Hiking the Levada da Nova trail in Madeira is a beautiful day out, consisting of a flat, and scenic trail located in the southwest of Madeira island. It’s a great option if you want to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty without a super challenging hike. There are a few shaded spots along the way and once you reach the waterfall, you can opt to turn around and come back the same way, or continue down into the valley.
Hiking Levada da Nova can be a little confusing, as there are multiple starting points, and even as far as a 20 minute drive away. I accidentally sent my friend who was meeting us for this hike to another location!
How to get to Levada da Nova Trailhead
The Levada da Nova trailhead is located in the small town of Lombada, in the municipality of Ponta do Sol. You can get there by car or by public bus.
- By car: There’s a small parking area close to the church in Lombada where you can leave your car. We chose to park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vt8Zf1acvRnUfqou9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy, and if you are facing up the hill, the trail starts on the left hand side. Below is a screenshot with the red arrow pointing to the start point. On maps it looks like it doesn’t exist, but it does. Again, it’s all very confusing! Hiring a car in Madeira is a must – it makes life way easier to get around.
- By bus: Take the public bus route 90 from Funchal to Lombada. The bus stop is located near the church in Lombada. You can check the public bus schedules online or at the bus station in Funchal.
What to bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip: The trail can be slippery in some sections, especially after rain. You could do this trail in a pair of trainers (sneakers) if you don’t have hiking shoes. I do recommend taking hiking boots with you to Madeira though, you will definitely need them on some hikes!
- Water: There is no drinking water available along the trail, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Hat and sun cream: There are a few shady spots along the way, however most of the trail is not covered. You definitely need a hat and sun cream.
- Rain coat: The weather in Madeira is so unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket with you on most days.
- Snacks: Bring some snacks with you, especially if you’re planning on doing the loop trail. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.
- Camera: I am biased because I’m a photographer, but I would always bring a camera, or at least your phone to snap some pictures along the way. It’s a beautiful trail.
- Headlamp: If you have a headlamp I would recommend bringing it for the tunnel. It is very dark and you absolutely need a light. Your phone torch will do if you don’t have a headlamp, however, they are way more powerful than your phone. I bought one in Decathlon in Funchal for 15 euros. It was worth it as I used it on multiple occasions on different hiking trails in Madeira.
Hiking Levada da Nova Trail Madeira – Difficulty and Duration
The Levada da Nova trail is considered to be an easy to moderate hike. The total distance of the trail is about 9 km (5.6 miles) if you do the loop trail, which includes both Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho. The elevation gain is about 150 meters (492 feet). The hike can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take breaks and photos.
Best time to go
The best time to hike Levada da Nova is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, Madeira Island enjoys a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, so you can hike this trail any time of year. Just be aware that it can get hot and sunny in the summer, and there may be more rain in the winter.
Mornings tend to be the busiest times of the day among hikers in Madeira. If you want to encounter less people on any trail, I recommend hiking in the early afternoon.
Things to know before you go:
- The trail can be slippery in some sections, so be sure to wear shoes with good grip.
- There is a tunnel along the trail that is about 200 meters (656 feet) long. If you are claustrophobic, you may want to skip this section of the trail. You can take a detour around the tunnel by following the vereda (small path) that goes uphill.
- There are no toilets along the trail, so be sure to use the restroom before you start your hike.