Ponta do Pargo

Length: 21,5km Elevation: 700m Difficulty: 3/5 Technicality: 2/5 This trail starts from the iconic lighthouse in Ponta do Pargo. From there, you first walk a short distance high above the cliffs overlooking the ocean towards the viewing platform at Fio. From there, it is about a 300m climb – partly along the road, partly along farm tracks where cows might block your way :) – to eventually reach Levada Nova da Calheta, which you will follow for about 8 kilometers. In case you are wondering if this section along the levada is boring: No! :) You head deep into the valley, through very open stretches, and therefore mostly have distant views of both the mountains inland and the valley and the ocean on the other side. After descending a bit along the road, the final part of the trail is all about hopping between viewpoints at the top of the cliffs above the ocean. If you still have some time and energy left, definitely don't skip that round trip to the Garganta Funda waterfall! With a free fall of approximately 140 meters, this is one of the highest waterfalls on Madeira.