Levadas Near Santana: Caldeirão Verde, Queimadas & Beyond

The levadas are Madeira’s signature — centuries-old irrigation channels that carry water from the mountains to the villages and today form the island’s best walking network. Many of the most famous ones are in the Santana municipality, and staying in Faial means reaching the trails before the tourist rush.

Queimadas Forest Park

About 4 km from Faial, Queimadas Forest Park is the classic starting point for northern walks. The famous thatched house in the traditional style — one of the most photographed in the island — marks the beginning of several trails.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

One of the most spectacular hikes in Madeira: about 6.5 km (one way) along the levada, with tunnels, waterfalls and the impressive Caldeirão Verde lake at the end. Total duration is 5 to 6 hours including the return. Recommended for those with some experience — bring a torch, as some tunnels have no light.

Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno

A continuation of the previous one, longer and more demanding (about 8.5 km one way only). The effort is rewarded: the Inferno valley is one of the wildest corners of the island, with laurel forest vegetation and waterfalls. Reserve the whole day.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio

About 7 km from Faial, one of the most accessible viewpoints on the island: a gentle walk of about 1.5 km (one way) ending on a suspended balcony over the valley, with views of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro on clear days.

Tips for walking in the north

• Start early: in summer the heat arrives by midday and Queimadas parking fills up
• Bring a torch (tunnels), water, a waterproof jacket and trail shoes
• Check trail conditions and weather before setting off
• In winter the levadas can be slippery — extra care needed

After a hike, nothing beats returning to Paraíso Resiliente: a shared kitchen to refuel, a hot tub to relax tired muscles and a quiet night to the sound of the ocean.