PR9 Caldeirão Verde
The PR9 follows a levada from Queimadas, above Santana, through laurel forest and 4 rock tunnels to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. It is a long walk on a narrow, sometimes wet path, with a €4.50 SIMplifica booking. The full official route continues to Caldeirão do Inferno, 17.4 km there and back.
I loved it, but it is a tiring one
I have walked Caldeirão Verde. Give it a day when everyone wants a long walk, rather than fitting it between sightseeing stops. If you want a short introduction to levadas, compare it with Balcões and the other levada walks.
- Best for
- Forest, tunnels and a waterfall
- Official grade
- Moderate
- Bring
- A headtorch and shoes with grip
- Return
- Back along the same levada
Verde or Inferno? Plan for the right distance
Most walkers turn back at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. The official distance includes the longer stretch on to Caldeirão do Inferno.
Turn back at Caldeirão Verde
13 km return, to the waterfall
6.5 km each way, about 5 h 30 there and back. Add time for photos and for letting walkers pass on the narrow stretches.
Continue to Caldeirão do Inferno
17.4 km return, the full PR9
8.7 km each way, about 6 h 30 there and back, between 872 and 1,020 m. Carry on only with an early start and energy to spare.
Current route: Visit Madeira PR9 and IFCN classified trails, checked 3 November 2026. Waterfall distance: IFCN leaflet (2005).
The PR9 on a map
The car park and trailhead first, then the two places to turn back.
Before you walk
Queimadas is above Santana. Leave the car here or arrange a taxi drop-off and collection.
- Queimadas car parkStart and finish here
- PR9 trailheadThatched shelter · follow the levada
The walk
Follow PR9 through the tunnels to Caldeirão Verde. The full official route continues to Caldeirão do Inferno.
- PR9 trailheadThatched shelter · follow the levada
- Caldeirão VerdeWaterfall · return the same way
- Caldeirão do InfernoLonger option · check access first
Maps: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), geometry checked 3 November 2026. Relief: AWS Terrain Tiles (SRTM/GEBCO). For orientation; follow the signs and current IFCN restrictions.
What the walk is like
The levada keeps you on the mountainside. The tunnels and narrow stretches need more attention than the amount of climbing suggests.
Start at the thatched shelter in Queimadas
Follow PR9 into the forest beside the water channel. PR9.1 heads towards Pico das Pedras instead; it is a separate short walk, not a shortcut to the waterfall.
Follow the levada through the tunnels
There are 4 tunnels on the way to Caldeirão Verde. Use your headtorch and watch the ceiling. On narrow stretches, stop somewhere wider to let walkers coming back pass.
Reach Caldeirão Verde and decide here
The waterfall is on the left of the levada. Stay on the permitted path and respect any barriers around the basin. This is the turnaround if you are doing the waterfall-only walk.
Return, or take the longer route to Inferno
The extension makes this a longer day. Check the signs and access before continuing; whichever turnaround you choose, leave time for the walk back to Queimadas.
Route and tunnels: Visit Madeira. Bring a torch and wear footwear with grip, as advised in the IFCN leaflet.
Book the PR9 before you go
Reserve an entry slot for every walker on SIMplifica. Parking is a separate charge.
The standard visitor fee is €4.50. Children aged 12 and under and Madeira residents are exempt but still need to be registered. Choose PR9, your walking date and an available entry time; keep the confirmation with you.
Fees and registration: IFCN FAQ, checked 3 November 2026.
Getting to Queimadas, with or without a car
The walk starts at Queimadas Forest Park, above Santana. Set the forest park as your destination, not the waterfall.
- With a car
- Drive up from Santana to Queimadas. Parking is €2 an hour; arrive early enough to park before your entry slot. Driving in Madeira →
- With a taxi or transfer
- Agree the pickup time at Queimadas before you set off. On a tour, check where the walk ends and whether the trail fee is included.
