PR 16 — Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Briefly
A wild and adventurous levada on the north coast that takes you into the heart of the São Vicente valley. This trail is famous for its long tunnels and raw, untouched forest. It ends at the spectacular “Ribeira do Inferno” (Hell’s Creek), where water gushes from the cliffs in a narrow, dramatic canyon.
Basic Information
Start: Ginjas (São Vicente)
End: Ribeira do Inferno (and back)
Distance: 7.8 km (round trip)
Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Moderate (due to tunnels)
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: End of the road in Ginjas
Best season: All year round
How to Get There
Drive to São Vicente and follow signs for Ginjas. Continue on the narrow asphalt road until it ends. The levada starts right there.
Important: A powerful flashlight is mandatory. One of the tunnels is approximately 1 km long and very narrow.
What to Bring
- Powerful flashlight/headlamp (Mandatory!)
- Waterproof jacket (tunnels are very wet)
- Hiking boots (path is often muddy)
- Water
Key Points
- Tunnels: There are several. The main one is very long (around 15–20 min walk inside). If you are claustrophobic, this is not the trail for you.
- Ribeira do Inferno: The destination is a deep canyon. It’s impressive but can be dangerous during or after heavy rain due to falling rocks.
- Adventure: This is one of the “wildest” official PRs; it feels much more rugged than the popular Rabaçal trails.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 9 — Levada do Caldeirão Verde: For another “jungle” levada with tunnels.
- PR 18 — Levada do Rei: For a similar North-coast forest experience.
- PR 7 — Levada do Moinho: If you like waterfalls and carved cliff paths.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 