Boaventura: Valleys, Levadas and Laurissilva

Boaventura lies in a green, mountainous setting, with numerous streams running through its valleys. Levadas, hilltop views and traces of history give the area its different facets. There are also different kinds of routes to choose from: the PR 2 connects Madeira’s south and north coasts, a trail-running circuit starts and ends in the centre, and the Trail da Boaventura offers two race distances. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Madeira, you can choose Boaventura according to your interests—nature, routes, culture, or a travel date around a festival or running event.

Water, Valleys and Viewpoints

Several levadas in the parish of Boaventura originate at Ribeira dos Moinhos, including the Levada Grande. Its irrigation system extends as far as Ponta Delgada. The levada theme can therefore be understood both through their shared source at Ribeira dos Moinhos and through the Levada Grande’s irrigation system reaching Ponta Delgada. The basalt formation Carapita is another natural attraction to visit in Boaventura.

There are several viewpoints in the hills around Boaventura, offering scenic views. There is a simple distinction between the specifically named rock formation and the viewpoints: Carapita is a single, distinctive natural feature, while the hills offer several places to look out over the landscape. As you explore the area, you can take in different aspects of its surroundings.

Routes and Running Events

The PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal connects the south and north coasts of Madeira and leads to Lombo do Urzal in the parish of Boaventura. The route thus links two coasts, with its named endpoint in Boaventura. The Boaventura trail-running circuit has a different layout: it starts and ends in the centre of the village. The Boaventura Trail passes through levadas, paths and valleys in the native Laurissilva forest.

The Vereda da Entrosa offers a historical perspective. This old path connected the parishes of São Jorge and Boaventura. Each route is defined by something different: a connection between the coasts, a start and finish in the village centre, scenery of levadas and Laurissilva, or a former link between two parishes.

The Trail da Boaventura is another option for an active trip. It takes place annually in January and includes a 25-kilometre long race and a 10-kilometre short race. Check the event dates for the year you plan to travel. After the trail, all athletes are invited to try the traditional wheat soup of Casa do Povo da Boaventura. The invitation is part of the event.

Chapels and Dates Throughout the Year

The area’s history includes specific construction dates: work began on a chapel on Fajã do Penedo in 1918; it is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart. The Chapel of Santa Quitéria in Boaventura was built in 1731 and reconstructed in 1835. The Santa Quitéria festival is associated with the fourth Sunday in May; check the programme for your year before travelling around that date.

For travel planning, this means a distinction between the events in January and May: the Trail da Boaventura takes place annually in January, while Santa Quitéria is associated with the fourth Sunday in May. If you would like to plan your trip around either date, check the relevant event dates for your chosen year. If, on the other hand, you are mainly interested in discovering the landscape, levadas or historic paths, you can make these your focus regardless of the festivals and events mentioned.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Curral Das Freiras, Prazeres, Campo De Cima, Estreito Da Calheta, Arco De São Jorge, Serra De Água, Arco Da Calheta, São Vicente.

For the main travel overview: Madeira.