If you’re dreaming of lush valleys, cliffside trails, and waterfalls you can actually walk under, the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike in Madeira needs to be on your list.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan the walk yourself, including how to get there, what to bring, trail tips, a map, and what to expect at every twist and turn.
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s mildly obsessed with Madeira. I try to come back to the island whenever I can. On my last summer trip, I tackled this hike solo, and it quickly became one of my all-time favourite levada walks.
The Levada do Moinho walk has peaceful forest paths, a few fun challenges (hello, dark tunnel), and jaw-dropping views over Madeira’s rugged south coast.
What is the Levada do Moinho? 💧
The Levada do Moinho is part of Madeira’s historic irrigation system – basically scenic aqueducts that double as walking paths. This trail pairs the Moinho levada (lower) with the newer Levada Nova (upper), forming a 9km loop filled with forest views, waterfalls, and sheer drops that’ll make your stomach flip (in the best way).
If you’re based near Calheta, Porto Moniz, or Ponta do Sol, this one’s a breeze to get to.
Hike Details & What to Expect 📋
There is a fee to pay online – see my Trail Fees section below for details.
- Distance: 9km round trip.
- Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours (including photo stops and snack breaks).
- Incline: 150 metres.
- Difficulty: Moderate – fine for most, but expect some narrow paths, stairs, and a slightly spooky tunnel.
- Start Point: CAM da Volta do Engenho 24, behind the Igreja da Lombada in Ponta do Sol.
- Route Style: Loop (you’ll finish near where you started).
- Alternate Name: Sometimes marked as PR7 or Levada Grande.
Getting There 🚗
The trail begins just behind a little whitewashed church called Igreja da Lombada. There’s a small car park and even a toilet nearby (always a bonus before a hike). Head around the church to find stone steps that lead down to the trail. You’ll see signs for the levada here.
You can also get there by taxi or hire car if you’re staying elsewhere on the island (I got a taxi from Calheta).
The Hike: What It’s Like 🥾
This trail is all about variety – forests, waterfalls, tunnels, cliffside drama – so expect a little bit of everything.
Start with Levada do Moinho 🌿
The path kicks off gently, hugging the cliffside with a safety railing in parts. You’ll be treated to sweeping ocean views on one side and lush green valley scenes on the other.
Birds chirp, trees rustle, water trickles. It’s blissfully peaceful.
About 10–15 minutes in, you’ll spot a set of stairs on your right. These lead straight up to Levada Nova and the main waterfall – but I’d highly recommend ignoring them (at least for now).
Instead, follow the path down into the gorge. This section is a little more rugged, with uneven steps, a dry riverbed crossing, and some narrow paths. But the reward? A hidden waterfall tucked away in the rocks that many people miss.
It’s small, serene, and totally magical – like something out of a fairytale.
You’ll then climb back up to rejoin the Levada Nova via a short uphill path. Either way, the shortcut and the longer gorge route meet in the same place, just with very different views along the way.
You’ll cross a riverbed, climb back up via a short incline, and rejoin the trail where the stairs would have led you. But now with bonus bragging rights.
Continue on Levada Nova 🌄
Once you’ve climbed up and joined the Levada Nova, the vibe shifts a little. It’s higher, more exposed, and a bit more dramatic.
You’ll follow a narrow ledge carved into the cliffside, with panoramic views down to the valley below and the ocean glinting in the distance.
And then comes the main event – the iconic cliffside waterfall. This is the moment everyone’s waiting for.
The trail passes directly behind a cascade of water pouring over the path, with a rock tunnel carved right through the cliff.
It’s one of the most unique moments on any levada walk, and yep, you will get wet! A light waterproof is handy, but honestly, it’s part of the fun.
The Tunnel (Yes, It’s Dark) 🔦
Straight after that, things get darker – literally.
You’ll head into a 200-metre tunnel, where the light disappears quickly and the ground gets slick.
A proper torch is your best friend here (your phone torch might work, but mine was pretty useless). Note the photo above is illuminated with my camera flash – trust me it is pitch black in there!
The Final Stretch & Return 🌿
Once you emerge back into the light, the path clings to the mountain for the final stretch. There are no railings, so stay focused and take it slow.
You’re now walking high above the valley along Levada Nova, with Levada do Moinho winding far below and tiny village rooftops scattered in the distance.
It’s not technically difficult, but the drop-offs are real. If you’ve got a fear of heights, this part might test you (but personally for me the views made it all worth it).
Just go single file, stay steady, and pop a hand on the rock wall for balance when needed.
I passed a few hikers here, and the general rule is: whoever’s on the outer edge has “right of way” so others can step into the mountain to let you pass.
This part was the best part of the trail for me. I was exhilarated having got through the tunnel ok, and the views from the top levada were absolutely stunning.
There are a few more mini waterfalls, rocky crossings, and lovely quiet spots for a snack break.
You’ll eventually loop back to the village roads, a couple of blocks uphill from the church where you started. Just follow the road down, and before you know it, you’ll spot the church again, right where it all began.
Top Tips for Walking the Levada do Moinho 💡
🐢 Don’t rush it – the views deserve to be enjoyed properly!
🥾 Wear proper hiking boots – The trail gets slippery, especially near waterfalls and tunnels.
🔦 Bring a flashlight – Your phone torch probably won’t cut it in that dark tunnel.
🚻 Use the loo at the church before starting
💦 Expect to get wet walking under the waterfall.
