Levada Do Moinho To Levada Nova and Moinho Waterfall (PR7)

The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike is a nice self guided levada walk where you will find a very unique waterfall along the way. Located in Ponta do Sol, this 9 kilometre circular hike is quite easy with only about 150 meters of incline via concrete stairs. The main point of interest during this hike is the part of the trail that has been carved into the cliff wall and where a waterfall pours over the path. The rest of the hike is along the two Levadas with valley views. In contrast to the other levada walks in Madeira this isn’t a real forest walk, which makes the ‘jungle’ feel a little less, but it does give you open views all the way along the walk. Read in this blog post everything you need to know about the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike! 

Book here your private guided levada do Moinho walk

Levada do Moinho or Levada Mill?

Before giving more information about the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike, let’s first start with something to avoid misunderstandings. Because it might be confusing that Google Maps translates the Portuguese word ‘Moinho’ to the English meaning ‘Mill’ on the map. So if you’re going to navigate with Google Maps, be aware that the Levada Mill is the same as Levada do Moinho and will bring you to the starting point of this particular levada walk. 

But then there is also another hike on Madeira with exactly the same name; Levada do Moinho. To keep things easy… Be aware that you’re going to the levada in Ponta do Sol, not the Levada do Moinho hike in the north west part of the island which is a completely different hike. 

And then there’s another thing, because there are actually two different levadas that you combine to walk this loop. Levada do Moinho is an older levada path and Levada Nova is, as ‘nova’ means, a newer levada trail above. You will start along the Levada do Moinho and then climb up the stairs to join the Levada Nova to see the beautiful waterfall.

Levada do Moinho key facts

Before setting off to the The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike, below some key facts! 

Hike distance and duration: The total distance of this circular hike is 9 kilometres with the same start and finish point. It will take you around 3 hours to complete this hike, depending on your pace and if you take a photo and lunch break at the waterfall or somewhere along the way.

Hike difficulty and incline: The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike is an easy trail with only 150 meters of incline via stairs. The concrete levada path is well maintained and is most of the parts accompanied by a fence. There are some spots with exposure to the cliff edge, but it’s nothing to be worried about.

How to get to Levada do Moinho

The starting point of the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike is in Ponta do Sol on the south coast of the island. The official address of the Levada do Moinho is Casa Carreira 24, Ponta do Sol. The trail starts next to the white church named “Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol” where enough parking spots are available. There isn’t public transport going to the start of this trail, so you either have to go by your own rental car or with a taxi. The closest Rodoeste bus stop is “Ponta Do Sol Rotunda”, from which it takes another 30 – 45 minutes to reach the levada trail.

The towns in Ponta do Sol and Calheta are surrounded by banana plantations which is very cool to see from up close. 

Best time to do the Levada do Moinho

Because the Levada do Moinho mainly follows an exposed trail, you can expect lots of direct sunlight on a sunny day. In the summer months is is therefore advisable to do the hikes on Madeira in the morning. Another thing to keep in mind is that the waterfall you will see on this hike is in his best condition in the winter months when rainy days keep the water flow powerful. We did this hike once in august and despite the drought we still saw the waterfall. But when we did this levada walk again in January, the valley was way greener and the waterfall more powerful.

What to expect during the Levada do Moinho

If you’ve found the church and parked your car it’s time to hit the trail! But first you have to find the levada which might seems like a challenge because it’s a bit hidden! You have to go behind the church where you will find a little alley that leads you to the levada. 

The first part of the Levada do Moinho you’ll walk along the cliff edge with stunning views on the valley in front of you. Don’t get shocked by the word cliff edge because it is a safe walk with a fence and quite well maintained trails. Don’t forget to look back at this part, because you’ll have some amazing ocean views! 

