PR 16 – Levada da Fajã do Rodrigues
The Tunnel Adventure
Distance
7.8 km (Return)
Duration
3.5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
This trail features a **1 km long** tunnel. It is pitch black, wet, and takes 20+ minutes to walk through.
Requirement: A good flashlight or headlamp is MANDATORY. Phone lights are not enough. Claustrophobia risk: High.
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This levada is in São Vicente (North Coast). It is often cloudy or rainy here even when sunny in Funchal. Check the webcam for São Vicente before driving.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Fajã do Rodrigues?
The PR 16 – Levada da Fajã do Rodrigues (also known as Levada da Fajã da Ama) is for adventurers who love tunnels. It takes you deep into the Ribeira do Inferno valley.
The main attraction is the series of tunnels, culminating in a massive 1km long tunnel that cuts straight through the mountain. At the end, you emerge into a hidden canyon filled with waterfalls that feels like a lost world.
Trail Map
From Ginjas (São Vicente) to the Waterfall Canyon.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Ginjas (Start)
Park at the small water station in Ginjas. The trail starts flat, winding through eucalyptus and pine forests.
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2
The Canyon View
The trees open up to reveal the deep, vertical canyon of Ribeira do Inferno. The path is carved into the cliff face.
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3
The Tunnels
You pass through several shorter tunnels. Then you reach “The Big One.” It takes about 20 minutes to walk through in total darkness.
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4
The Hidden Waterfall (Finish)
Emerging from the long tunnel, you find yourself in a secluded, mossy amphitheater with a waterfall. It is peaceful and silent.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The contrast of the pitch-black tunnel frame against the vibrant green ferns at the exit makes for a striking photo.
The views looking down into the Ribeira do Inferno are dizzying. Capture the vertical scale of the mossy cliffs.
The waterfall at the end is small but pristine, surrounded by untouched nature. Perfect for long-exposure water shots.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to São Vicente and look for the sign for “Ginjas”. Follow the narrow road uphill.
📍 Parking Tip
The road ends at a small water treatment station. There is space for about 5-6 cars. If full, park further down the hill and walk up.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Narrow Uphill Drive
The road to Ginjas is steep and single-lane.
Our Rental Recommendation: Because the access road is narrow and steep, a smaller car is easier to handle. However, the road surface is good. This is Madeira Island has compact cars like the Peugeot 208 that are perfect for this.
Essential Gear
- Headlamp: Do not rely on your phone. You need hands-free light for the 1km tunnel.
- Waterproof Jacket: Water drips from the tunnel ceiling constantly.
- Hat/Cap: Protects your head from bumping into the low tunnel rocks.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Taberna de São Vicente
Drive down to the main village of São Vicente. This spot offers excellent local wine and Prego no Bolo do Caco (Garlic steak sandwich). A great way to warm up after the dark tunnels.
