjoy waterfall encounters, tunnels and dramatic cliffs without serious climbs.

Levada dos Cedros starts in Fanal and leads through a beautiful forest to a multi‑tiered waterfall, with around 6 km of mostly shaded trail, perfect for a sunny day. The path is considered relatively easy but can be muddy and slippery, so good footwear is important even for first‑timers.

This lesser-known route mixes levada walking with a viewpoint over Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra and a descent into the forest to reach the Ribeira do Inferno waterfall.

Parts of the trail are more adventurous, so it is best for confident hikers with reasonable fitness or with a guide, who will get the most from this short but varied hike.