Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
One of Madeira's classic levada hikes, passing through laurel forest and tunnels to a green pool fed by a waterfall more than 100 metres high.
The PR9 trail starts at Queimadas Forest Park in Santana and follows a 19th-century irrigation channel (levada) through the UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest. Along the way it passes four dark rock tunnels and steep sections along cliff edges, ending at the “Green Cauldron” (Caldeirão Verde), a green pool surrounded by cliffs and fed by a waterfall. The round trip is about 13 km and takes 4 to 5 hours. The path is gentle but narrow, so bring a headlamp and a waterproof jacket. Before setting out, check the trail status on the Visit Madeira website. A small trail maintenance fee is now payable online.
Opening hours
Daytime (check official trail announcements)
Nearby sights
- Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1)
- Balcões Viewpoint
- Santana Traditional Houses
- Curral das Freiras & Eira do Serrado
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden & Monte Toboggan
- São Vicente Caves
- Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint
- Madeira Botanical Garden