How long is Levada do Curral?

Levada do Curral is 10.2 km (6.3 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 2 hr 28 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Levada do Curral?

It is rated moderate, with roughly 224 m (735 ft) of total ascent. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

How long does Levada do Curral take?

Allow around 2 hr 28 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

When is the best time to hike Levada do Curral?

October to May is the most reliable window. Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring.

Can you bring dogs on Levada do Curral?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Levada do Curral suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 10.2 km with 224 m (735 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Levada do Curral a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Levada do Curral

Name: Levada do Curral
Address: Madeira, Portugal

ModerateMadeira · Portugal

GPX

Distance: 10.2 km (6.3 mi)
Elevation gain: 224 m (735 ft)
Typical time: 2 hr 28 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: Not recorded

About Levada do Curral

Levada do Curral is a 10.2 km hiking route in Madeira, Portugal. It climbs roughly 224 m (735 ft) along the way. Most people take around 2 hr 28 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.

Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is Santo António, about 3.8 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Levada do Curral suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate10.2 km224 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

10.2 km of quiet walking

Know before you go

Best season: October to May
Waymarked: Not consistently
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Generally usable
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 34/100
Adventure: 23/100
Difficulty: 30/100
Accessibility: 56/100
Family: 31/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

Conditions change with the weather. Check a local forecast on the morning of your walk.

Safety

Emergency services in Portugal are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Levada do Curral

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Moderate

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Elevation gain: 209 m
Typical duration: 2 hr 18 min

Easy

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Elevation gain: 108 m
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Hard

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Elevation gain: 644 m
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Expert

Caminho Real 25

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Elevation gain: 849 m
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Easy

PR 3.1 - Caminho Real do Monte

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Distance: 4.0 km
Elevation gain: 88 m
Typical duration: 58 min

Mountain
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Expert

Caminho Real 27

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Distance: 34.3 km
Elevation gain: 755 m
Typical duration: 8 hr 52 min

Keep exploring

All hiking in Madeira Hiking in Portugal Hiking near Santo António Hiking near Funchal Hiking near Câmara de Lobos Hiking near São Martinho Moderate trails