Boaventura lies in a green, mountainous setting, with numerous watercourses running through its valleys. Its defining features include levadas, the Boaventura Trail through the Laurissilva Forest, several viewpoints and historic buildings. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the different locations and routes: the PR 2 connects Madeira’s coasts, the trail-running loop starts and finishes in the town centre, and the Vereda da Entrosa was an old path between two parishes. The landscape, running event and local history thus offer three different perspectives on Boaventura.

Routes with Different Starting Points

The PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal connects the south and north coasts of Madeira and runs as far as Lombo do Urzal in the parish of Boaventura. The coastal connection and the endpoint give you two different reference points within the same route description. The Boaventura trail-running loop is located elsewhere: it starts and finishes in the centre of Boaventura. The Vereda da Entrosa is an old path that connected the parishes of São Jorge and Boaventura. Together, these routes link the island’s coasts, the town centre and a historic connection between parishes—three distinct geographical reference points to consider when planning your routes.

Trail, Route Options and a January Date

The Boaventura Trail follows levadas, paths and valleys through the unspoilt Laurissilva Forest. Trail runners may also be interested in the Trail da Boaventura, held every year in January, with a 25-kilometre long run and a 10-kilometre short run. The event therefore offers two clearly distinct route distances. If you are planning to attend in a particular travel year, check the dates and course format for that edition. After the trail, all athletes are invited to try the traditional wheat soup of Casa do Povo da Boaventura.

Levadas, Basalt and Viewpoints

Several of the parish’s levadas begin at Ribeira dos Moinhos, including Levada Grande, whose irrigation network extends as far as Ponta Delgada. Ribeira dos Moinhos and Ponta Delgada therefore refer to different points in the irrigation network: its source and its reach. The Carapita basalt formation can also be visited in Boaventura. Several viewpoints offering scenic vistas are located on the hills around the town. For nature lovers, waterways, a specific basalt formation and scenic views are distinct aspects of the surrounding area.

Historic Paths and Building History

The area’s building history complements its natural and walking trails with religious heritage. Construction of a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Heart began at Fajã do Penedo in 1918. A hermitage erected in 1733 in honour of Santa Quitéria later became the origin of the church in Boaventura. The years refer to two different historical details: 1918 to the start of construction of the chapel, and 1733 to the construction of the hermitage.

Discover more destinations: Serra De Água, Arco De São Jorge, Ponta Delgada, Porto Da Cruz, Caniçal, Sao Jorge, Quinta Grande, Funchal

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