This levada is one of the most popular and beautiful on the island.
It's one of the few that is more or less circular and its end is only about 100 metres from its start, plus it starts on the outskirts of Ponta do Sol, so it's ideal for those who don't want to rent a car.
The levada starts near the church in the local area of Lombada and continues relatively gently uphill along the edge of the valley.
First between small terraced fields. After that it plunges into vegetation providing occasional natural shade until it reaches the very end of the valley, where it turns 180° and continues ever so slightly uphill back down the other side of the valley. At this point, you can enjoy a magnificent waterfall falling between the rocks directly above the lava.
After about 7.5 km you will reach Ponta do Sol, from where you can return or continue along the longer and slightly more challenging Levada Nova to the town of Tabua, where buses also run.
Route parameters
The Levada do Moinho is popular for its proximity to civilisation, but also for the spectacular views of the wider surroundings. Its gradient is mostly moderate, it is relatively narrow but equipped with guardrails in dangerous places.
- Distance - 7.3km total length
- Time - approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty - easy
- Route map
Accommodation
The picturesque town of Ponta do Sol, wedged into a narrow deep valley at its mouth to the sea, will be an ideal place to stay for a night or 2. There is plenty on offer here, from cheap apartments to more expensive boutique hotels. We can recommend great apartments Villa Pont de Sol Apartment or the Encanto do Sol.
How to get there
Ponta do Sol is on the south coast of Madeira and is very easy to get to by car on the main ring road.
There are also Rodoeste buses that run along the road several times a day (about 6-7 times on weekdays, 2-3 times at weekends) connecting the towns of Funchal, Calheta and some services continue on to Porto Moniz.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Madeira.