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Tell me about the PR 28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha levada walk in Madeira
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The user is asking about a specific hiking trail - PR 28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha in Madeira. I should use the find_hikes tool to get the official information about thistrail.The search returned no results. Let me try a broader search - maybe the trail name is slightly different, or I should search just "Rocha Vermelha" or "PR 28".I got the PR 28 trail information. Let me also get the full description from the visitmadeira page and find a video for it.I have all the information I need about PR 28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha. Let me compile a comprehensive answer. Key facts from the data: - PR code: PR 28 - Name: Levada da Rocha Vermelha - Route: Fanal – Casa dos guardas de canal (Lombo da Atouguia) - Distance: 10.7 km (official from IFCN), VisitMadeira says 10.8 km - Duration: ~4–4.5 hours based on AllTrails - Altitude: 837m to 1297m - Region: Madeira - Managing entity: IFCN - Access fee: €4.50 for visitors >12 years, free for ≤12 years, via SIMplifica portal - AllTrails rating: 4.2★ from 118 reviews - Features: waterfalls, tunnels, steep staircases, natural viewpoints, Laurissilva forest, Rabaçal valley views - Can also be accessed from PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes at higher elevation - Starts at regional road ER209 in Fanal and follows part of PR 13 Vereda do Fanal The trail status field is empty in the data, and the note says status is "deliberately omitted" for evergreen pages. I should not state an open/closed status. I should tell the reader to check current status. Let me also mention the community trails found, but clearly label them as unofficial. Let me also add the webcam and video info. The note says not to state any open/closed/restricted status because it's evergreen. I should tell the reader to check current status on openmadeira.org. Let me compose anice answer.
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TrailsMap & photos
Levada da Rocha Vermelha6 photos
Levada da Rocha VermelhaLevada da Rocha VermelhaLevada da Rocha VermelhaLevada da Rocha VermelhaLevada da Rocha VermelhaLevada da Rocha Vermelha
Photos: walkmeguide.com ↗
Official PR trail (IFCN) Community route (AllTrails — not official)
Photos: walkmeguide.com · green = official IFCN PR trail · amber = community route (AllTrails)
PR 28 — Levada da Rocha Vermelha

Route: Fanal → Casa dos guardas de canal (Lombo da Atouguia)
Distance: 10.7 km · Duration: ~4–5 hours · Altitude: 837 m – 1,297 m
Managed by: IFCN (Madeira's forests & nature conservation authority)

The trail

PR 28 is one of Madeira's most atmospheric levada walks, winding through the heart of the Laurissilva forest — a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site — along the Rabaçal valley. The route follows the Levada da Rocha Vermelha along a spectacular irrigation channel carved into the hillside, passing waterfalls, long tunnels (bring a headtorch!), steep staircases, and dramatic natural viewpoints over the valley below.

The trail starts at Regional Road ER 209 in Fanal and initially shares a section with PR 13 Vereda do Fanal before branching off on its own path. It can also be accessed from the higher-elevation end of PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes.

Key highlights
  • Laurissilva forest in pristine condition — ancient laurel woodland dripping with moss and lichen
  • Waterfalls cascading down the cliffs beside the levada
  • Tunnels carved through the rock (a torch/phone light is essential)
  • Steep staircases cut into the terrain — this trail is not for the faint-hearted!
  • Panoramic viewpoints over the Rabaçal valley
Access fee
Visitor typePrice
Adults (> 12 years)€4.50
Children (≤ 12 years)Free

Payment is made via the SIMplifica portal before you go.

Community rating

⭐ 4.2 / 5 from 118 hiker reviews on AllTrails — rated moderate to hard, with highlights including the forest, lake views, and wild flowers.

Getting there

Directions to the trailhead ↗ — this routes from your own location.

⚠️ Before you go

Trail conditions change — check the current open/closed status on OpenMadeira before setting out. Some levada sections are vertiginous, and tunnels can be wet and dark, so always carry a torch and wear proper footwear. After rain, the path can be slippery.

Photos from walkmeguide.com · Official page: VisitMadeira

Would you like me to check the mountain weather forecast and IPMA warnings for the day you're planning to go, or find the closest bus route to the trailhead?

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