The length of the trail is 15.7  km (9.8 miles) and journey will take you around 05:00 hours. The elevation on the trail is 659  m. The highest point on the trail is 848 m and the lowest 252 m.

The easiest way to reach the starting point is by car, which you can park on a quiet street right next to the trailhead. Parking is usually not an issue, so you can start your hike without unnecessary stress.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take buses 208, 53, or 20 from Funchal to Porto da Cruz. From there, it’s about a 2-kilometer walk to the actual start of the trail — a pleasant warm-up before your hike.

The trail itself begins with a gentle ascent, and the entire first half is dedicated to crossing a hill. Thankfully, it’s not a steep climb with major elevation gain — since it doesn’t cut across the center of the island, the terrain is more forgiving. The climb is gradual and manageable at a steady pace, with a few scenic viewpoints that offer the perfect excuse for a short break.

The second half of the route is your reward: a relaxing walk along Levada do Castelejo. This stretch is flat, peaceful, and wonderfully refreshing. And it’s not the only levada you’ll encounter — the hike also passes Levada do Portela and Levada do Furado. These sections prove that not all levadas are perfectly flat — some will take you downhill at a surprisingly brisk pace. The mix of different levada types adds variety and makes for an enjoyable, dynamic hiking experience.

If you don’t feel like traveling all the way to the trailhead above Porto da Cruz, you can also start from Portela, near the Nossa Senhora do Bom Caminho church. There you’ll find a small shop and the Portela à Vista restaurant. Free parking is available right by the shop.

Portela offers not just great views, but also convenient facilities, making it a comfortable and pleasant alternative for starting (or ending) your hike.