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The Levada Nova – Candelária walk (also known as Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova) is a popular levada route on Madeira's south coast near Ponta do Sol, in the parish of Candelária. Here's what you need to know:
This walk corresponds to the official PR 7 – Levada do Moinho trail, which has been closed since June 2024 due to maintenance/condition issues. The official IFCN status is Encerrado (Closed), and you should not attempt it until it reopens.
You can check the latest status on the IFCN trail-status page or the Visit Madeira trail directory.
When open, this is one of Madeira's most beloved easy levada walks. It combines two parallel levadas — the older, lower Levada do Moinho and the newer, upper Levada Nova (opened in 1962) — into a scenic circular route:
| Length | ~8–9 km (loop) |
| Duration | ~3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation gain | ~150–250 m |
| Start / End | Lombada da Ponta do Sol (near Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol church) |
| Lowest / Highest point | ~304 m / ~424 m |
1. You start along the lower Levada do Moinho, walking into the valley with sweeping coastal views and ocean glimpses.
2. At the far end, stone stairs connect you up to the upper Levada Nova, which carries you back towards the village — roughly 100 m higher than the first levada.
3. The highlight of Levada Nova is a waterfall you walk directly behind, followed by a short tunnel (a headlamp is recommended).
4. The trail finishes on a road above the village, with a ~800 m walk back down to the church/parking.
- Two levadas in one loop — no backtracking, which is unusual for Madeira walks
- A waterfall you can walk under (most impressive in the rainy winter months)
- Stunning valley and ocean views from the upper Levada Nova section
- A short tunnel on the return
- Exposed sections on Levada Nova — some parts don't have fences, so vertigo-sufferers should take care
- A lovely picnic area with BBQ and tables near the transition between the two levadas
- By car: Free parking next to Igreja da Lombada da Ponta do Sol
- By bus: Rodoeste lines 4, 8, 80, 107, 142, and 146 serve the Ponta do Sol / Lombada area (get off at the Lombada stop). Note there's still a ~400 m uphill walk to the trailhead.
PR 7 requires the standard €4.50 trail access fee via the SIMplifica portal (free for children ≤ 12 years).
Since this trail is currently closed, would you like me to suggest nearby open alternatives on the south coast, or check the mountain forecast for another hike you're considering?





