One of the most beautiful hikes on Madeira is called “Levada Nova”. To start the hike head over to Ponta do Sol and continue to the trailhead of “Levada do Moinho”. We parked our car near the upper route start and walked down to the lower start near the church.
Follow the water channel called ‘lavada do Moinho’ for multiple kilometres into the valley. You’ll enjoy panoramic views over lush green hills. You’ll cross a small waterfall and keep continuing next to the channel until you’ll stumble upon stairs to your right. Go up the stairs and at the top go right. Now you’re following the “Levada Nova”. After a couple of minutes you’ll reach the highlight of this hike: Cascade da Levada Nova. A smaller waterfall but with a trail curling right behind and underneath it. A stunning sight you need to see yourself.
After the waterfall you’ll need to cross a dark tunnel for 200m. So make sure to take a flashlight or make sure your phone is fully charged.
Continue next to the Levada Nova back towards the village to end at the upper route start.
