Levada Walks
Levada (Portuguese for "led") is an irrigation channel or aqueduct on the Madeira Island.
The levadas originated out of the necessity of bringing large amounts of water from the west and northwest of the island to the drier southeast, which is more conducive to habitation and agriculture (such as sugar cane production).
In the sixteenth century the Portuguese started building levadas to carry water to the agricultural regions. The most recent were made in the 1940s. Madeira is very mountainous, and building the levadas was often difficult. Many are cut into the sides of mountains, and it was also necessary to dig 25 miles of tunnels.
Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island but provide hydro-electric power. There are over 1,350 miles of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths where the fresh water runs smoothly.
While walking them you will find majestic places, virgin landscapes as well as the beautiful laurissilva forests. Most levadas provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges and subsequently more dangerous, usually for those a guide is suggested.
The levada network is marvellous, impressive and discreet that connects with the natural surrounding environment. It contains one of the richest elements of the Madeira cultural heritage and shows how the intervention of man can be harmonious with nature not causing any damage to the eco-system.
Main Levadas:
Rabaçal > Lagoa do Vento (2 km = 1 h).
Lagoa do Vento > Risco (1 km = 30 mint).
Risco > 25 Fontes (2 km = 1 h).
Fanal (2 km = 1 h).
Estanquinhos (2 km = 1 h).
Bica da Cana (3 km = 1 h 30 mint).
Encumeada. (4 km = 2 h).
Fonte do Bispo (4 km = 2 h).
Lombo do Mouro (3 km = 1 h 30 mint).
Galiano (8 km = 4 h).
Please consult our tour guide expert at the reception for more information.
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