Ribeira Da Vaca: Hiking Between Valley and Levada

Ribeira Da Vaca combines hiking trails with a connection to the valley and the Levada. The local landscape also includes an area classified as a canyon and the historic manor house Solar da Ribeira da Vaca. If you are looking for a hotel, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: hiking, scenery, or history.

Hiking and Route Details

The “Circular Route Ponta do Pargo” leads from the Boa Morte Chapel across meadows and pastures down into the Ribeira Da Vaca valley. In places, it follows the Levada Nova. The descent into the valley and the transition between pastures and the Levada are central to this circular route. If you choose a hike based on its landscape, these sections provide specific points of reference. The Levada da Ponta do Pargo is an easy, 8.1-kilometer point-to-point hiking trail from Ponta do Pargo to Lombada Velha.

The circular route from Nossa Senhora de Boa Morte Chapel to Levada Nova da Calheta crosses the ER101 and then reaches the Levada Nova. After about 2.3 kilometers, scattered buildings with holiday accommodation near Ribeira Da Vaca are nearby. This approximate distance refers to this section, not to the total length of the hike. The chapel, road crossing, and Levada help you understand the route. Check trail conditions before hiking, as they can change.

A route description published in October 2022 starts at the Levada Nova car park, descends to Ribeira Da Vaca, and returns in the direction of Ponta do Pargo. Its starting point therefore differs from that of the chapel route; the stated return direction is another useful detail for planning. Compare the route descriptions based on whether you prefer the circular route or starting at the car park.

Landscape and Local History

In Calheta, Ribeira Da Vaca is classified as a canyon in a regional canyoning list published in 2025. This designation adds another aspect of the landscape to the hiking trails. Caminho Ribeira da Vaca runs from Caminho Velho to a forested area and is classified as a municipal road. If you plan to use this Caminho, check trail conditions and any access restrictions locally.

The historic manor house “Solar da Ribeira da Vaca” is located in the Ribeira Da Vaca area of Ponta do Pargo, Calheta. It is classified as an asset of local value. The Solar adds a historical connection to the area’s hiking appeal. If you would like to consider both trails and scenery as well as history when planning your trip, it offers another specific point of interest. This can help you decide which of these themes will shape your stay most.

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