PR 9 – Caldeirão Verde
The Green Cauldron Masterpiece
Distance
13 km (Return)
Duration
4h – 5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: Queimadas Park is one of the most magical places on the island but the parking is tiny. If you arrive after 10:00 AM, you will likely have to park 2km down the road.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Caldeirão Verde?
The PR 9 is widely considered the most beautiful levada forest walk in Madeira. You are immersed in a UNESCO World Heritage Laurisilva forest that feels like a fairytale.
The trail features four hand-carved tunnels and ends at the “Green Cauldron” (Caldeirão Verde)—a majestic 100m waterfall dropping into a cold, emerald pool surrounded by vertical green walls.
Trail Map
From Queimadas Forestry Park to the Waterfall.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Queimadas Park (Start)
Start at the fairy-tale thatched houses in Queimadas. The path is wide and lined with massive Japanese Cedar trees.
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2
The Levada Narrowing
After 2km, the path narrows significantly. You will walk along the Levada wall with railings protecting you from the steep drop.
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3
The 4 Tunnels
You will pass through four separate tunnels carved into the rock. Some are long and dark. Mind your head!
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4
The Waterfall (Finish)
You arrive at the massive rock amphitheater. The waterfall is slender but incredibly high. It’s a perfect picnic spot.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The traditional Santana-style thatched houses at the start are iconic. Early morning fog makes them look mystical.
Certain trees have grown over the path creating natural “windows” framing the village of São Jorge far below.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height of the 100m waterfall inside the green rock chamber.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to Santana on the north coast. Follow signs for “Parque Florestal das Queimadas”. The road up is paved but narrow.
🛑 Parking Strategy
The main car park is small and paid (coins only). If it is full, you must drive back down 2km and walk up. Arrive by 9:00 AM to secure a spot!
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Driving through the Forest
Magical but narrow approach.
Our Rental Recommendation: The final 3km up to the park are on a single-lane road with passing places. A smaller car is easier to maneuver when you meet a bus coming down. This is Madeira Island recommends their compact range for Santana trips.
Essential Gear
- Headlamp/Torch: There are 4 tunnels. Phone lights are weak and you risk hitting your head on low rocks.
- Waterproof Jacket: The tunnels drip water constantly, and the forest is humid.
- Head Protection: Tall people should watch out; the tunnel ceilings are low and jagged!
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas
Right at the finish line. This charming thatched cottage serves hot chocolate, coffee, and slices of cake. It feels like stepping into a storybook.