💳 Pay your trail fee in advance – You’ll need to pay online via the Simplifica portal at least 24 hours prior.
📡 Let someone know where you’re going (there’s no signal in parts).
⛰️ Watch your step on cliffside sections, especially when passing other hikers.
🥤 Pack water and snacks – there are no cafés or shops along the way.
Trail Fees for Visitors 💶
As of 2025, Madeira charges a €3 entrance fee for non-residents (aged 12+) on all 30 official PR walking trails. This includes the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova route.
Tickets must be purchased via the SIMplifica portal at least 24 hours before your walk, or on-site where available. Proof of payment is required and may be checked by ICNF officials. Fines can apply for non-compliance.
Madeira residents and children under 12 are exempt. The fee supports maintenance, signage, and conservation of Madeira’s stunning natural trails.
💡 Top tip: Some organised tours cover this for you, so if you’re going with a guide, double-check if it’s included.
Levada Tours in Madeira 📡
If you’re not keen on doing it solo, there are loads of small group and guided tours that include the Levada do Moinho and other scenic routes. I often use Viator and Get Your Guide – check out these ones:
- Local walks with Dino: a 5 star rated personal guide who runs a schedule of levada walks. Personalised to your preference and includes hotel drop off and pick up.
- Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fountains Full-day walk: small group tours, includes round-trip transport from some areas of Madeira.
- Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk: A walking tour of Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
- Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal: 8 hour small group hike with a badge of excellence.
- Paradise Valley – Levada Walk: half-day walking tour from Funchal following the Levada da Serra do Faial.
- Levada Walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela: 8-hour hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela. Departing from Funchal, limited to 15 people per trip.
- Rabaçal 25 Fontes Levada Walk in Small Groups: Hike through to the centre of the forest to get a close-up look at the dramatic 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls. Badge of excellence.
- Madeira Levada Walk – Caldeirao Verde: 5-hour hiking tour of the UNESCO-listed Queimadas Forest Park from Funchal. Also stops at the famous thatched houses in Santana.
These are just some of the tours available! See all levada walking tours on Viator.
Map of the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova Trail 🗺️
Here’s a handy Google Map to help you find the starting point of the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike. The trail kicks off behind the Igreja da Lombada in Ponta do Sol, where you’ll also find parking and a toilet (essential pre-hike stop).
💡 Top tip: Save the pin before you go. Signal can be patchy once you’re on the trail, and it’s easy to miss the stairs if you’re not sure where to look.
FAQs: Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova Waterfall Hike💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about the levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike.
The trail begins behind the Igreja da Lombada in Ponta do Sol. You’ll find a small car park next to the church, and a set of stone steps at the back that lead you straight onto the levada. It’s well signposted, look for signs saying “Levada do Moinho.”
The full loop is around 9km, and most people complete it in about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on how many photos you stop for (trust me, you’ll stop for a lot). If you take the shortcut stairs near the start, it’ll be a bit shorter, but you’ll miss the hidden waterfall.
It’s moderate, with just 150m of elevation gain. The paths are generally flat, but expect:
– Uneven terrain, sometimes slippery
– Some rocky sections and stairs
– A narrow tunnel (bring a light!)
– Exposed sections without railings
If you’re reasonably fit and steady on your feet, you’ll be fine.
Yes! Early in the trail, you’ll see a steep set of stairs on your right. These skip the gorge section and take you directly up to the main waterfall. It’s a good option if you’re short on time or energy, but you’ll miss one of the prettiest bits of the trail.
Yes, but you might get a bit of a splash! The path goes through a rocky corridor carved into the cliff, with water tumbling down right over the top. It’s amazing. Take it slow and wear shoes with decent grip.
Dark! The 200-metre tunnel is curved and completely unlit. You’ll need a flashlight or headlamp (your phone torch might just about do it). The ground is wet and uneven, and the roof is low in places, so watch your head. The water is running right next to you, you’ll be able to hear it but you can’t see it.
There’s a public toilet at the trailhead next to the church, but nothing once you’re on the walk. Plan accordingly!
Technically yes, but it’s not the usual way. Starting with Levada do Moinho and ending with Levada Nova makes the flow of the trail more natural, and saves the most exciting bits (waterfall, tunnel, and epic views) for the second half.
– Refillable water bottle
– Light rain jacket if you want it for the waterfall splash zone (it’s not really necessary though)
– Torch or headlamp
– Snacks
– Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
– Fully charged phone or GPS
Not advised. Rain makes the trail muddy and the cliffside parts slippery. Some trails in Madeira are closed after heavy rain for safety, so always check the local conditions before setting off.
Yes, if you’re a non-resident, there’s a €3 fee to access this trail. The levy applies to most official levada walks, including Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova. Pay online at least 24 hours in advance via Simplifica Madeira. It goes toward trail upkeep and environmental protection.
More Madeira Inspiration ✨
Here are some posts related to this article about the levada do Moinho and the levada Nova.
🌿 16 of the Best Levada Walks in Madeira, Portugal.
✨ 25 Amazing Things to do on Madeira Island.
🚗 12 Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary.
🏛️ 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira.
🏝️ 10 Great Things to do in Calheta, Madeira Island.
Save for Later 📌
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- Reserve your Madeira Hotel early, before they sell out.
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- Book Madeira tours in advance (no payment required up front).
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- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
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Tags: Europe, Levada, Levada Walks, Madeira, Portugal
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