The “Circular Route Ponta do Pargo” leads from the Boa Morte Chapel across meadows and pastures down into the Ribeira da Vaca valley and runs partly along the Levada Nova. The circular route from the Nossa Senhora de Boa Morte Chapel crosses the ER101 and then reaches the Levada Nova da Calheta. After about 2.3 kilometres, it leads to a cluster of holiday accommodation near Ribeira da Vaca. Pastureland, a descent into the valley and a section along a Levada are therefore part of this circular route; crossing the ER101 is another specific part of the route. Check the conditions on each route before hiking.
Different Starting Points and Route Types
A different starting point defines the route “Madeira – Ponta do Pargo – Corujeira – Levada Nova – Ribeira da Vaca – Pedregal – Corujeira,” published in October 2022. It begins at the Levada Nova car park, descends to Ribeira da Vaca and then heads back towards Ponta do Pargo. Here, the car park marks the start, while Ribeira da Vaca lies along the descent. This distinguishes the route from the chapel circuit: one hike starts at the Levada Nova car park, while the other starts at the chapel and leads to the Levada.
The Levada da Ponta do Pargo is classified as an easy, 8.1-kilometre point-to-point hiking trail from Ponta do Pargo to Lombada Velha. Its specific length, difficulty rating and two different endpoints are established. The rating applies to this trail; the other routes have their own courses and starting points. If you are choosing between a circuit and a route with a fixed destination, these details are useful distinguishing features.
The route types address different planning questions: the chapel route is a circuit, the Levada da Ponta do Pargo ends in Lombada Velha, and the route published in October 2022 descends from the Levada Nova car park and heads back towards Ponta do Pargo. This lets you compare returning to the starting area, having a fixed destination and starting at a car park as different options. When looking for a holiday apartment in Ribeira Da Vaca, you can first consider which type of route you want to shape your stay around.
Historical and Landscape Connections
A historic manor house is also among the local points of interest: it is located in the Ribeira da Vaca area of Ponta do Pargo, Calheta, and is classified as being of local value. A regional list published in 2025 classifies Ribeira da Vaca in Calheta as a canyon. These two classifications complement the specific hiking routes with historical and landscape aspects of the area.
You can then focus your search for holiday apartments on Ribeira Da Vaca. This way, your stay planning starts with the routes that genuinely interest you.
For the broader travel overview: Madeira.
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