Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova is a 9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Ponta do Sol, Madeira, Portugal that features a waterfall.
Its main objective was the supply of irrigation water to the lands between Ribeira da Caixa and Ribeira Brava, places like Zimbreiros, Candelária, and Lombo Cesteiro, which are in great need. It was opened in 1962.
How to get to the Levada Nova walk?
The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike is located on the south coast in between Calheta and Funchal.
The trail actually begins behind the church and there is also parking right next to the church.
Details of the Levada nova walk
Hike Distance: The total distance of the hike is 9km (return trip)
Hike Duration: The 9km round-trip will take you about 3 hours in total
Hike Difficulty: This trail is quite moderate, there are a few parts of the trail on the top Levada (Levada Nova), where you have some exposure. It seems they haven’t finished the fence here and the drop was significant but you have a nice concrete path to walk on so it shouldn’t be of concern.
Hike Incline: 150 meters of incline
You will no doubt enjoy walking along the path, which is carved behind the waterfall making it the main attraction of this hike.
Views: Make sure to look back frequently as you will have views all the way back to the ocean. In front of you, the valley between the mountains is quite impressive with a narrow gorge forging its way in between the cliffs.
There are actually two levadas that combine to create this trail: Levada do Moinho is an older Levada and Levada Nova is much newer and is located up above. You will head out along the Levada do Moinho and then climb up the stairs (or gorge track) to join the Levada Nova later down the trail.
Stopping for lunch: This is a great spot to stop for lunch or a snack and take in the beauty of the falls. After your pit stop, you will head straight into a dark tunnel.
ATTENTION!
You will need a headlamp or at the very least a strong phone light to navigate your way through the 200-meter long tunnel. After the tunnel, you follow the cliff-side, Levada Nova, towards the ocean.
Ending: The trail will end a couple of blocks up from the church where it spits you back out onto the roads of the village. Simply keep walking down the road it sends you on and the church where you began will be on your right.