PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão

The trail starts at the Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas in the Queimadas Forest Park. This shelter is built in the traditional style of the Casas de Santana, with a triangular shape and a thatched roof. It is an easy-to-find and practical starting point, with clear trail signage.

From here, the path follows the levada almost immediately, with little height difference over the first section. Soon after the start, you reach the terrace of Levada do Caldeirão Verde. The trail runs through Laurissilva forest, a protected forest that is characteristic of Madeira. Water flows continuously through the levada, which was constructed in the 18th century to supply water to farmlands in the parish of Faial. The path remains narrow in places but is generally well-maintained and easy to follow.

Further along the route, the terrain becomes steeper and more exposed. The levada is cut into the mountainside, with drops on one side and rock walls on the other. Along the way, you pass through four tunnels carved into the rock. These tunnels are dark and can be wet, so a headlamp or torch is necessary. While the trail is classified as moderate, care is needed in these sections, especially in wet conditions. The path is very narrow here, so you will need to pay attention as you walk.

After the tunnels, the trail reaches Caldeirão Verde. It is likely that you will experience different weather on each side of the tunnels, as they take you to different sides of the mountain. On the left side of the path, a waterfall drops from the Ribeiro do Caldeirão Verde into a small lake below. The waterfall has a drop of about 100 metres and is the main destination of the hike. This is the usual turning point for the walk. Most people then return to Queimadas via the same route.

However, from Caldeirão Verde, it is possible to continue to Caldeirão do Inferno. This extension is longer and more demanding and should only be considered if time, weather, and trail conditions allow. If you’re looking for a multi-day hike on Madeira, check out the Madeira Crossing.

The best time to hike the PR 9 is in spring and autumn. Madeira is a great destination for year-round hiking, although spring and early autumn are considered the best months with the most stable weather conditions for mountain hiking. Although be careful, it can be rainy and windy at all times on Madeira, as this island is situated in the middle of the ocean. If it’s bad and stormy weather, don’t go out on the hiking trails and choose another day. Safety first.

While hiking on Madeira, a few things are important for your safety and gear. First of all, keep the unpredictable weather conditions in mind. You’re in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and the weather can shift quickly from nice sunny weather to sudden rainstorms. Always bring high-quality rain gear, such as a hardshell rain jacket and rain pants. Also, bring enough layers if it might get cold, especially in the mountains.

The trails and especially the wet stairs and levadas can be slippery. Bring sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Additionally, you can bring hiking poles for extra stability. Last, bring enough water and snacks. This is a long trail, and you should be adequately hydrating throughout your hike.

The trail is rated as moderate, although it always depends on your stamina and weather conditions. Rain can make the paths and levadas slippery, so be careful and wear shoes with good grip. No sneakers!