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- Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova 4.7 Directions
There's no official IFCN-recommended PR trail called "Levada Nova" in Madeira's trail network. However, the name refers to several popular community routes mapped on AllTrails — the best-known and most popular by far is the Levada Nova – Levada do Moinho loop. Here's what you need to know:
This circular trail combines Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho, offering gorgeous views over valleys and traditional poios (terraced farmland). Along the way you'll pass the ruins of old watermills and the famous Levada Nova waterfall. The route goes through a rock-hewn tunnel — bring a flashlight — adding a touch of adventure.
| Rating | ★ 4.7 (6,103 reviews on AllTrails) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Distance | 9.3 km (loop) |
| Estimated time | ~3–4 hours |
| Area | Near Ribeira Brava / Lombada |
| Start point | Directions ↗ |
⚠️ Community route mapped on AllTrails — not part of Madeira's official PR trail network managed by IFCN (the regional government's forests & nature-conservation authority). It has no official open/closed status and no maintenance/signage guarantee; check access and conditions locally before going.
| Route | Rating | Difficulty | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova | ★ 4.7 (283 reviews) | Hard | 7.7 km | Out & back |
| Tábua – Levada Nova | ★ 4.5 (260 reviews) | Easy | 4.0 km | Out & back |
| Arco da Calheta – Sítio do Pinheiro via Levada Nova | ★ 4.3 (163 reviews) | Moderate | 5.6 km | Loop |
| Ribeira Brava – Levada Nova | ★ 4.4 (123 reviews) | Moderate | 12.6 km | Loop |
| Caminho das Fontinhas – Levada Nova | ★ 4.2 (118 reviews) | Moderate | 12.7 km | Loop |
All of these are also community/unofficial routes — not part of the official IFCN PR network, with no guaranteed maintenance or signage.
- Waterfall — the famous Levada Nova waterfall is the most-photographed spot on the main loop.
- Rock tunnel — carved through the hillside; a torch/phone flashlight is essential.
- Watermill ruins — Moinho means mill; Levada do Moinho is one of the island's oldest levadas, once powering water mills.
- Terraced farmland — views over the poios and villages of Ribeira Brava.
- South-coast panoramas — ocean views across the valleys.
Would you like me to check the weather forecast + IPMA warnings for the day you're planning to go, or find the closest official PR trail near Ribeira Brava as an alternative?