3 – Levada Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde

Full-Day Madeira Island Walk

3 – Levada Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde

The Levada Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde begins at the Queimadas Forest Park which is 980 meters above sea level. Here we will find a shelter house (Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas) which still maintains the original features of the typical houses of Santana, including the magnificent thatched roof.

The walk starts and ends at the same point, along the way we will go through a few tunnels, therefore, a torch is needed.

The Levada of Caldeirão Verde was built in the 18^th century for agricultural purposes. The water passes through steep cliffs and mountains to be used to irrigate the farmlands of Faial parish.

Along the Levada we will cross some spectacular steep slopes. From the interior of the deep valley of São Jorge brook, we will experience an astonishing view of the mountainous terrain located in the interior of the island. The tunnels, which were carved by hand, are an impressive work of art.

After the tunnels, we will have a breathtaking view of the Caldeirão Verde lagoon. The beautiful emerald lake is formed by the magnificent waterfall that drops down from a height of 100 meters.

This trail is inserted in full Laurissilva Forest (Laurel Forest), where we can enjoy a wide variety of plant species, such as excellent specimens of elegant Japanese cedars, European beech with their dense reddish foliage, Canary Island junipers, Madeira laurel, Pau Branco or southern olive, hundred-year-old broom heath, as well as some specimens of lily-of-the-valley tree and Madeira blueberry. 

Some species of indigenous avifauna that can be seen include the chaffinch, the firecrest, the Madeira long-toed pigeon, the grey wagtail, and the buzzard.

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What to Bring?

According to the time of the year that you chose to walk in Madeira and taking into consideration our changeable weather, it is necessary to be well prepared for the Levada walks and the mountain trails.

Recommended Equipment