PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in all of Madeira. It's a long, flat hike that takes you past waterfalls, through dark tunnels, and along the most epic views of the lush forest in the mountains 🌿

If you're afraid of heights, this might not be the hike for you. There is a long stretch with very steep drops – and while there are railings, the trail is narrow and it can get very busy!

I'm scared of heights and have done this hike a few times but it's never without a bit of fear – so keep that in mind as you go. Set extra time aside for the hike, watch your step, and stop for oncoming hikers and let them pass you on the outside.

Trail information:

• Official name: PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde

• Distance: 13.7 km return / 8.5 miles return

• Elevation: Roughly 200 m / 650 ft. elevation gain

• Length: 4-5 hours return

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard

• Fee: €4.5 per person (pay here)

How to get there:

• 🚗 Drive – 50 minutes from Funchal

• 🅿️ Parking – Park at the trailhead

• ☕️ Grab a coffee after your hike at Parque Florestal das Queimadas

• 🚌 Transfer: If you don't drive, you can also get a transfer instead. Book your transfer here.

For the hike, we usually pack lunch and eat along the trail. You can also stop in Santana for lunch after your hike.

We also recommend bringing:

• 🧴 Sunscreen

• 💧 Plenty of water

• 🥾 Waterproof hiking boots

• 🔦 Headtorch for the tunnels (and mind your head!)

• 📸 Camera

• 🦯 Hiking poles (optional)

⚠️ There’s a €4.5 entry fee to do this hike, which you need to pay before you start the hike. You can do that here.