Throughout the Levada it feels pretty straight forward and you won’t encounter too difficult parts. There are only some rocky river crossings, stairs and dirt paths. The trail shows the way, but you have to stay alert because when you reach the stairs on your right hand you have two choices. Make it a shorter route and head straight for the incline to get on Levada Nova for the way back. Or what we did, heading down into the gorge to find another beautiful hidden waterfall! You can cross the dry riverbed at the end of the gorge and see another beautiful waterfall. After exploring this part of the gorge you can loop back up via the stairs to join the Levada Nova.

Levada do Moinho waterfall

Once you reach the end of the stairs you are very close to the main attraction of the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike. About halfway of this trail you will see something very unique! A very characteristic waterfall that pours over the levada path that has been carved into the cliff. Don’t worry because you won’t get soaking wet here. The cave passage is very fun and adventurous to pass, but mind your head! The rocks are not giving in when you bump your head.. For photography I would recommend to capture the waterfall from the side where you go into the tunnel. From this perspective you can see the waterfall in its complete power and beauty.

Joining back on the Levada Nova

After you passed the waterfall you will head straight into a 200 meter long tunnel. You will need a headlamp, flashlight or phone light for this to navigate your way through. The roof is quite low, so again mind your head! Once out of the tunnel you will now follow a cliff side trail facing the ocean which is Levada Nova. This last part is as beautiful as the levada on your way to the waterfall, but here are some parts without a safety fence. So stay alert and enjoy the way back.

The Levada Nova ends a bit further up from the church where it spits you out onto a small road in this little village. You will walk back along the houses and banana plantations which is very nice to see. 

Where to stay in Madeira

Funchal

There are several towns in Madeira that are great to stay while exploring the island. Funchal is the capital town of the island with the most restaurants around. It has a charming old town and all sorts of facilities you might look for such as a boulevard, shopping centre, cafe’s and nightlife. It is a great place to base yourself with plenty of culture and beautiful old buildings and charming streets to explore. There are also a few beaches in Funchal to enjoy the ocean. However these beaches are from pebble stones.

→ Check out this great tool to compare prices on hotels around the world and book your favorite hotel!

We have stayed in The Vine hotel and Okulus villa which are both beautiful locations. The Vine has the comforts of a hotel including breakfast and is located right in the city centre. Okulus villa is located in the Old Town with the most amazing ocean and city view.

→ Book your stay at Okulus villa here

→ Book your stay at The Vine hotel here

Calheta

If you want to be based near a sandy beach in Madeira, then Calheta is a great place. While Funchal is more to the east of the island located, Calheta is more to the west of the island located. So eventually you can also stay a few days in both towns depending the total length of your stay in Madeira. Calheta has an atmospheric marine with restaurants offering great spots to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal.

We have stayed a few weeks at Calheta Boutique Houses during our 7 months living in Madeira. Highly recommend these private villa’s as you have all the amenities you have at home as well. The modern design and amazing ocean views makes it a perfect vacation home.

→ Book your stay at Calheta Boutique Houses here

Small villages in nature

If you want to experience really small towns to stay in Madeira, then check out the accommodations in Seixal, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente or Ribeiro Frio. Take into account that there will be less restaurants around but you will be completely immersed in the local life and nature.

→ Check here the available accommodations in Seixal, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente or Ribeiro Frio

Precautions for levada walks and hiking in Madeira

For a safe hiking experience in Madeira it is important to take the following safety precautions. There have been accidents in Madeira on levada walks and in the mountains in the past, which doesn’t directly make hiking in Madeira dangerous. But you do always have to keep in mind that the weather in Madeira can change suddenly. Or that landslides take place, branches can fall or paths can be slippery. In case of any emergency you can call 112.

