Park at the small rest area just after the village of Achadas da Cruz on the way to Porto Moniz. From there, take the Verada do Cabeço (stairs) to reach the Levada.
Levada do Molinho from Achadas da Cruz
Hike from Achadas da Cruz to the source of the Levada do Molinho
There are two steep stairways, which are not necessarily in good condition. The path is narrow and very dense (ferns and brambles), but the walk is very beautiful as you go upstream along the levada to the waterfall.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 4.70 mi -
Average duration: 3h 00 -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 955 ft -
Descent: - 958 ft -
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Highest point: 3,058 ft -
Lowest point: 2,362 ft
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Country:
Madeira
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City:
Porto Moniz -
Start/End: N 32.839936° / W 17.206762° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,369 ft - Parking
- 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 2,484 ft - Levada do Moinno
- 2 : mi 1.48 - alt. 2,808 ft - Stream
- 3 : mi 1.74 - alt. 2,943 ft - Crossroads with the PR7
- S/E : mi 4.7 - alt. 2,362 ft - Parking
Reviews and comments
4 / 5
Based on 1 review
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
4 / 5
Ricoborgo
Overall rating : 4 / 5
Date of your route : Feb 26, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No
Hike completed in poor weather (wind and clouds). The route is not difficult except for two small climbs with a few steps. We followed a poorly maintained levada through a tangle of trees. No exceptional views, but rather a forest atmosphere that ends at a waterfall.
A little anecdote: as cows roam freely in the area, one of them blocked the path for a few minutes (making it impossible to pass on either side)! We waited patiently for her to continue on her way, followed by her calf 
.
Parking in the small village, the hike begins with a series of steps in the centre of the village.
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Other walks in the area
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⚠️Please disregard the gradient indicated in the data sheet, which is virtually zero.
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N.B. The displayed altitude difference is higher than reality (and consequently so is the average time for completion). Expect more in the realm of 600 metres in altitude.
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