Everywhere in Madeira you will find levadas. These are irrigation canals dug by hand centuries ago to bring water from one side of the island to the other. Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a hike along a levada that takes you through dense forests and narrow paths. The tropical flowers along the walk make you feel like you are walking in the middle of the jungle. It is an accessible hike because there are few elevation changes. This also makes it one of the busiest levada walks in Madeira.
Content of this blog:
How to get to PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde?
By bus:
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is located in the middle of the forest. There is no direct bus going here. Should you like to use public transportation, you can catch a bus to Santana. From Santana, grab a cab or Bolt to the starting point for the final kilometers. There is a cab stand at the bus stop.
With your rental car:
This is the easiest way to get to the starting point. The parking lot is called Queimadas Parking Lot. You should note that it is paid parking and you must get an exit ticket at the restaurant after you return from the hike. The exit ticket is valid for 10 minutes so be sure to get it after you have had a drink and gone to the restroom.
Taxi/bolt:
If you do not have access to a rental car, you can arrange for a cab or bolt to take you (and pick you up) to the starting point of the hike. It is helpful to exchange phone numbers so you can call the driver what time you want to be picked up again.
Furthermore, it is important to bring:
- Enough food and drink for 5 to 6 hours on the road
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Photo camera / phone
- Possibly a flashlight to shine in the tunnels. The flashlight on your phone also suffices
- Possibly swimming gear and a towel. At the end you can take a (very fresh) dip at the waterfall
- Some cash. €0.50 for the toilets
Start of the hike
At the starting point is a large restaurant. Here you can still get something to eat/drink in case you don’t have enough food packed. There are also toilets here, on payment of €0.50 cash.
The first 2 kilometers you walk through the woods. Sometimes you walk past a small waterfall and then you walk again under the huge trees.
After these 2 kilometers, the path becomes more and more narrow, and at times you see nice precipices. There is always a gate in front of this, though. However, it is still important to pay close attention here because you are walking on (sometimes slippery) stones. During the hike, you will pass through 4 tunnels. Here it is very dark and damp, so definitely handy to have your flashlight on. Also make sure you bend down well, the stones hang low and it hurts very badly if you hit your head hard (I speak from experience).
After 6.5 kilometers (2 hours) you will arrive at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Here you can rest, have some food and drinks and if you dare even take a dip in the cold water!
When you are rested enough you start back the same way. You will encounter many people and you will often have to step aside on the narrow trails. Therefore, it takes an average of 5 to 6 hours to get back.
When you’re well rested after this hike, it’s time to take on Madeira’s other three popular hikes. The most famous hike PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is a real must do. This is the most beautiful hike in all of Europe we think! Furthermore, PR8 Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço and PR6 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall are also wonderful hikes.
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