Below some of our tips for a safe Madeira hiking experience

• Wear suitable clothes, always bring an extra jacket and put your hiking boots / shoes on with good grip.
• Take enough water and some snacks with you such as nuts, (dried) fruits etc.
• Always bring a headlamp on your hikes in Madeira because some of them include walking through a tunnel.
• Take a whistle with you in case you get lost or slip from the path.
• Book a qualified guide when you want to be sure on your first levada walk. Most of the levada walks are flat and easy, especially the well known levada’s in Madeira. You can find a detailed description in our blog about the 20 best levada’s in Madeira. But if you prefer a qualified guide next to you when walking in Madeira, you will not only learn more about the nature but you will also be 100% safe and don’t have to worry about navigating your way through the forest.
• When hiking alone on Madeira, prepare yourself and collect all the updated information about the trail you plan to follow. Are the trails open? No landslides? On the website of Visit Madeira you can find the up to date info of the walks which are open and closed.
• Calculate the time you’ll need to finish the hike so you’ll be back before dark.
• Inform the hotel or accommodation you are staying which walk you are going to do.
• Do not go off the designated path.

Happy hiking!!

What is a Levada?

If you’re coming to Madeira for the first time, you might question what the word ‘Levada’ actually means. This word specifies the different Madeira hiking trails. But what is the origin of these Levadas and what is their purpose? 

Levadas are little canals of water that wind through the mountains and translates as “carriageway”. These water canals are irrigation systems. They are developed to distribute water from the wetter regions on the north of Madeira to the drier and sunnier areas of the south where lots of plantations are located. The levadas cover a total distance of about 2500 kilometre from the heart of the Laurissilva forest to the most rocky slopes.

The origin of the levadas dates back to the 15th century when the first levadas where created. Their purpose was to provide water to irrigate the sugarcane plantations. Back then sugar was also known as the “white gold” because it was considered as the main engine of Madeira’s economy in the 15th & 16th century. The narrow water canals have ever since the important task to deliver water along far distances. Mainly to banana plantations, vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. But also to let the hydro-electric power stations on the island work.

But nowadays, the levadas are also a great way to discover Madeira’s stunning nature. You will see landscapes and different species of flora and fauna along the levadas that are unique in the world.

Best Madeira guided levada tours

If you want to explore some of the best levada walks in Madeira, then it is highly recommended to book a guided tour. Your guide can tell you everything about the flora and fauna, you can’t get lost and you don’t have to worry about any preparation except the right shoes and clothing, All of these tours include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides and sometimes also lunch. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Our recommendations:

• Book here your guided walk along Levada Caldeirão Verde including transportation. This is one of the most popular levada walks in Madeira as you will see many waterfalls along the way, such as the famous Caldeirao Verde waterfall. 
• Book here your guided Levada das 25 Fontes walk. Another famous levada walk in Madeira leading you to the beautiful Risco waterfall and 25 Fontes waterfall. A must do! 
• Book here your guided Levada dos Cedros hike. The lesser known Levada dos Cedros brings you to a beautful waterfall at the end of the trail. A must do if you like the more hidden gems. 
• Book here your guided Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike including transport. The unique waterfall pours down a cliffs over the levada path. Be prepared to get a little wet!
• Book here your private guided Levada dos Tornos hike. North Madeira is super lush and the Levada brings you along a scenic path to some beautiful waterfalls. 
• Book here your private guided Levada do Alecrim hike including transport. This levada walk is perfect for families and during the summer months you can even swim in the natural pool of the waterfall!
• Book here your private guided Lagoa do Vento hike including transport. The beautiful, tall waterfall of Lagoa do Vento is a must visit. You can even swim in the natural pool for a refreshing dip after the hike down. 

General travel must haves for Madeira

Before we dive into the best levadas in Madeira, let’s check a few things to make your travels in Madeira easy and safe.

Have you thought about how to get around in Madeira? A car is the easiest way to drive around the island.

• Book your rental car here and compare the providers to get the best deal.
• Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Madeira. Most of the scooters you can drive with driving license (A1/A2/A) from 18 years old, or from 25 years old with a car (B) license. The motorbikes have a minimum age of 20 or 21 with A (moto) license.

Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?

• Book your full day customisable private tour here

Did you already book your accommodation? 

• Check out this great tool to compare prices of hotels on different platforms from around the world and book your favorite hotel

Are you insured during your travels?

• Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.

More Madeira travel inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova hike.

For more Madeira travel inspiration and the must visit destinations, head over to our other blog posts about Madeira island.

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