Trails
Levada dos Pombais
A short, quiet levada in the hills above Porto Moniz
The place
The Levada dos Pombais is a short levada walk of about 2 km in the Pombais area of north-west Madeira, within the municipality of Porto Moniz. The Pombais lookout is the starting point of the Vereda da Ladeira, a separate and demanding walk down to the Achadas da Cruz beach.
The Vereda da Ladeira is a 4 km round trip that takes two and a half to three hours, rated high for difficulty, with a highest point of 459 metres. The municipality recommends it only for experienced hikers, with sturdy shoes and trekking poles, and a cable car offers a way back up from the beach.
Highlights
- The Pombais lookout, the starting point of the Vereda da Ladeira.
- The Vereda da Ladeira's descent to the Achadas da Cruz beach, with a cable car back up.
- A levada of about 2 km in the north-west, suited to a short outing.
When to come
Choose a dry day, because the ground on the Vereda da Ladeira is eroded and loose in places, and wet ground makes it harder.
Getting there
Drive or take a taxi to the Pombais lookout, which is the start of the Vereda da Ladeira.
Worth knowing
- Length: the levada is about 2 km.
- Vereda da Ladeira: 4 km round trip, two and a half to three hours, high difficulty.
- Altitude: the highest point on the Vereda da Ladeira is 459 metres and the lowest is 39 metres.
- Facilities: picnic tables stand at the Ponta da Ladeira lookout; bring all the water you need.
- Safety: the municipality recommends the Vereda da Ladeira only for experienced hikers, and some descent passages are very steep.
- Gear: sturdy shoes and trekking poles, which the municipality recommends, plus water and a GPS track.
- Beach: Achadas da Cruz beach has no lifeguards, and swimming there is not advised.