PR 7 – Levada do Moinho
The Sunny Water Mill Loop
Distance
10.3 km (Loop)
Duration
3.5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
⛔ CLOSED
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This is a South Coast trail. It gets much hotter here than in the misty North. Avoid hiking at 13:00 in summer. Late afternoon golden hour is spectacular for the waterfall photos.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada do Moinho?
The PR 7 – Levada do Moinho is famous for being a “Double Levada Loop.” You walk UP the valley on the lower Levada do Moinho and return DOWN the valley on the higher Levada Nova.
The highlight is the spectacular waterfall on the Levada Nova section where the path literally goes behind the waterfall, carved into the cliff face. It is one of the most Instagrammable spots on the island.
Trail Map
Loop trail starting and ending at the church in Lombada (Ponta do Sol).
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Lombada Church (Start)
Start behind the beautiful white church in Lombada. Look for the sign “Levada do Moinho”. This is the lower path.
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2
The Valley Ascent
Follow the Levada do Moinho into the valley. You will see ruins of old water mills (Moinhos) along the way.
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3
The Stair Climb
At the top of the valley (river crossing), you must climb a steep set of concrete stairs to reach the upper level (Levada Nova).
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4
The Waterfall Tunnel
On the return leg (Levada Nova), you walk through a tunnel carved into the cliff face that passes directly behind a waterfall.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The iconic shot: standing on the curved path with the waterfall cascading over your head into the abyss below.
The unique, rounded architecture of the “Igreja da Lombada” makes for a beautiful architectural photo at the start/end.
Looking back towards the ocean from the upper Levada Nova during golden hour offers warm, stunning light.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to Ponta do Sol and follow signs up the hill to Lombada. Park near the church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição).
🛑 Vertigo Warning
The upper section (Levada Nova) has concrete paths with no railings and sheer vertical drops. If you suffer from vertigo, stick to the lower Levada do Moinho and return the same way.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Sunny Village Roads
Steep climb from the coast.
Our Rental Recommendation: The road up to Lombada is steep and winding. A car with hill-start assist is very helpful. This is Madeira Island has modern manuals and automatics that handle these hills easily.
Essential Gear
- Sun Hat & Cream: This is the sunniest part of the island.
- Headlamp: The tunnel (200m) on the return leg is pitch black and curved (you can’t see the exit).
- Water: No water sources on the trail loop.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Restaurante Sol Poente
Drive down to the Ponta do Sol seafront. This restaurant sits on the promenade with beautiful sea views. Perfect for watching the sunset with a cold Coral beer.
