Boaventura: Levadas, Valleys and Laurissilva

Boaventura lies in a green, mountainous landscape whose valleys are crossed by numerous streams. Levadas and the Laurissilva Forest shape the natural scenery; there are several viewpoints on the hills, and Carapita is a basalt formation that can be visited. Alongside these natural features are routes, historic buildings and event dates. Boaventura is revealed through both its landscape and its specific paths and cultural events.

Routes and Running Events

The PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal connects the island of Madeira’s south and north coasts and leads to Lombo do Urzal in the parish of Boaventura. Vereda da Entrosa represents a different kind of connection: it was an old path linking the parishes of São Jorge and Boaventura. Together, these two routes illustrate different scales—a connection between the island’s coasts and a historic link between two parishes.

The Boaventura trail-running loop starts and ends in the centre of Boaventura. This sets it apart from the PR 2, which connects the coasts and leads to Lombo do Urzal: the loop starts and finishes in the centre, while the PR 2 connects the south and north coasts and leads to Lombo do Urzal.

Trail da Boaventura takes place every January. It includes a long 25-kilometre race and a short 10-kilometre race. Check the dates and course details for the edition that fits your travel plans.

After Trail da Boaventura, all athletes are invited to try the traditional wheat soup at Casa do Povo da Boaventura. The invitation is part of the running event and adds a culinary element to the sporting occasion.

Levadas, Forest and Viewpoints

Several levadas in the parish of Boaventura originate at Ribeira dos Moinhos; Levada Grande is one of them. Its irrigation system extends as far as Ponta Delgada. Levada Grande therefore offers insight into both its source at Ribeira dos Moinhos and the reach of its irrigation system.

The Boaventura Trail follows levadas, paths and valleys through the original Laurissilva Forest. The route brings forest, valley and waterways together in a single landscape.

Carapita is a basalt formation that can be visited. Several viewpoints on the hills around Boaventura offer scenic vistas. Carapita provides a named geological landmark, while the viewpoints draw attention to the surrounding landscape. Those interested in natural formations and scenery will find different perspectives here.

History and Festival Date

Construction of a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Heart began at Fajã do Penedo in 1918.

The Santa Quitéria festival in Boaventura takes place on the fourth Sunday in May. The specific festival dates may change with the programme; if you are planning your visit around it, check the dates for the year you wish to visit. The January trail and the May festival offer two seasonal events at different times of the year.

Discover more destinations: Serra De Água, Prazeres, Porto Da Cruz, Sao Goncalo, Arco Da Calheta, Paul Do Mar, Caniçal, Tabua

For the broader travel overview: Madeira.