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How this was derived · 1 step
- Levada do Rei 4.5 Directions
- Vereda da Ilha 4.6 Directions
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde 4.6 Directions
The trail you're asking about — Calhau São Jorge – Quinta do Furão – Faias — isn't one of Madeira's official IFCN PR (Percurso Recomendado) trails, but there is a closely related community-mapped route on AllTrails that covers this coastline:
Community route (mapped on AllTrails) — not part of Madeira's official PR trail network managed by IFCN (the regional government's forests & nature authority), so it has no official open/closed status and no maintenance/signage guarantee. Check access and conditions locally before going.
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Distance | 9.2 km (out and back) |
| Estimated time | 4–4.5 hours |
| Rating | 4.5★ from 145 hiker reviews on AllTrails |
| Start point | Calhau de São Jorge area |
| Route type | Out and back |
This route follows the Caminho Real nº 23 (Royal Path 23) along the dramatic north coast near Santana. It passes through Calhau de São Jorge, past the old ruins, and along coastal cliffs with natural viewpoints, Santana's typical thatched houses, and the Lagoa do Calhau de São Jorge. The path has challenging and exposed sections, and attention is needed at higher altitudes — some walkways are broken and the cliff-edge sections are quite dangerous. Final access to the ruins may be restricted or forbidden; respect any signs and barriers.
⚠️ Heads-up: This is a hard trail with exposed, potentially dangerous sections. Wear proper footwear, check weather conditions, and don't attempt it in wet or windy weather.
If you'd prefer an officially maintained and status-monitored trail, the closest ones near São Jorge are:
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Duration | Drive from São Jorge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levada do Rei (PR 18) | Moderate | 5.3 km (+ 5.3 km return) | 3h30 | ~7 min |
| Vereda da Ilha (PR 1.1) | Moderate–Hard | 8.2 km | 3h | ~11 min |
| Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR 9) | Moderate | 8.7 km (+ 8.7 km return) | 6h30 | ~18 min |
All three require a €4.50 access fee (via the SIMplifica portal; free for children ≤ 12).
Would you like me to check the mountain weather forecast and any IPMA warnings for the day you plan to hike, or show you a video of the trail so you can preview it?





