PR®1.1: Ilha to Achado Da Teixeira

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

This out-and-back hike follows one of Madeira's most beautiful levadas. Dotted with trees lying over the canal and tunnels, it leads you to the "Green Cauldron", a small cirque with a beautiful waterfall around 100 metres high. The passages through the tunnels, lit by headlamps, will liven up the walk with children. However, be careful with the youngest or the most restless, as some passages are narrow and vertiginous. Difference in altitude of less than 100 metres, do not take into account the data in the technical data sheet.

A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit. Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels. N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m. Walk closed at the moment.

Located below the famous PR®9 - Levada da Caldeirao Verde, this levada is much quieter and less crowded. The trail is not difficult, but caution is advised as, unlike the PR®9, there are no protective barriers. There are very few passages on the trail that are prone to vertigo, they are mainly located at the end and are less than 10 metres long. At the end of this levada, there is no large waterfall as on the PR®9, but a small waterfall surrounded by vegetation. The elevation gain shown on the information sheet is overestimated: allow for around 100 metres. As a result, allow for around four hours of walking time.

This walk is one of Madeira's shortest and easiest. It leads to the Balcões belvedere, with its impressive views of the island's highest peaks. Here we offer an alternative route for the last kilometer of the return journey. This alternative route makes the walk a little more challenging, while keeping you away from the crowds.

A must-do levada, very easy, for all ages, alternating shady sections on the mountainside, winding paths and panoramic views of the island's north coast and then the east coast as you reach Portela. Less busy than other levadas, the 10.5 Km walk is 4/5ths flat, with no change in altitude (very gentle slope all along the levada), except for a 200-meter drop in altitude on the last 2 Km of the walk. Take a cab back to the starting point.

The PR®18 Levado do Rei is an accessible and enjoyable hike, ideal for discovering the beauty of Madeira's levadas in complete tranquillity. Less crowded than the famous PR®9, it offers a shaded route through the heart of a lush primary forest. The trail follows an old irrigation canal, a historical reminder of sugar cane cultivation, built at the time by convicts and slaves. The trail starts from a small car park just after a restaurant (ideal for a break after the walk), passing close to the water treatment plant. After a short climb of about 50 metres, the path becomes flat and easy to follow, with a refreshing passage under a waterfall before arriving at the Bonito water source. This walk is recommended early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Perfect for walkers seeking peace, history and nature. Elevation gain of only 150 metres.

From Terra do Baptista to Sao Roque do Faial, along the Castelejo canal, which is not the most spectacular in Madeira, but it is little frequented and offers beautiful scenery in the Ribeiro Frio valley.Comments : - the difference in altitude mentioned is incorrect; it is only 350 m downhill and 400 m uphill. And allow 3 hours- Allow €10 per person to return to the starting point by taxi from Sao Roque.