Levada do Brasileiro

Levada do Brasileiro: The Untamed Jungle Trail of Porto Moniz

While the coastlines draw the crowds, the true heart of Madeira’s North Coast beats high in the mountains. Tucked away in the dense, ancient Laurissilva forest above Porto Moniz lies a trail reserved for true adventurers: the Levada do Brasileiro.

Unlike the highly trafficked walks in the south, this trail is a deeply immersive, off-the-beaten-path journey that plunges you into a prehistoric green world. If you are looking to escape the tour buses and experience the raw, unfiltered nature of the island, this is your hike. In this local guide, we will break down what to expect on this hidden gem and how to easily access it from your northern basecamp.

The Experience: Stepping into the Wild

Walking the Levada do Brasileiro is not a manicured park stroll; it is a true Madeira expedition. The path often acts as the first half of a challenging circular route (frequently paired with the Levada do Moinho) and features some of the most striking forestry on the island.

• The Terrain: You will navigate through twisted vines, towering ancient trees, and lush ferns. The trail primarily follows an old water channel, with sections that are rugged, narrow, and carved directly into the steep hillside.

• The Waterfall Crossing: One of the most thrilling parts of the trail is a highly exposed section where you literally walk underneath a cascading waterfall that feeds into the levada. It is a moment of pure, refreshing adrenaline.

• The Solitude: Because it requires local knowledge to find and navigate, the Vereda do Brasileiro is wonderfully isolated. You can walk for hours accompanied only by the sound of rushing water and singing birds.

Fun Facts Aut the Trail

• A Prehistoric Setting: The trail winds entirely through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest, a subtropical rainforest that has survived for millions of years.

• Water Lifeline: The water collected along this specific channel flows down into a reservoir nearby, the Lagoa do Bardo, before continuing its journey to irrigate the agricultural terraces of Santa in Porto Moniz.

Navigating the North: How to Get There

Because the trailhead is hidden high in the mountains of Porto Moniz (near the ER 105 road), how you travel drastically changes your experience.

From Funchal (The Long Commute)

• By Car: Take the VE1 highway through the central tunnels to São Vicente, then follow the coastal VE2 road west toward Porto Moniz. After reaching the village, you will need to head up into the mountains via the winding ER 101 and ER 105 roads. The entire drive from Funchal takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

• By Public Transport: Catching the Rodoeste bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz is a scenic 3-hour journey, but the bus drops you at sea level. To reach the high-altitude trailhead from the village, you will need to hire a local taxi to take you up the mountain.

From Porto Moniz (The Local’s Advantage)

• If you are based locally, the trailhead is just a breezy, incredibly scenic 15 to 20-minute drive straight up the mountain from the village center. You bypass the cross-island traffic completely, allowing you to hit the trail while the morning mist is still hanging in the trees.

Getting to the Trailhead & Parking

The primary access point is located near Pico da Pedreira, situated along a long straight stretch of the ER 105 road high above the coast.

• The Parking: Look for a small dirt pull-off area near the top of the road where the trail begins its descent into the forest.

• The Loop Option: Many hikers choose to park near the Portas da Vila intersection (where the ER 101 meets the ER 105) to tackle the full 12.8km circular route. Parking here is free, rugged, and entirely immersed in nature.

Practical Tips for a Safe Adventure

To fully enjoy the rugged beauty of Vereda do Brasileiro, preparation is key:

• Respect the Heights: Sections of this trail are narrow, uneven, and feature steep drop-offs without safety railings. It is highly recommended for experienced hikers and is not suitable for young children or those with severe vertigo.

• Bring Your Waterproofs: Because you will pass directly under a small waterfall along the levada, a lightweight rain jacket is highly recommended to keep you and your electronics dry.

• Download an Offline Map: The trail intersections can be tricky to navigate deep in the forest. Download an offline GPS map (like WalkMe or Mapy.cz) before you lose cellular service to stay on track.

🤫 The Jolie Local Secret

Because the Vereda do Brasileiro is physically demanding, you need a high-reward afternoon to balance your itinerary.

Our local secret: Start your day early by driving up through the hauntingly beautiful, fog-drenched fanal forest, which sits about 30 minutes away from the Brasileiro trailhead. After conquering the rugged hike, rest your legs by driving slightly west to ride the terrifyingly beautiful achadas da cruz cable car down the sheer cliffs for a late lunch by the ocean.

To end the perfect day, you don’t need to drive an hour back to Funchal. Simply head back down into Porto Moniz to soak your tired muscles in the warm, mineral-rich natural pools, or take a 10-minute coastal drive the next morning to lay your towel on the warm, powdery volcanic sand of seixal beach.

Stop Commuting. Start Living the Island Life.

Many visitors treat the North Coast as a rushed, exhausting day trip. They spend hours stuck in a rental car, desperately trying to cram in one hike before the sun goes down, only to face a dark, winding drive back to the south.

You deserve a vacation that prioritizes peace, deep exploration, and true freedom.

When you make Porto Moniz your home base, Madeira’s most exclusive and untamed trails are quite literally in your backyard. You can tackle epic, off-the-grid hikes like Vereda do Brasileiro in the morning and be sipping local wine on your private balcony by the afternoon.

Trade the exhausting highway commutes for authentic island immersion. Base yourself where the true soul of Madeira thrives.

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

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