Wed, 21 Apr 2021

The Levada dos Cedros walk is a unique path where the walker constantly follows the Levada, surrounded by leafy and varied vegetation.

How to get to Levada dos Cedros?

The hike is in the northwestern corner of Madeira and is about a one-hour drive from Funchal, which is 48 kilometers away. There is parking right near the trailhead on the side of the road.

On the map below you can find an exact pin of the starting point below and there is a very clear sign at the trailhead so if you follow those you will be set.

Hike Levada dos cedros details

Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike is 11.5km OR 11km if you do a circular loop passing through Fanal forest instead of going out and back along the Levada

Hike Duration: The hike can be completed in about 3-4 hours 

Hike Difficulty: The trail is fairly straightforward with no moments of danger. You have a safety railing whenever there is a drop-off. The path is always following the Levada so the route is clear but often the trail is rocky or muddy but nothing to worry about. If you take the return route via Fanal, you will have to endure 400m of an incline up the steep stairs.

Hike Incline: 400 meters if you return via Fanal. 100 meters if you do an out and back to the waterfall following Levada dos Cedros only.

Highlights of the Levada walk

The first one comes after about four kilometers of hiking and is a viewpoint, which looks out over the valley to the mountain ridges in the distance, from here is possible to admire the grandeur of the mountains that surround the area and, in the background, Ribeira da Janela.

The second main point of interest and the highlight of the trail comes at the halfway point of the route. You will reach a small canyon, where the river seems to flow down from. A well-worn but rugged and rocky trail leads you up to several small waterfalls.