Queimadas Forest Park

Queimadas is the gateway to one of Madeira's most famous hikes: the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. It's a magical place featuring traditional straw-thatched stone houses (casas de colmo) surrounded by a lush Laurisilva forest.

How to Get to Queimadas by Bus

There is no direct bus stop right at the Queimadas entrance. To reach it by public transport, you should take a bus to Santana and then walk or take a taxi for the final 4-5km ascent.

No bus stops at the Queimadas entrance — it is a 4–5 km walk or taxi up from Santana before the levada starts. Many hikers skip that with a Caldeirão Verde transfer or guided walk (sponsored) More options ↓

Highlights

Casa das Queimadas: This traditional thatched house serves as a visitor center and café. It's one of the most photographed buildings on the island.

Levada PR9: The trail starts right at the park. It's an 11.8km return path (3-4 hours) leading to a stunning 100m waterfall. Note: The trail includes several tunnels, so a torch is essential.

No bus to the trailhead? Caldeirão Verde transfer or guided walk

Guided Caldeirão Verde walks

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  • Levada Walk and Caldeirão Verde Waterfalls 4.6 · 206 reviews

    A fully guided version of the PR9 levada to the Caldeirão Verde waterfall — the guide brings the torch for the tunnels and handles the transport both ways.

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  • Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk 4.6 · 163 reviews

    Another guided Caldeirão Verde walk with a different operator, useful if the first option is full for your dates.

    Book

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