Hiking
PR 11 - Vereda dos Balcões
Vereda dos Balcões is a short trail, that takes you to enjoy the views from the Balcões Viewpoint. You will cross paths with indigenous and endemic species.
PR 10 - Levada do Furado
Note: OPEN | ALTERNATIVE ACCESS
The detour to the alternative route must be made at kilometric point PK 7+200 (counting from the beginning, in Ribeiro Frio) and follows an old path to Pico do Suna (Suna Peak) and then along a forest path until it meets the levada at Lamaceiros. From here hikers may follow the original footpath in direction of Portela.
Beginning at Ribeiro Frio, PR 10 Levada do Furado allows you to contemplate the various shades of green that make up the natural area of the Laurissilva forest.
From there it descends to Portela, in the municipality of Machico.
Crossing the forest area of Lamaceiros and passing by the Forestry Station of Lamaceiros, you will find Levada da Portela, which goes around the left side of Lombo das Faias.
Shortly afterwards, you will enter regional road ER 102, to finish this moderate difficulty trail.
On the final stretch of Levada do Furado, take the opportunity to recharge your batteries at the Portela viewpoint.
The detour to the alternative route must be made at kilometric point PK 7+200 (counting from the beginning, in Ribeiro Frio) and follows an old path to Pico do Suna (Suna Peak) and then along a forest path until it meets the levada at Lamaceiros. From here hikers may follow the original footpath in direction of Portela.
This route has a total length of approximately 2.2 km (additional 1.1 km to the original route).
This alternative route is more demanding than the original footpath, due to the difference in level, with an ascent of approximately 1000 meters in direction of Pico do Suna and then a descent of approximately 1200 meters til it reaches Levada do Furado.
This hiking trail, which follows one of the oldest public 'levadas' of the island, is 11 km long and takes about 5 hours to complete.
Beginning at Ribeiro Frio, PR 10 Levada do Furado allows you to contemplate the various shades of green that make up the natural area of the Laurissilva forest.
Besides the varied flora, consisting predominantly of tree species of the Lauraceae family, it is the Ribeiro Frio valley that dominates the landscape.
At Levada do Furado, hikers can admire the design of the farmlands of Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto da Cruz, as well as the colossal Penha d'Águia rock formation.
Levada do Furado continues until the water station where waters divide and Levada da Serra do Faial ends.
From there it descends to Portela, in the municipality of Machico.
Crossing the forest area of Lamaceiros and passing by the Forestry Station of Lamaceiros, you will find Levada da Portela, which goes around the left side of Lombo das Faias.
Shortly afterwards, you will enter regional road ER 102, to finish this moderate difficulty trail.
On the final stretch of Levada do Furado, take the opportunity to recharge your batteries at the Portela viewpoint.
Details
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5 hours
Start/End: ER 303 (Ribeiro Frio) / E.R. 102 (Portela)
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 880 m / 645 m
Madeira Ocean & Trails
Our natural settings allow for enjoying unique and enticing activities in the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Soak up every detail of this fantastic environment and discover a thousand forms of adventure at your own pace.
EXPLORE
Discover other routes on the North Coast
Hiking
PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde offers hikers the chance to explore the orography of the island's interior, known for its monumental landscapes.
Hiking
PR 13 - Vereda do Fanal
Vereda do Fanal offers hikers the opportunity to cross a vast green patch belonging to the indigenous Laurissilva forest.
Hiking
PR 14 - Levada dos Cedros
With a length of 7.2 km, and estimated duration of 3 hours, in Levada dos Cedros you can enjoy the close contact with the island's natural heritage.
Hiking
PR 15 - Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
The Vereda da Ribeira da Janela is a trail of medium difficulty, done mostly downhill. With 2,7km and an estimated duration of 1h30.
Hiking
PR 16 - Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues, which is 3.9 km long (+ 3.9 km return) and takes about 3:30 hours, will give you the chance to calmly admire Nature.
Hiking
PR 18 - Levada do Rei
Levada do Rei will take you to discover the exuberant nature of the island, until you reach a singular place considered a natural sanctuary.
Hiking
PR 21 - Caminho do Norte
Following the traces of an old trail used to connect the south and north areas of Madeira, Caminho do Norte leading you to explore the Madeiran forest area.
Hiking
PR 22 - Vereda do Chão dos Louros
Circular in shape, Vereda do Chão dos Louros allows you to explore the surroundings of the Chão dos Louros forest park.
Hiking
PR 7 - Levada do Moinho
Walking along Levada do Moinho you will have the opportunity to come into direct contact with the richness of Nature and the History of the island.
Hiking
PR 9.1 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde - um caminho para todos
The theme 'Um caminho para todos' ('A path for everyone') offers people with motor and visual disabilities the chance to enjoy direct contact with nature.