Levada Walks

Dating back to 16th century, the levadas are the network of irrigation channels that cover in total of 2500 km of the island. These watercourses were designed to supply water from the wet parts of the island to the drier parts. Apart from this agricultural use of the levadas, they also serve as the best way to explore the Madeira Island. Alongside these watercourses, there are trails. These trails can be walked in hours or days, depending on the visitor's interest,and offer exhilarating views over the island. One of the best levada is the Levada de 25 Fontes. Also known as Levada do Risco, this levada allows the visitors to see more than 25 natural springs and 25 Lagoon (Lagoa das 25 Fontes). The other important Levada walks include Prazares to Paúl do Mar, Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

Levada de 25 fontes and Levada do Risco

Both trails begin on ER 110 and goes down to Rabaçal. Turning to Rabaçal on the north side of ER 110, the visitors are recommended to leave their cars in the car park along the main road. From this point, it is about 2 km going downhill until you reach Rabaçal, government rest house. On the right of the rest house, follow the signpost of Levada do Risco and it will take you to the trail. After about five minutes' walking, you will see Levada das 25 Fontes signpost. At this point, ignore this signpost and continue walking. About 10 minutes later, you will reach to the Risco waterfall, pouring down from the rocky heights.

If you would like to extend your way, return the way you came as the lower end of Levada do Risco is the Levada das 25 Fontes. Built in 1835, Levada de 25 fontes created by the springs which come down from the Mountain Marsh (Paul da Serra). Here you can see more than 25 springs and enjoy stunning views.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Linking two of the highest peaks of Madeira, this trail offers spectacular views, wonderful array of colors and shapes. Visitors should bear in mind that the views are the best in the morning.

This is an ideal trail for the lovers of flora and fauna. Endemic species such as Madeira Violet (Viola paradoxa), Madeira Grey Heather (Erica madeirensis), Klippen-Knabenkraut (Orchis scopulorum) and the Antilídea (Anthyllis lemanniana) and species restricted to the Macaronesia such as the Canary (Serinus canaria canaria), the Berthelots Pipit (Anthus Berthelotii Madeirense) and the Pallid Swift (Apus Unicolor) can be observed here.

Prazares to Paúl do Mar

This seventy-minutes walk down the cliffs to the coastal village of Paúl do Mar begins the Hotel Jardim Atlantico. Following clearly indicated sign posts, the path will dramatically descend and you will see a waterfall behind you. You will walk in utter silence but only hear the sound of birds and cicadas. A diversion to the left will take you the small fishing village, Paúl do Mar, with its fascinating view. In order to climb back all the way, it is highly recommended to arrange a taxi or someone to pick you up from there on in Paúl do Mar.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The trail begins at Casa das Queimadas and takes you through beautiful yet extremely steep terrain. The trail offers spectacular views of the mountainous landscape and densely wooded moutains of the interior Madeira and a wonderful opportunity to walk through tunnels carved by hand out of the rock. Due to rainfalls, waterproofs, a sweater and good footwear are essential.