32° 47′ N, 16° 54′ W
Overview
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PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde overview
6,5 km one way, 13 km in total
90 m
90 m
4 to 5 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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About PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a must-do hike in Madeira and one of the island’s classic levada trails. It takes you deep into Madeira’s lush laurel forest, with stunning views of the São Jorge valley, colorful flowers, and several bridges and tunnels to cross. It’s a mostly flat route, so it’s not too tough but still offers plenty of adventure with narrow paths, tunnels, and even the breathtaking 100-meter-high Caldeirão Verde waterfall at the end.
What do PR and Levada hike mean: “PR” stands for ‘Pequena Rota,’ meaning ‘small routes,’ and there are 25 official ones to discover on Madeira of which 9 are levada hikes.
Levadas are old irrigation channels originally built to transport water from the wet, lush areas to the drier agricultural zones. Over time, they’ve become fantastic walking paths that let you explore the island in a whole new way. A levada hike means that you follow such water channels through forests, mountains, and valleys, and the best part is they’re usually easy to walk since the trails are mostly flat.
The route
The PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde hike begins at Queimadas Forest Park, near the village of Santana. Here, you’ll find Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas café, where you can grab a drink and a piece of cake either before or after your hike.
Just past the café, there’s a signpost marking the beginning of the trail. The path is easy to navigate, as there’s essentially one route with one levada leading to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
As you start walking, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, tangled branches, and some of Madeira’s most beautiful wildflowers. After about an hour, the path narrows, leading you to the first waterfall along the PR9 trail.
In the second half of the Levada Caldeirão Verde hike, you’ll pass through four tunnels, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some parts are dark and have low ceilings. Once through the tunnels, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the São Jorge valley, framed by impressive peaks. The path here runs next to a steep drop, but there are railings for safety. This part might be challenging for people who are afraid of heights.
After about two hours, you’ll reach the Caldeirão Verde waterfall that plunges down 100 meters into a natural pool below. While the waterfall itself may not be the most impressive feature, the towering semi-circle canyon covered in green moss into which it crashes is truly breathtaking. The lush green surroundings are what give this waterfall its name, Caldeirão Verde, which translates to Green Cauldron. This is an ideal spot to take a break and soak in the scenery.
Can you swim at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall?
Though the pool beneath the waterfall looks perfect for a refreshing dip, swimming is restricted due to the risk of falling rocks. That’s why the last part of the path is closed for safety. If you’re determined to take a dip, it’s at your own risk.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views, simply retrace your steps back to the starting point.
If you are seeking a bigger challenge, you can extend the hike to the nearby Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall. However, it adds 2.5 kilometers (one way!) and includes steeper sections, so make sure you’re prepared.
How to get to PR9 Levada Caldeirão Verde
PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde starts at Queimadas Forestry Park. It is located in northern Madeira, near the village of Santana, known for its traditional A-frame houses.
By car
The easiest way to get to the starting point is by rental car. If you’re driving from Funchal, it takes around 45 minutes to get there. The road to the trailhead includes some sharp turns, steep hills, and narrow parts. You can navigate to Queimadas Forest Park, where you’ll find a small paid parking lot.
Parking costs €0,20 per 15 minutes (first 30 min free) for the first 3 hours, €0,15 per 15 minutes from 4 hours and more, or max €4,10 per day. You have to pay for your ticket at the nearby café, Casa das Queimadas. The parking is usually free when the café is closed.
By bus
If you’re not traveling by car, you can take a bus from Funchal to Santana. Bus lines 56, 103, or 138 will get you to Santana in about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, you can catch a taxi for the last 6 kilometers to the start of the trail.
By organized transfer or tour
If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning, you can book a transfer or join an organized tour. These tours usually offer a guide who knows the area, round-trip transportation, and sometimes even extras like snacks or lunch. Just be sure to check what’s included before you book.
Tickets
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When to hike
The best time to hike the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is during the spring or early summer, between April and June. That’s when Madeira’s famous wildflowers are in full bloom, and the temperatures are pleasant. You’ll also avoid the rain showers of winter, which can make the trail slippery and the tunnels extra wet! Remember that Madeira’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack a light rain jacket, just in case.
To avoid the crowds it’s best to hike on a weekday morning or late afternoon, especially if you’re visiting in the busier summer months. You do not only beat the heat but have more chance to have a parking spot as parking is limited! We hiked in the very late afternoon and had the waterfall all to ourselves, although we did have to hike the last part in the dark.
Where to stay
The nearest town to PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde where you can stay is Santana, a charming village famous for its traditional A-framed houses. Here, you will find various accommodation options, including guesthouses, hotels, and cozy rural stays.
Funchal is another great option, especially if you plan to explore other parts of the island. There’s a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, with a bit more comfort. Plus, Funchal is an excellent base for exploring Madeira, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to enjoy after your hike.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
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Tips & Safety
Bring a headlamp or flashlight
Make sure you bring a light (flashlight or flash from your phone) for the tunnels, so you can see where you are going. Some of the tunnels are very low, so watch your head!
Wear proper shoes
Along the way, waterfalls cascade onto the path, so it can be very slippery and muddy. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sturdy and waterproof shoes or even hiking boots.
Watch your step
As you walk alongside the levada, you'll want to watch your step and avoid falling in! Some sections of the path are quite narrow, and at times, you’ll find yourself next to a steep slope. While there is always a fence for safety, it's still advised to be careful.
Allow enough time
Although the trail is not that hard, it's quite a distance, so we strongly advise you to allow enough time to enjoy the beauty of the nature you're passing through and admire the incredible views along the way. As it's a popular trail, you'll also need some extra time to let other hikers pass.
Bring water
Besides the café at the beginning of the trail, there are no facilities along the way. It's a long hike so bring enough water and snacks.
Sun protection
Even though most parts of the hike are shaded, it is recommended to protect yourself against the sun.
Weather forecast
The weather in the mountains of Madeira can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start hiking and bring a raincoat just in case. Especially in this part of the island it tends to rain more.
Leave nothing but footprints
Please, don't litter, not along the trail, nor somewhere else.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
