Caldeirão Verde

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas Forest Park clings to vertical cliffs and passes through four hand-cut rock tunnels before reaching a thin 100 m waterfall dropping into a round emerald pool. Around 13 km return, 4–5 hours, moderate but exposed in places. The tunnels are pitch dark: a head torch is essential, along with a rain jacket as they drip. The thatched-roof houses at the trailhead are worth a photo. Warning: some cliff sections have steep unguarded drops. Stay on the path and keep children close.