
Queimadas Forest Park
Step into a mystical, moss-covered forest with enchanting levada walks leading to a breathtaking waterfall. A truly magical experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical mist

Queimadas Forest Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical mist

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a mystical, moss-covered forest with enchanting levada walks leading to a breathtaking waterfall. A truly magical experience.
"An unforgettable walk through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes. "

🥾 Wear Waterproof Hiking Boots
Trails are consistently muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket
It can get chilly, especially near the waterfall and in shaded areas. Layers are key.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Main hiking trail
A magical walk through lush greenery, misty cliffs, and the sound of water. The waterfall at the end is a breathtaking reward.

Moss-Covered Trees and Rocks
Throughout the park
Experience a mythical, otherworldly forest with ancient trees and rocks draped in vibrant moss. Feels like stepping into a fantasy movie.

Geese and Woven Steps
Park entrance area
A charming spot with lovely wooden steps, resident geese, and sleepy cats. A quick visit is worthwhile for a glimpse of its unique character.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Mist and Mud
Plan for Parking and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Waterproof Hiking Boots
Trails are consistently muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket
It can get chilly, especially near the waterfall and in shaded areas. Layers are key.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities along the main trails. Be prepared for a long walk.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly. Consider visiting outside peak hours or for a shorter duration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Waterproof Hiking Boots
Trails are consistently muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are essential for comfort and safety.
🧥 Bring a Warm Jacket
It can get chilly, especially near the waterfall and in shaded areas. Layers are key.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities along the main trails. Be prepared for a long walk.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up quickly. Consider visiting outside peak hours or for a shorter duration.
📸 Capture the Mystical Atmosphere
The misty, moss-covered landscape is incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical, fairytale-like atmosphere of Queimadas Forest Park, particularly the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike with its lush greenery and stunning waterfall. However, many note the consistently muddy and slippery trails, which can make the hike challenging, and parking can be difficult during peak times.
"★★★★★
Levada do Caldeirão Verde – Heaven. 🌿✨
An unforgettable walk through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes. Surrounded by lush greenery, misty cliffs, and the peaceful sound of water running beside you, every step feels like a fairytale. The waterfall at the end is worth every minute of the hike.
🔸 Tips:
• Take a jacket – it can get chilly, especially in the shade or near the waterfall.
• Wear proper hiking shoes – the path can be slippery and uneven in spots.
• Bring enough water and snacks/food, it’s a long walk, and there are no shops along the way.
Nature lovers: don’t miss this one!"
Vahid Shahani
"Tip-if you don’t do hikes and want to see the geese and beginning bits, we didn’t pay for parking cuz it only took half hour! Bonus! We came to see the lovely steps with wood woven banisters, geese and the sleepy cats. Saw hikers covered in mud and decided that wasn’t for me. Quick pit stop well worth it!"
Lisa Young
"Beautiful walk in the nature. Difficult terrain, and when it's very humid, prepare for mud. We didn't have good views due to low hanging clouds, but otherwise very nice and special place."
Balazs Zentai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Queimadas Forest Park is located in the north of Madeira. The most common way to reach it is by car, following signs from Santana. The roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is often recommended.
While challenging, it's possible to visit via organized tours that often include transport. Some local buses may go near the area, but direct routes to the park entrance are infrequent. Check local bus schedules in advance.
The drive involves narrow, winding roads, especially as you ascend towards the park. Be prepared for steep inclines and sharp turns. It's advisable to have some experience driving on mountain roads.
The road to Queimadas can be wet and slippery, especially after rain. Drive slowly and be mindful of other vehicles and potential hazards.
There is a parking area available, but it can fill up quickly, particularly during peak season and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Queimadas Forest Park itself is generally free. However, there might be a parking fee. Some specific attractions or guided hikes within the park might have associated costs.
The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or temporary closures before your visit.
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is part of the park and does not have a separate entrance fee. The main cost associated with visiting is parking.
Yes, you can visit the initial areas of the park to see the geese, woven steps, and enjoy the atmosphere without committing to the full Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike. This is a good option for a shorter visit.
