PR14 – Levada dos Cedros

The Ultimate Guide to PR14 Levada dos Cedros: Madeira’s Peaceful Ancient Forest Hike

If you research hiking in Madeira, you will inevitably be bombarded with recommendations for the Levada das 25 Fontes. While it is undeniably beautiful, its global fame means you will likely spend your hike shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other tourists, stepping aside every five minutes to let a massive tour group pass.

If you are a true nature lover seeking the profound, silent magic of the UNESCO World Heritage Laurissilva forest without the exhausting crowds, you need to look slightly further north.

Welcome to PR14 – Levada dos Cedros.

This spectacular 7.2-kilometer trail is one of the oldest and most beautifully preserved water channels on the island. It winds through the deep, emerald-green heart of the Ribeira da Janela valley, completely sheltered beneath a canopy of towering, centuries-old Madeiran Cedars. In this complete local guide, we will tell you exactly what to expect on the PR14, how to navigate its point-to-point logistics, and why basing yourself on the untamed North Coast is the ultimate hiking hack.

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What Makes Levada dos Cedros (PR14) So Special?

The PR14 is a masterclass in “slow travel” hiking. It does not feature terrifying vertical drops or brutal, knee-crushing staircases. Instead, it offers a deeply immersive, peaceful walk through a prehistoric landscape.

• The Route: This is a linear trail spanning 7.2 kilometers. It officially begins right off the ER209 mountain road (near the Paul da Serra plateau) and follows the water channel gently downhill, ending at the Curral Falso forestry station (also located on the ER209, further down the mountain).

• The Difficulty: It is rated as a moderate trail and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Because you are following the flow of the levada, the path is predominately flat, making it an incredibly pleasant and rhythmic walk.

• The Scenery: The trail plunges you into a dense, intensely green jungle. You will walk on wooden boardwalks and moss-covered stone paths, completely surrounded by giant ferns, native laurel trees, and the namesake Cedros da Madeira (Madeiran Cedars). The trail culminates at a series of stunning, multi-tiered waterfalls plunging into crystal-clear mountain pools.

Fascinating Fun Facts:

• 17th Century Engineering: The Levada dos Cedros is one of the oldest irrigation channels built on the island, originally carved by hand into the steep mountain slopes in the 17th century to carry water to the agricultural terraces of the north.

• Endemic Giants: The Juniperus cedrus (Madeiran Cedar) trees you will walk beneath are endemic to the Macaronesia region. Some of the massive trunks along this specific trail have been growing for hundreds of years.

• A True River Source: Unlike some levadas that capture runoff, this levada originates directly from the water springs of the towering Ribeira da Janela valley.

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How to Get There & Where to Park

Because Levada dos Cedros (PR14) begins and ends at two different points along the same mountain road (ER209), the logistics require a bit of local know-how.

The Effortless Drive from Porto Moniz If you have made the brilliant decision to stay on the wild North Coast, conquering this trail is effortless.

• The Route: From the center of Porto Moniz, simply drive 20-25 minutes up the scenic ER209 mountain road.

• The Drive Time: Because you are so close, you can enjoy a slow morning coffee, leave your apartment at 8:30 AM, and be the very first person on the trail.

The Exhausting Commute from Funchal

• The Route: Day-trippers staying in the southern capital must navigate the VR1 ro Ribeira Brava, take the central VE4 tunnels to the north coast, then climb the steep, winding mountain passes to reach the trailhead.

• The Drive Time: Expect a minimum of 1.5 hours of driving each way.

Parking & Trailhead Logistics There is free parking available at the official starting point on the ER209. Because the trail ends at Curral Falso (a few kilometers further down the same ER209 road), you have three options to return to your car:

1. The Local Way (Hitchhike/Walk): Walk approximately 30-40 minutes uphill along the paved ER209 road back to your car, or easily stick your thumb out—locals and fellow hikers are very accustomed to giving quick rides between these two parking lots!

2. The Out-and-Back: Simply hike to the beautiful waterfalls at the end of the levada, turn around, and enjoy the flat 7.2km walk back through the forest the exact way you came.

3. The Taxi: Pre-arrange a local northern taxi to meet you at Curral Falso and drive you the 5 minutes back up to your car.

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Practical Tips for a Flawless Hike in Levada dos Cedros

To ensure your journey through the ancient cedars is safe and comfortable, pack smartly:

• Footwear is Everything: Do not wear smooth city sneakers. The path beside the levada is completely shaded by the canopy, meaning the dirt and stones are damp and slippery year-round. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are absolutely mandatory.

• Dress for the Microclimate: Even if the coast is sunny and hot, the temperature inside the dense mountain forest can easily be 10°C cooler. Pack a lightweight waterproof windbreaker and a warm mid-layer.

• Bring a Headlamp: While PR14 does not feature massive, kilometer-long tunnels like other hikes, the tree canopy is incredibly dense. If a thick fog rolls in, the trail can get quite dark, making a headlamp very useful for spotting uneven roots.

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🤫 The Jolie Local Secret

Most tourists finish a long levada walk, climb back into their rental cars, and face a stressful, 90-minute drive back to Funchal in wet hiking clothes.

Our local secret: Because you are based in Porto Moniz, your post-hike experience is a world-class contrast of ecosystems.

Start your hike early. When you finish, you are already high in the mountains. Drive just 5 minutes further up the ER209 to experience the mystical, rolling fog of the fanal forest before lunchtime.

After wandering the ancient trees, drive 25 minutes straight down the mountain to the coast. Strip off your muddy hiking boots and plunge directly into the icy, restorative natural pools in Porto Moniz to soothe your tired legs. If you prefer to stretch out and relax, drive 10 minutes east and lay your towel on the warm, powdery volcanic sand of seixal beach.

Still craving an unforgettable view? After dinner, take a breezy 15-minute coastal drive west to ride the terrifyingly beautiful achadas da cruz cable car down the sheer cliffs.

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Stop Commuting. Start Living the Island Life.

Attempting to conquer Madeira’s greatest hiking trails from a massive hotel in the crowded southern resort zones is a logistical headache. You spend your precious vacation days fighting traffic, hunting for parking, and constantly checking your watch so you don’t have to drive through the mountain passes in the dark.

You deserve the true luxury of slow travel.

When you make Porto Moniz your home base, the island’s most spectacular and ancient landscapes are right in your backyard. You can effortlessly wake up, hike the peaceful PR14 Levada dos Cedros in total isolation, and still be back in your village in time for a fresh seafood lunch and an afternoon swim.

Trade the exhausting highway commutes for profound, authentic island immersion. Base yourself where the wild things are.

Embrace the rhythm of the North Coast. Explore our beautifully designed, fully equipped local homes and book your unforgettable stay at The Jolie today.

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