Levada do Alecrim

Vereda do Alecrim: Madeira’s Best-Kept Waterfall Secret Above the Clouds

When planning a hiking trip to Madeira, the legendary Levada das 25 Fontes is usually at the top of every traveler’s list. But what if we told you that starting from the exact same parking lot, there is a quieter, incredibly scenic trail that offers breathtaking waterfalls, lush valleys, and sweeping views—without the heavy crowds?

Welcome to Levada do Alecrim (PR 6.2).

This stunning high-altitude trail traces the vibrant green Levada do Alecrim across the Paul da Serra plateau. If you are looking for an authentic, immersive nature experience that perfectly balances gentle walking with spectacular highland rewards, this is the trail for you.

Here is your ultimate guide to hiking Vereda do Alecrim, complete with insider tips to make your Madeira adventure unforgettable.

The Experience: Hiking the Levada do Alecrim

Unlike the steep descents required for some of the island’s more famous routes, Vereda do Alecrim is a wonderfully accessible, mostly flat hike. The trail stretches for about 3.5 kilometers each way (7 km round trip) and takes roughly two to two-and-a-half hours to complete.

As you step onto the trail, you are immediately greeted by the expansive, open moorland of the Paul da Serra plateau. The path hugs the levada (irrigation channel), guiding you through tunnels of vibrant green heather, mountain ferns, and the fragrant rosemary bushes that give the trail its name (Alecrim means rosemary in Portuguese).

Because the trail sits at a high altitude (around 1,200 meters), you are treated to unobstructed, panoramic views plunging deep into the Rabaçal valley. The grand finale of the hike is the Dona Beja waterfall. Here, the water cascades down a dark, mossy volcanic cliff into a crystal-clear, icy lagoon. It is the perfect spot to sit on a boulder, unpack a picnic, and soak in the wild serenity of the island.

Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

• The Source of Life: The Levada do Alecrim is one of the most important waterways on the island. It captures the heavy rainfall and mist from the Paul da Serra plateau and transports it to the Calheta hydroelectric plant to generate power before being used for agricultural irrigation.

• Endemic Wonders: Keep your eyes peeled for the bisbis (Madeira firecrest), a tiny, incredibly friendly bird unique to the island that often flits through the heather right alongside hikers.

• A Dual Personality: While the lower trails in Rabaçal dive deep into the dense, shaded Laurisilva forest, Vereda do Alecrim keeps you high on the sunlit ridge, offering a completely different perspective of the valley.

How to Get There

The trailhead for Vereda do Alecrim is located at the famous Rabaçal parking lot along the ER110 road on the Paul da Serra plateau. To ensure you find the trailhead without a hitch, we highly recommend checking the interactive pro maps we’ve integrated across our website and at the end of this post; they make it incredibly easy to pinpoint the parking area and plot your route before you lose cell service in the mountains.

From Funchal: The drive from the capital takes about 50 minutes. You will take the VR1 highway west to Ribeira Brava, connect to the VE3 towards Ponta do Sol, and then climb the winding, scenic ER110 straight up into the highlands.

From Porto Moniz (The Best Route): If you are staying on the island’s majestic north coast, you are in luck. The drive from Porto Moniz is a stunning 35-minute journey via the ER209. As you wind your way up the mountain, the road takes you directly through the ancient, mystical trees of the fanal forest. It is an unforgettable drive that transitions perfectly from deep coastal valleys to the open plateau.

Parking: What You Need to Know

Because Vereda do Alecrim shares its starting point with the immensely popular 25 Fontes and Risco hikes, parking requires a bit of strategy.

• Arrive Early: Try to get to the Rabaçal parking lot by 9:00 AM.

• The Shuttle Bus: The hike officially begins near the paved road where the Rabaçal shuttle bus operates. However, unlike the 25 Fontes hike where you must walk (or take the shuttle) down the steep asphalt road, the Vereda do Alecrim trailhead branches off directly to the right just a few meters from the main highway parking lot. You don’t need the shuttle for this hike!

Essential Tips for Your Hike

• Dress in Layers: The plateau’s weather is notoriously changeable. You might start your hike in a thick, chilly fog and finish it under a blazing sun. Bring a breathable waterproof jacket and comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.

• Pack Sun Protection: Unlike the fully shaded lower levadas, Vereda do Alecrim is quite exposed to the sky. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are must-haves.

• Bring a Swimsuit (If You’re Brave!): The Dona Beja lagoon is incredibly inviting, but the mountain water is brisk year-round. If you love a refreshing wild swim, don’t forget your towel.

A Local’s Secret: The Hidden Lagoa do Vento

If you have a bit more energy and want to truly step off the beaten path, keep an eye out for an unmarked descent roughly halfway along the Vereda do Alecrim trail. This steep, slightly more challenging dirt path drops down to Lagoa do Vento (Wind Lagoon). This spectacular basin features a massive waterfall dropping from the cliffs above, and because it requires extra effort to reach, you will often have this magnificent amphitheater entirely to yourself.

Connect Your Highland Hike with Coastal Magic

One of the greatest joys of exploring Paul da Serra is how easily it connects to the dramatic beauty of the northern coast.

After a rewarding morning on the trail, drive back down the mountain to spend your afternoon relaxing. Swap the cool mountain air for the warm volcanic sands of seixal beach, where you can swim in the surf framed by towering green cliffs. Afterward, continue your coastal road trip to float in the iconic natural pools of Porto Moniz, watching the Atlantic waves crash against the lava rocks. If you’re looking for one last thrill before sunset, take the breathtaking, near-vertical ride down the cliffs on the achadas da cruz cable car to explore a forgotten fajã by the sea.

Make Porto Moniz Your Madeira Sanctuary

To effortlessly combine the high-altitude trails of Paul da Serra with the wild, untamed beauty of the north coast, there is no better basecamp than Porto Moniz. Staying here means less time driving and more time living like a local.

Ready to wake up to the ocean breeze and have Madeira’s best hikes right in your backyard? Experience the island at its most authentic by booking your stay at The Jolie. We offer travelers a stylish, comfortable, and welcoming sanctuary designed to be the perfect retreat after a long day on the trails.

Discover your home away from home and book your stay today at www.thejolie.pt. We can’t wait to welcome you to the north coast!

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