- With public transport
- Buses go to Santana, not up to Queimadas, so add a taxi for the last stretch each way. Compare transport options →
Parking: Visit Madeira, checked 3 November 2026.
What to bring, and when to start
Choose a morning slot with enough daylight for your return. The official duration is walking time, so leave room for pauses.
- A headtorch for each walker.
- Shoes with grip and a rain jacket.
- Food, drinking water and your booking confirmation.
- A charged phone and a saved map.
Read the IFCN status before travelling. Avoid setting off in heavy rain or strong winds, as the IFCN leaflet advises. In winter, use the November hiking advice to plan around the shorter day.
An alternative waterfall walk
Prefer a guided walk at 25 Fontes?
If you would rather choose Rabaçal for your waterfall day, this is the Lido Tours walk we selected, with hotel pickup in Funchal. It visits Risco and 25 Fontes; it does not go to Caldeirão Verde.
- Check the listing for pickup coverage and whether the trail fee is included.
- For PR9, arrange transport to Queimadas instead.
I have not taken this tour; it is picked from the listing and its reviews. Affiliate link: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
Choose your date and group size to see available departures and the total price. See dates and prices on GetYourGuide →
Planning more than one hike?
Our other walk-by-walk guides, with the booking, the transport and the way back sorted.
- PR1Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
The ridge between the highest peaks: the one-way rule, the dawn bus and the taxi down.
- PR8Ponta de São Lourenço
The bare eastern peninsula: parking, the bus, no shade, and where to swim after.
- PR625 Fontes and Risco
The famous levada at Rabaçal: the walk down from the road, the waterfalls and the crowds.
The best hikes, ranked · What walkers say about this one · Every trail on the map
Questions about the PR9
How long is the PR9 Caldeirão Verde hike?
The current official PR9 route is 17.4 km there and back to Caldeirão do Inferno, taking about 6 h 30. Stopping at Caldeirão Verde is shorter: the IFCN’s 2005 leaflet gives 13 km return and 5 h 30, rather than a freshly measured distance. Which distance to plan around →
Is the PR9 open?
The IFCN listed PR9 as open when checked on 3 November 2026, including the route via Caldeirão Verde to Caldeirão do Inferno. Check the official status before travelling and follow any barriers at the waterfall. Check the IFCN trail status →
Do you need to book Caldeirão Verde?
Yes. Book a PR9 entry slot on SIMplifica before walking. The standard visitor fee is €4.50; children aged 12 and under and Madeira residents are exempt but must still be registered. How to book on SIMplifica →
Is Caldeirão Verde difficult?
The official grade is moderate. The length, wet footing, narrow stretches beside drops and 4 tunnels matter more than the climb; I walked it and loved it, but found it tiring.
Do you need a torch for PR9?
Yes. There are 4 rock tunnels before Caldeirão Verde. Bring a headtorch, watch the low ceilings and wear shoes with grip for the wet path.
Can you get to Caldeirão Verde without a car?
Yes, with a taxi or a transfer to Queimadas. If you use a bus to Santana, arrange the final leg to the forest park and the collection afterwards; do not treat Santana as the trailhead. Getting to Queimadas →
Is PR9.1 the short route to the waterfall?
No. PR9.1 connects Queimadas and Pico das Pedras; it does not reach Caldeirão Verde. Choose it for a short forest walk, or PR9 for the waterfall. PR9.1 on the trails map →
Should I choose Caldeirão Verde or 25 Fontes?
Choose Caldeirão Verde for a longer forest walk with tunnels, if everyone is comfortable beside drops. Choose 25 Fontes and Risco for waterfall walks you can combine from Rabaçal, with a shorter option at Risco. 25 Fontes and Risco guide →
Leave room for the rest of Madeira
Our family can plan your hiking days around the rest of your holiday. A personal plan from our family is €149 for up to 5 days (€199 for 6 to 8), ready in 48 hours.