PR10 Levada do Furado
An 11km hike through Madeira's ancient Laurisilva forest, featuring tunnels, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
PR10 Levada do Furado
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11km hike through Madeira's ancient Laurisilva forest, featuring tunnels, waterfalls, and dramatic coastal views.
"One of the underrated hikes on Madeira, offering beautiful views and no people."
Start at Portela for fewer people
Opt for Miradouro da Portela as your starting point to avoid the crowds often found at Ribeiro Frio.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The path can be wet and slippery; good grip is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Laurisilva Forest Immersion
Wander through ancient, lush greenery, experiencing the unique ecosystem of Madeira's native forest.
Cascading Waterfalls
Discover charming small waterfalls that add to the magical atmosphere of the levada walk.
Dramatic Cliffside Views
Experience breathtaking panoramas of the north coast from narrow paths carved into the mountainside.
Historic Levada Channels
Walk alongside ancient irrigation channels, a testament to Madeira's ingenious water management history.
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Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Starting Point Wisely
Be Prepared for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start at Portela for fewer people
Opt for Miradouro da Portela as your starting point to avoid the crowds often found at Ribeiro Frio.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The path can be wet and slippery; good grip is essential.
Check the weather forecast
Conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for rain and fog, especially on higher sections.
Consider the 5km loop option
From Ribeiro Frio, look for a connecting levada about 2-3 km in for a shorter loop hike.
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Tips
from all over the internet
Start at Portela for fewer people
Opt for Miradouro da Portela as your starting point to avoid the crowds often found at Ribeiro Frio.
Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes
The path can be wet and slippery; good grip is essential.
Check the weather forecast
Conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for rain and fog, especially on higher sections.
Consider the 5km loop option
From Ribeiro Frio, look for a connecting levada about 2-3 km in for a shorter loop hike.
Public transport is easy
Bus 56 from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio is affordable and takes about 45 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
PR10 Levada do Furado is praised as an underrated gem offering stunning natural beauty and a historical journey through Madeira's Laurisilva forest. While the hike is generally easy, some sections along narrow cliff edges require caution. Visitors appreciate the fewer crowds when starting from Portela and the accessibility via public transport.
"Loved PR10. Its one of the underrated hikes on Madeira. We could not finish it completely because its 11km and back. We did 5km of the trail and 5km back. There a couple of waterfalls and views and no people. Parking is free and the PR10 is close to PR11. For the 10km we hiked we did 3 hours. Its mostly flat terrain and not difficult at all. Really enjoyed the quiet hike on this one."
Benjamin Csokasi
"A beautiful 11km long Madeiran hiking trail following Levadas through forests, tunnels and on the very edge of the mountain range.
The hike can be started from either side of the trail: either here, or from the Miradouro da Portela scenic point south of Porto da Cruz, which I would strongly recommend, because there are significantly less tourists than on the Ribeiro Frio's side.
The trail itself is not too difficult, but there are challenges: The back and forth trip is around 22kms long and some parts of it lead on the ledge with levadas cut into the mountain side and no protective railing - not for a faint of heart as one bad step can mean falling hundreds of meters down the cliff. It can also be quite challenging to pass people coming against you.
But other than that, this is one of the trails that have everything - pieces of history, beautiful views, old forests, old buildings, caves, breath-taking views of the North coast.
Plus, there is a secret tip: If you are starting from the side of Ribeiro Frio village, you can make it into a roughly 5km loop. Just start walking the levada and then look for a right turn up another connecting levada about 2-3 kms in. The connecting trail will take you high up and then circle back to the town (all circuit has about 5-6kms) from the south, showing you a different side of the area with remote glades and mountain bushes.
Highly recommend, beautiful part of Madeira. I only wish there were less people."
Joe Lobotka
"Very nice hike which is easy to do with great views over the valey. Takes about 4 to 5 hours including a break to enjoy the view and have some bread to regain energy."
Ton van der Avoird
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take bus 56 from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio, which takes about 45 minutes and costs less than 3 euros. Alternatively, you can start from Miradouro da Portela, which may require a different bus route or taxi.
Yes, parking is available and free at the Ribeiro Frio side of the trail.
Yes, bus 56 from Funchal is a convenient and budget-friendly option to reach the Ribeiro Frio starting point.
Starting from Miradouro da Portela is strongly recommended as it has significantly fewer tourists than the Ribeiro Frio side.
The bus journey from Funchal to Ribeiro Frio takes approximately 45 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, PR10 Levada do Furado is a public hiking trail and does not require any tickets for entry. It's a free activity.
There are no entrance fees for the PR10 Levada do Furado hike. It's a natural trail accessible to everyone.
As an outdoor natural trail, Levada do Furado is accessible at all hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight for safety and visibility.
Yes, many local companies offer guided tours for PR10 Levada do Furado, which can enhance your experience and provide historical context. [^R]
There are no specific entry restrictions, but it's advisable to check local conditions and weather forecasts before your visit.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full hike is approximately 11km one-way, making it a 22km round trip if you return the same way. However, many visitors opt for a shorter out-and-back hike or a loop.
The majority of the trail is relatively flat, but there are narrow edges and some steps. It's not for those with a fear of heights, as there are no protective railings in some sections.
Expect to see lush Laurisilva forest, small waterfalls, tunnels, and dramatic views of the north coast.
Yes, the trail passes through several tunnels, which can be dark and require a headlamp or flashlight.
Yes, it's a popular hike and generally safe for solo travelers, especially if you stick to the main trail. However, always exercise caution and inform someone of your plans. [^R]
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints overlooking the valleys, the unique levada channels, small waterfalls, and the dense Laurisilva forest.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for the tunnels.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer people, while afternoons can provide dramatic lighting on the valleys.
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially on narrow cliffside paths. Don't let your pursuit of the perfect shot compromise your safety.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check current Madeira drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for potentially slippery surfaces.
🚶 Solo Travelers
To maximize your experience and minimize potential stress, consider starting at the Miradouro da Portela to avoid larger crowds.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Keep an eye out for the diverse plant life, listen to the soothing sounds of the levada, and enjoy the fresh, clean air. The small waterfalls and unique rock formations add to the trail's charm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Levadas
Today, many levadas have been transformed into popular hiking trails, offering a unique way to explore the island's diverse landscapes. The PR10, in particular, winds through the ancient Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a rich biodiversity of endemic plants and trees. The construction of these levadas involved incredible feats of engineering, often carved directly into the mountainside, creating pathways that are both functional and scenic.
Exploring the PR10 Levada do Furado means not just enjoying a beautiful walk, but also connecting with Madeira's historical and ecological heritage. The peaceful sounds of nature, the unique rocky pathways, and the breathtaking mountain views all contribute to an unforgettable journey into the island's wild heart.
Navigating the Trail: Challenges and Rewards
One of the unique aspects of this levada is the presence of tunnels. While they add an element of adventure, they can be dark, and carrying a headlamp or flashlight is highly recommended to navigate them safely.
The journey culminates in stunning views of the north coast and the opportunity to discover hidden waterfalls and unique geological formations.
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