Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta — Madeira hike guide

Tell me about the Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta hike in Madeira

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The user is asking about the "Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta" hike in Madeira. Let me search for this trail using the find_hikes tool, and also look for curated videos ofthis place.The user asked about the "Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta" hike in Madeira. Looking at the results, there's no official PR trail with that exact name. However, in the community trails list, there's one that seems most relevant: **"Arco da Calheta - Sítio do Pinheiro via Levada Nova"** - This is a community route (not an official IFCN PR trail) that begins in Arco da Calheta, goes towards Levada Nova, and continues to Sítio do Pinheiro. It's described as offering panoramic views of the valley and the ocean. It's rated 4.3★ from 163 reviews on AllTrails, moderate difficulty, 5.6 km loop, estimated 2–2.5 hours. There's also the "Caminho das Fontinhas - Caminho Cova do Arco - Levada Nova" which is longer (12.7 km, 4.5–5 hrs) and also passes through the Arco da Calheta area with viewpoints. The user specifically asked about the "Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta" - this likely refers to the Miradordo above Arco da Calheta, which is a viewpoint/hike that starts in Arco da Calheta. The closest match is the "Arco da Calheta - Sítio do Pinheiro via Levada Nova" community trail. Let me also check if there's a specific viewpoint called "Miradouro" above Arco da Calheta that might be a place rather than a hike. But the user asked specifically about "the Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta hike" so they're asking about a hike. I'll present the community trail that best matches, with the proper caveat about it not being an official IFCN PR trail, and also mention the other nearby community trails and official PR trails for context.

How this was derived · 2 steps

Trails near Arco da CalhetaMap & photos

6 photos

Photos: walkmeguide.com ↗

Official PR trail (IFCN) Community route (AllTrails — not official)

Levada da Rocha Vermelha 4.2 Directions
Levada do Alecrim 4.6 Directions
Levada das 25 Fontes 4.5 Directions

Photos: walkmeguide.com · green = official IFCN PR trail · amber = community route (AllTrails)

The "Viewpoint above Arco da Calheta" isn't one of Madeira's official IFCN PR trails — it's a community route mapped on AllTrails, so it has no official open/closed status or signage guarantee. The best match is:

Arco da Calheta – Sítio do Pinheiro via Levada Nova


Type	Community route (not an official IFCN PR trail)
Difficulty	Moderate
Distance	5.6 km (loop)
Estimated time	2–2.5 hours
Rating	★ 4.3 (163 reviews on AllTrails)
Area	Madeira Natural Park

This circular route starts in Arco da Calheta and follows the Levada Nova, one of the island's most charming irrigation channels. The path is always surrounded by lush vegetation with panoramic views of the valley and the ocean. It continues to Sítio do Pinheiro, a tranquil spot where nature dominates the landscape, then returns via alternative trails completing the circuit.

➜ Directions to trailhead ↗ · AllTrails page ↗

Other community routes near Arco da Calheta

If you enjoy the area, two more community routes pass through similar terrain:

Caminho das Fontinhas – Caminho Cova do Arco – Levada Nova — 12.7 km loop, moderate, ~4.5–5 hrs, ★ 4.2 (118 reviews). A longer route through green hills with viewpoints, fountains, plantations, and a Levada Nova segment. Directions ↗ · AllTrails ↗

Estrela – Levada do Alecrim — 11.4 km point-to-point, hard, ~4.5–5 hrs, ★ 4.6 (92 reviews). Climbs from the village of Estrela to Levada do Alecrim, passing the Chapel of Fátima and ending at the lagoon of Dona Beja, with waterfalls and dense vegetation. Directions ↗ · AllTrails ↗

Nearest official PR trails

The closest official IFCN trails (with maintained paths, signage, and a checkable open/closed status) are all in the Rabaçal area, about 11–17 minutes' drive from Arco da Calheta:

Trail	Difficulty	Distance	Drive from Arco da Calheta
PR 28 – Levada da Rocha Vermelha	—	10.7 km	~11 min
PR 6.2 – Levada do Alecrim	Easy	7 km return	~17 min
PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes	Moderate	8.6 km return	~17 min

The Rabaçal trails require an access fee (€4.50 for visitors > 12 years; free for ≤ 12 years), payable via the SIMplifica portal.

⚠️ Important: Since the Arco da Calheta routes are community-mapped rather than official PR trails, there's no official open/closed status and no maintenance or signage guarantee. Check access and conditions locally before setting out. For the official Rabaçal trails, verify the current status before you go.

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