The Majestic Falls of PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

I think spring would be a great time to do this route when there's more water. The tunnels are quite muddy and the route is pretty crowded.

Organizationally, it was a complete disaster. We had booked a time slot the day before (10:30-11:00 AM) and paid the €9 fee for two people. 2.5 km before the start of the hike, we were stopped by police officers who handed us a piece of paper: the upper parking lot was full, we weren't allowed to park on the street, but perhaps in Santana and then take a taxi or walk up. There was also an extra parking lot where the police were standing (which was already full), and another one was being prepared. Even if we had been able to park there, walking those 2.5 km uphill would have been unacceptable. It's incredibly steep, and the taxis drive like maniacs up it. So we went down into town, parked there, and were able to hail a taxi. The hike itself wasn't relaxing either. There were far too many people; we spent more time waiting for people to pass than actually hiking. This gives you the feeling that the fees and booking through Simplifica aren't about controlling the number of hikers, but rather about making money. After the hike, we had to make our way down the steep path to the car; 4.3 km down the mountain, dodging the fast taxis that came speeding around the bend, honking their horns. It's such a shame what's become of the PR9 trail. We've been to Madeira many times and have done this hike several times. After today's experience, never again.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

The most beautiful hike we've ever done. We set off in early September at 5:30 pm from the upper parking lot. We encountered few hikers coming back down. The arrival was easy after a 1.5-hour walk. Exceptional views, lush vegetation, two bridges, few muddy sections, and towards the end, two medium-sized tunnels, one large one, and the last one with an arch! Be careful not to step on the other side of the Levada: there's a drainage ditch in the tunnels, and it's full of mud! We arrived at a magnificent waterfall and a small lake. There was NO ONE there, and we went for a swim. We hiked back down in an hour, and night was just beginning to fall. The trail is suitable for athletic children (large rocks all along). It will just be long because, aside from counting the small fish in the Levada, it will be hard to keep them motivated until the end, especially on the return trip. Simple signage and a trash can every kilometer would be appropriate given the toll paid and the number of users! The only negative point: the inconsiderate behavior of some users: tissues everywhere, smells of urine in some tunnels: how stupid to act like that

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.