Levada do Castelejo

Porto da Cruz to São Roque do Faial

This levada hike takes you into the mountains and lush pine and native laurel forest, past waterfalls, to the Ribiero Frio (Cold River)—one of the most important sources of water for the north of Madeira, including this levada's source. To find the trailhead, take any of the main roads from the center of Porto da Cruz, uphill (about 40 minutes hiking, or 10 minutes driving). At the blue bar, there's a sign pointing the way. When this road forks, take the right (dry levada) fork a few hundred metres until you see the well-marked trailhead and map. From here it's an easy and tranquil 8.6-km round-trip hike with virtually no elevation change. At the opposite terminus the trail ends at a huge boulder and the Ribeiro Frio.

• free
• outdoors

Price

Free