No specific booking is required for general entry to Queimadas Forest Park. However, if you plan to join a guided tour or specific activity, booking in advance is usually necessary.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The terrain is characterized by lush, humid forest with many moss-covered trees and rocks. The main hiking trails, like Levada do Caldeirão Verde, can be muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential due to the muddy conditions. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing and bring a waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable and it gets chilly.
Basic facilities like restrooms may be available near the entrance or parking area. However, there are no cafes or shops along the hiking trails, so bring all your food and drinks.
The main Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is long and can be challenging due to mud and uneven terrain, making it less ideal for very young children. However, the initial areas near the entrance offer a pleasant, shorter experience.
You might see geese in the park's initial areas. The lush environment supports various plant life and potentially small forest creatures, though larger wildlife sightings are uncommon.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire park offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially the Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail with its misty atmosphere, moss-covered trees, and the final waterfall. The woven steps near the entrance are also picturesque.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and misty landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions. Ensure your gear is protected from moisture.
The mud can make navigating tricky, so be mindful of your footing while composing shots. Protecting your camera from mud splashes is also important.
Early mornings often provide the best light and atmosphere, with mist enhancing the magical feel of the forest. Midday sun can be harsh and reduce the mystical ambiance.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check the latest local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected natural areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Focus on the initial park area for a shorter, more accessible experience.
* Bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited.
* Ensure children wear appropriate footwear, even for short walks, as paths can be damp.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Solo hikers should prioritize safety by informing someone of their hiking plans, carrying sufficient supplies, and being aware of the trail conditions. The park's well-maintained levadas, despite their mud, are generally safe to navigate. The reward of reaching the Caldeirão Verde waterfall is a significant highlight, offering a spectacular natural spectacle to enjoy in peace.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
To maximize your photographic experience, aim for early morning visits to capture the best light and mist. A wide-angle lens is essential for encompassing the scale of the forest, and a tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions. Be prepared for the challenging, muddy terrain, and ensure your equipment is protected from moisture. The park's otherworldly beauty is sure to result in stunning and memorable content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike
As you progress, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with misty cliffs and dense foliage. The trail can be muddy and slippery throughout the year, regardless of recent rainfall, due to the constant humidity and lack of direct sunlight reaching the forest floor. Therefore, wearing appropriate waterproof hiking boots is non-negotiable. The hike culminates at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a spectacular cascade plunging into a natural pool, making the effort entirely worthwhile.
Key takeaways for the hike:
* Duration: The round trip can take several hours, so allocate ample time.
* Difficulty: Moderate, primarily due to the slippery and uneven terrain.
* What to bring: Water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots.
Navigating the Muddy Trails and Weather
The weather in the park can also be unpredictable. While Madeira is known for its pleasant climate, the higher altitudes and dense forest mean that temperatures can drop, and mist is a common occurrence. It's advisable to dress in layers and always carry a waterproof jacket. This will help you stay comfortable whether you're walking through the cool, damp forest or near the spray of the waterfall.
Tips for dealing with the conditions:
* Footwear: Invest in good quality, waterproof hiking boots with excellent grip.
* Clothing: Opt for quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics.
* Patience: Be prepared to walk slower than usual on the muddy sections.
Capturing the Magic: Photography in Queimadas
For photographers, early mornings are often the most rewarding time to visit. The soft, diffused light filtering through the mist enhances the mystical feel, and the air is typically still, allowing for clearer shots. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the grandeur of the forest and the scale of the levadas. Be prepared for low-light conditions, especially deeper within the park, so a tripod might be beneficial if you're aiming for long exposures or sharper images.
Remember to protect your gear from the dampness and potential mud splashes. While the park is incredibly photogenic, the challenging terrain requires careful navigation, so prioritize safety while seeking the perfect shot. The unique combination of mist, moss, and ancient trees ensures that any photograph taken here will evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit