Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike (PR9) On Madeira Island

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is one of the best levada walks (not too steep) on Madeira island with lush jungles and several amazing waterfalls! This levada trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island due to its incredible waterfall, dense jungle surroundings, and most importantly, it’s relatively flat without too much incline. I really enjoyed this hike and would highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy walking but don’t want a huge uphill trek. It really gives you so many great views and a huge waterfall without leading you up any stairs or steep hills.

HOW TO GET TO THE LEVADA DO CALDEIRÃO VERDE HIKE

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is located on the north/central part of the island of Madeira. You need to drive up and around the center of the island with no good direct route from Funchal. This means it takes a little longer than the other side of the valley such as Pico do Arieiro, which can be accessed directly from Funchal. I’ve added the pin location for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike trailhead below, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Funchal. There is parking at the hiking trailhead and it is a little less than 1 Euro for parking per hour with a maximum of 3 Euros for your stay.

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE LEVADA DO CALDEIRÃO VERDE HIKE

It’s a fair drive from Funchal to get up to Queimadas, where you will find the parking lot for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike. There’s much more than just a trailhead here with a cafe, small cottages where you can stay the night, ducks, a lagoon, and picnic areas. There’s a lot going on but it’s a great place to have a coffee and cake before you start the hike (or after) and take a moment to relax after the drive up into the mountains.

The small but swift Madeira Firecrest birds here were not quite as brave as those at Vereda dos Balcões. Despite my best efforts they refused to eat from my hand and I spent half of my cake trying to lure them over. Good luck taming the local birds.

The trail is a 12-kilometer out and back with an epic waterfall at the halfway point of the hike. The path begins by winding you through some very scenic levada trails, completely surrounded by jungle. The lush greenery is so dense you can barely see more than a few meters before your view is a wall of green. I thought this was one of the most beautiful levada walks on Madeira.

The main waterfall is at the halfway point of the trail, but you don’t have to wait for six kilometers to witness your first waterfall. After a few kilometers, you pass a beautiful waterfall on the side of the trail. It actually looks like the old path, which would have meant getting quite wet but that’s normal for a Madeira trail.

The next feature on the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is the four tunnels you will need to pass through. They vary in length and height and require a phone light or headlamp. Make sure to watch your head in the tunnels as the roof can be low in some sections. It’s always an interesting experience in the tunnels but these were only a few hundred meters rather than some of the other tunnels on Madeira that can span for kilometers.

With just a couple of kilometers left on the route to the waterfall, the trail emerges from the dense forest to wind out around the cliffside with a huge drop-off on your right-hand side. Don’t fear, a railing keeps you safe the whole way but the views are just beautiful in this section. You can see all the way through the valley and up to the peaks above.

The final steps lead you up to the amphitheater of the waterfall. However, there is a sign saying it is prohibited to enter the arena and get up close to the waterfall. This is because in 2019 there was a rockfall/landslide and 11 people were injured. That’s pretty serious so they closed that section off. It’s a bit strange to keep the hike open but close off the main attraction instead, which you only find out about after six kilometers. Anyhow, there is quite a clear path around the sign that is very well-worn. Obviously, everyone is still visiting the waterfall but ‘at their own risk/illegally’.

Landslides are no joke and there isn’t much room to hide if rocks start falling in this arena-style canyon area. You’ll have to decide what to do for yourself. As you can see from the photos coming, we followed others past the sign otherwise you can really only get a glimpse of the waterfall.

The waterfall is one of the best in Madeira, easily. It’s got to be around the 100-meter mark and flows down into a perfect, circular lagoon below. Freezing water is only for brave swimmers but it’s a great place to feel like a very small human as you look up to the water as it freefalls from high up on the cliff. I really enjoyed framing a few shots in between the vibrant, green ferns scattered around the arena.

The hike back out is exactly the way you came in so you simply retrace your steps back through the tunnels to the parking lot and maybe for a second coffee and cake. No judgment here. I hope you enjoyed this guide about the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike on Madeira Island. Happy hiking and stay safe out there!

5 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CALDEIRÃO VERDE HIKE

Here are five captivating facts that will compel you to explore this hiking trail:

1. What distinguishes the Caldeirão Verde waterfall? This trail boasts the remarkable Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a mesmerizing cascade that plunges over 100 feet into a natural basin. Its allure is amplified by its concealed location in a verdant vale, encompassed by towering precipices and luxuriant vegetation.
2. Why is it dubbed the “Green Cauldron”? This trail derives its name from the “green cauldron,” an expansive basin at the base of the waterfall, imbued with the vivid green hue originating from the minerals and flora in the adjacent stones.
3. What varieties of flora and fauna are visible during the hike? The Caldeirão Verde hike offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness an array of endemic flora and fauna. The path winds through a stunning laurel forest that houses a myriad of unique plant species like the Madeira mahogany and the laurel tree. You might also chance upon some of the island’s exotic bird species, including the Madeira firecrest and the plain swift.
4. Is the Caldeirão Verde hike appropriate for all fitness levels? While not the easiest trail on the island, the Caldeirão Verde hike is suitable for most fitness levels. The path is well-preserved and has a gradual incline for the majority of the trek. However, there are some steep sections, and the path may be slippery in some areas, so wearing proper hiking shoes and exercising caution is crucial.
5. What is the optimal time to trek the Caldeirão Verde path? The Caldeirão Verde path is open all year round, but it’s most recommended to traverse it during the spring and summer months when the climate is mild and the foliage is at its greenest. Bear in mind that the path may be crowded during peak tourist season, so if you prefer a quieter hike, it’s advisable to embark early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

WONDERING ABOUT WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA?

Throughout my six months on Madeira Island, I stayed in multiple accommodations. My favorite regions to stay in were Funchal and Canico de Baixo. I’ve created several guides to help you find the right region for you and a great hotel or apartment.

• The ultimate guide: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA: WHICH REGION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
• If you want luxury: BEST 5-STAR LUXURY HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• To feel at home: TOP 10 BOUTIQUE HOTELS ON MADEIRA ISLAND
• If you want to base in Funchal: WHERE TO STAY IN FUNCHAL: 15 TOP-RATED HOTELS

HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER MADEIRA BLOGS?

I spent six months exploring Madeira and the nearby island of Porto Santo. These are some of my most popular guides about the region that you may be interested in.

• My favorite hikes: 65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA
• My favorite levada walks: 25 BEAUTIFUL LEVADA WALKS ON MADEIRA
• The best waterfalls on the island: 25 EPIC WATERFALLS ON MADEIRA
• Guide to the best Accommodation: WHERE TO STAY ON MADEIRA
• Hardest hike: THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS (115KM)
• Longest hike: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH (180KM)