Levada hiking in Madeira is one of the classics of hiking tourism in the southern regions. Levadas are irrigation canals that carry water from the rainy northwest side of the island to the sunny southeast side. Thanks to rainfall and canals, the whole of Madeira is green and with great floral splendor. It is over 2000 km of levadas, from narrow 30 cm to wide 2 meter canals.
Along most, there are wider or narrower paths from the construction period and used for maintenance. These are perfect for easy walks through a wonderful landscape. In addition to the landscape, it is fascinating to follow the levadas and admire the work that has been put in over 100s of years to build these. Madeira has high mountains and the levadas are in many places carved into vertical mountain sides. So if you have a fear of heights then check carefully how the walk is first. There are many places you can go without being afraid of drops. The most popular routes have railings, but not all. Once I was on a levada, high in the mountains without railings, when I was surprised by strong gusts of wind. Pretty scary so I chose and jump into the water in the levada and wade back to safety. It was not deep, but icy cold.
Especially on the west and northwest side of the island the weather can vary greatly so you should wear a sweater and rainproof jacket. Bring a flashlight as many hikes go through tunnels. Water is not necessary to bring …
Funchal is an excellent place to stay with buses in all directions. Not any beaches, but a large outdoor saltwater bath.
The easiest way to get around is to rent a car, but it is also easy to go by bus. Buses stop in central Funchal. Take an early bus and check return times in advance. Not many a day. The advantage of the bus is that you do not have to return to the starting point. Taxi is also an option for many destinations.
Guidebook and map
I used Sunflower Landscapes, and the trips here I have made with the support of this book. Handy guide with map and bus guide.
This is just a small selection of possible walks. It can get crowded on the most popular routes so it is wise to start early. Most routes are marked with Prnn, green routes on the map. Some squares are yellow marked with letters.
All maps are taken from Locus Maps/ openandromaps. Se Fotturer på Kanariøyene og Middelhavet.
1 Levada dos Tornos, Romeiros – Camacha
Close to Funchal and if you do not like heights this is a nice walk through winding countryside. And therefore not so dramatic. You can continue from Camacha, but here it will be more drops.
2 Levada do Norte
Also near Funchal. Start above Estreito de Camara. Towards the end very exposed (this is where I jumped into the water), but many places you can finish before you get this far. The detour up to the Serra de Aqua is extremely scenic.
3 Levada Nova – Ribeira Brava
Start at Lombada da Ponta do Sol a little west of Ribeira Brava. The levada itself is a bit boring, but if you want excitement and nature experience then take the old Levada Nova just above Lombada. Exposed, but beautiful nature in the valley.
4 Along the North Coast towards Porto da Cruz Yellow route VBRC
Take the bus in the direction of Canical and get off at the Pico do Facho stop. Varied and wonderful trip overlooking the sea. Easy going, not very exposed. Bus back from Porto da Cruz..
5 Levada do Paul, Campo Grande
This is a mountainous area west of Funchal. The levada is high and free with lots of views of the lowlands and the sea. Very easy going, but can get a little boring in the long run. Easy to get to by car, but you can take bus and taxi.
6 Rabacals Levadas – Levada das 25 Fontes / Levada do Risco PR6
Also in Campo Grande, near Levada do Paul, there are many smaller levadas that go through green valleys and narrow gorges, and with many small waterfalls. Very good!
7 Levada do Furado, Ribeiro Frio – Portela PR10
One of the better walks through lush landscapes and lots of views. Exposed in some places, but railings on the most exposed. Take the bus to Ribeiro Frio just north of Funchal and back home from Portela.
8 Levada Caldeirão Verde / do Inferno) PR9
This is one of the most spectacular hikes that goes through narrow gorges where the water cascades down over the mountain sides. Start at Queimada’s north of Funchal. Not for people with a fear of heights. Former quite scary, but is now very popular and better secured.
Other hikes:
La Gomera hiking
La Palma hiking
Mallorca hiking
Madeira Levada hiking
Viñales Cuba, tourism and hiking
Hiking Peru – Inka Trail to Machu Picchu
Phong Nha National Park Vietnam
