Levada do Moinho & Levada Nova Hike
Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova are two adjacent trails that swirl through Madeira’s lush southern terrain. They’re often paired together, forming a beautiful route – the perfect activity for a sunny day!
Located near the small town of Lombada do Ponto do Sol, the total route is about 8 kilometers long and takes you past some of the most incredible views of the area’s valleys. It’s an easy trail with barely any incline (less than 200m); however, it’s not for those who fear heights, as you’ll be walking on a small path along a steep drop.
Along the way, you’ll also come across one (sometimes two) waterfalls (one of which you even get to hike behind!) and a long tunnel. And even though this trail lies just 30 minutes from the capital city, Funchal, it’s one of the lesser-known hikes you get to do on the island.
What is a levada? A levada is an irrigation channel. On Madeira, you’ll find about 3000 km of levadas, some of which even date back to the 16th century!
Trail details:
- Total km: 8.3 km (or about 4 km one-way)
- Time: 3 hours
- Elevation: 160m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Entrance: Free to visit, no tickets.
Tip: Check beforehand if the trail is open. This is because during the winter, parts of the trail can collapse due to landslides, causing the trail to close for restoration.
We opted to start with the lower, where you’ll walk down a short staircase (spot our sticker here!) just behind this church. As soon as you get there, you’ll see the route sign for Levada do Moinho.
This trail winds along the valley’s cliffsides, following the narrow levada channel, and is, with its views, easily one of the best things to do in Madeira. There are a few exposed areas along the path, though they’re always protected by a fence.
Keep following the trail (about 1 hour) until you reach a wooden staircase. From here, you get to climb up to the top to reach other path, the second part of your route. Also see our list of best hikes in Madeira.
Levada Nova Waterfall
Once you’re at the top trail (at the top of the stairs), go right to towards Levada Nova Waterfall to start your loop back towards town. After 15 minutes of walking en route, you’ll pass the hike’s iconic spot: the Levada Nova waterfall.
Also read: 10-day Madeira itinerary
Note: While the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hiking trail is quite straightforward, there are a few minor obstacles along the way, like stepping stones, stairs, river crossings (dry), and a steep cliffside. The trail back to town doesn’t always have a fence alongside it, so always keep an eye on where you place your feet. If you don’t like that, you can also turn around and take the same (Levada do Moinho) trail back. However, the route higher up is even more scenic!
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How to Get to Levada Nova
The Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova trails lie only a 30-minute drive away from Funchal, Madeira. Both lie in the tiny municipality of Lombada, which is easy to get to by car from its southern city, Ponta do Sol. There’s a parking lot right next to the church (with a toilet) where the trail begins.
We recommend to rent a car in Madeira through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Best Time to Hike Levada Nova, Madeira
Due to Madeira’s tropical weather, there’s no wrong time of the year to hike Levada Nova. Although visiting just after the wintertime means more powerful falls! Head out early or later, just before sunset, to see the route at its most spectacular. If you hike between 11 AM and 12 PM, the sun will shine directly onto the waterfalls, making it slightly less magical.
Nevertheless, it’s always good to wear layers on your Madeira hikes, as the weather can change. It’s common to see cold, warm, cloudy, and clear weather all on the same day. Because of this, it’s also worth checking the weather apps before you go!
What to Pack for Levada do Moinho
Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho are some of Madeira’s lesser-known hiking trails but a must-see on your Madeira itinerary. Here are some things to pack to make this incredible trail go as smoothly as possible:
- Good shoes (waterproof sneakers with a good profile or proper hiking boots.)
- Sunglasses
- Environmentally-friendly sunscreen
- Cap
- Plenty of water (in a reusable bottle, the perfect way to travel plastic-free!)
- Some snacks
- Layers (temperatures change throughout the trail)
- Waterproof jacket
- A headlamp (for the 200m tunnel)
- Your camera
Where to Stay
As Madeira is compact, it’s easy to get to the Levada Nova hike and waterfall from Funchal. Base yourself here and drive or transport to go hiking. Funchal is an incredible city packed with excellent accommodation options, from cozy apartments to diverse hotels.
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