PR 4 — Levada do Barreiro
Briefly
A high-altitude levada located within the Funchal Ecological Park. Unlike the lower, lush green levadas, this trail offers a more rugged and open landscape with views over the Funchal bay. It is a vital water channel that supplies the city and passes through areas of ongoing reforestation, showcasing the island’s efforts to restore its native flora.
Basic information
Start: Poço da Neve
Finish: Casa do Abrigo do Barreiro
Distance: 5.2 km (one way)
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: ~100 m (mostly flat along the channel)
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Poço da Neve (Start)
Best season: All year round (can be very cold and windy in winter)
How to find
The trail starts near the historic Poço da Neve (the stone ice house), which is located on the road leading up to Pico do Areeiro.
Open Poço da Neve on Google Maps
The finish is at the Casa do Abrigo do Barreiro, a mountain shelter within the Ecological Park.
Important: This is a linear trail. If you don’t want to hike back (10.4 km total), you will need a car pick-up at the Barreiro shelter or a taxi.
What you need to bring:
Hiking shoes (the terrain is rocky and can be muddy)
Warm layers and windbreaker (you are above 1500m; it is often chilly)
Sunscreen (very little shade)
Water
Important to know:
Water Source: This levada is unique because its source is located at 1647 meters, making it one of the highest on the island.
The View: It offers one of the best “aerial” perspectives of Funchal without the extreme crowds of Pico do Areeiro.
Flora: You will see a lot of Gorse and Heather, as well as young native trees planted to replace the eucalyptus and pine forests lost in previous fires.
Connection: This trail can be easily combined with PR 3 (Vereda do Burro) as they both start in the same high-altitude area.
Reservations
Mandatory online booking via the government portal.
Book: SIMplifica
Similar Trails you might like:
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PR 3 — Vereda do Burro: Starts at the same location but offers a steeper descent into the valley.
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PR 11 — Vereda dos Balcões: Another high-altitude walk that is much shorter and flatter.
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PR 8 — Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: For those who enjoy open, treeless landscapes with dramatic coastal views.
*Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 