PR10 · Central-East — Ribeiro Frio to Portela

Levada do Furado

Also known as Ribeiro Frio – Portela · PR10 Levada do Furado

11 km Length linear
5 h Duration typical
Moderate Grade moderate
53 m Ascent climb
medium Exposure vertigo
PR10 Trail official PR

The PR10 is the classic Central-East levada walk and follows one of the oldest public levadas on the island (the channel itself dated to 1822), running downhill through deep Laurisilva from the trout-farm hamlet of Ribeiro Frio to the pass at Portela. It is a long but largely gentle contour walk, with an initial undulating forest stretch giving way to open balconies above the Faial and Porto da Cruz valleys, framed by the great monolith of Penha d'Águia. The trail is mostly easy underfoot but earns its 'moderate' rating from its length and a handful of narrow, partially exposed ledge sections; an alternative high variant climbs toward Pico do Suna. As of early 2026 a section is affected by a landslide and pavement damage — check current status before setting out.

Highlights

  • One of the oldest public levadas on Madeira (channel dated 1822)
  • Dense Laurisilva (UNESCO laurel forest)
  • Penha d'Águia (Eagle Rock) views
  • Farmlands of Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto da Cruz
  • Portela viewpoint over the north-east

Water on the route

  • Levada do Furado channel (slow-flowing, with trout)
  • Ribeiro Frio valley and stream
  • water-division station where the Levada da Serra do Faial ends
  • seasonal waterfalls and springs
  • Lamaceiros forest house water point
Tunnels: No major tunnels on the classic route; a few short rock cuttings. Sources do not report numbered tunnels as on the northern levadas.. Bring a head-torch — some levada tunnels are long, low and pitch black.