Levada Walks | Madeira

Levada Walks are one of the most iconic and popular activities for visitors to Madeira. These unique hiking trails follow levadas—the island's historic irrigation channels—and provide an exceptional way to explore Madeira's diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rugged mountains and dramatic coastlines. The levadas were originally constructed to carry water from the wet, northern regions of the island to the drier, southern parts, and over time, these pathways have been developed into scenic hiking trails.

1. What Are Levadas?

• Irrigation Channels: A levada is a traditional, man-made irrigation channel that was created to transport water from the island's mountains to the farmland below. The system was built over several centuries, with the oldest dating back to the 16th century.
• Construction: The levadas are typically narrow channels that run along the mountainsides, sometimes carved into the rock, running through tunnels, over bridges, and along cliffs. They were designed to carry water efficiently, utilizing gravity, to irrigate the fertile fields in the south of the island.
• Hiking Paths: Over time, these levadas became the foundation for some of Madeira’s most scenic and adventurous hiking trails. The paths next to the levadas offer hikers the chance to explore Madeira's rich natural beauty and unique flora and fauna, as the levadas are often found in the island’s lush Laurisilva forests (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

2. Popular Levada Walks

Madeira is known for its vast network of levadas, offering trails of varying difficulty and length. Some of the most popular levada walks include:

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 13 km (round trip)
• Description: One of the most famous levada walks on Madeira, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde takes you through dense forests and along dramatic cliffs. It offers spectacular views of the mountains and valleys, as well as several waterfalls. The trail ends at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a beautiful cascade surrounded by lush greenery.

Levada dos 25 Fontes

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10 km (round trip)
• Description: This is one of the island’s most popular levada walks, leading to a series of stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. The name “25 Fontes” (25 Springs) refers to the multiple springs that cascade into the valley. The walk passes through lush forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Levada do Rei

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Length: 10 km (round trip)
• Description: The Levada do Rei trail takes you through the dense, green Laurisilva forest, leading to stunning viewpoints. The walk is relatively easy, with a gentle slope, and is perfect for those looking to enjoy the island’s natural beauty in a tranquil setting. Along the way, you may encounter various species of native plants and birds.

Levada da Rocha Vermelha

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Length: 8 km (round trip)
• Description: This levada is more challenging due to its steeper sections and exposed areas, but it rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and dramatic cliffside views. It’s a great hike for those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Levada do Torgal

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Length: 5 km (one way)
• Description: A less crowded option that offers an excellent introduction to Madeira's levada hiking trails. This path follows a historic levada through lush forests and offers scenic views along the way. It’s a great choice for a half-day walk.

Levada da Janela

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10 km (round trip)
• Description: This levada trail is surrounded by thick forest and runs through a valley with views of waterfalls, cliffs, and the sea. It’s a peaceful walk that offers an immersive experience in nature.

Levada do Norte

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 18 km (one way)
• Description: One of the longest and more challenging levada trails, Levada do Norte connects the western part of Madeira with Funchal. The trail passes through agricultural terraces, forests, and scenic viewpoints, offering a glimpse into the island’s rural life and stunning landscapes.

3. Best Time to Go

• Year-Round Hiking: The climate in Madeira is mild year-round, making levada walks an option at any time of year. However, the best time to visit is typically in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are not as crowded.
• Avoiding Winter Rains: Although Madeira enjoys mild weather, the winter months can bring heavy rains, which may make some trails slippery or even inaccessible. It’s advisable to check weather conditions before embarking on a levada walk.
• Early Morning or Late Afternoon: To avoid the heat of midday and the crowds, it’s recommended to start levada walks in the morning or late afternoon, especially during the summer months.

4. What to Expect During Levada Walks

• Scenic Views: The levada trails offer some of the most scenic views in Madeira. Hikers are treated to dramatic landscapes, including mountain vistas, waterfalls, and lush forests.
• Narrow Paths: The paths next to the levadas can be narrow and sometimes rocky. Some sections may have cliffside drop-offs, tunnels, and bridges that add to the adventure. Careful footing is needed, especially in wetter conditions.
• Flora and Fauna: The levadas pass through some of Madeira’s most biodiverse areas. Hikers may see a wide range of plant species, including endemic laurel trees, ferns, and wildflowers. Birdwatchers may also spot native species such as the Madeiran chaffinch and trocaz pigeon.
• Waterfalls and Springs: Many levada trails lead to stunning waterfalls or springs, some of which are hidden deep within the forests. These natural features provide great spots for a rest and photo opportunities.

5. Preparation and Safety

• Footwear: Good hiking shoes are essential as some trails can be slippery, rocky, or uneven. Sturdy boots with grip are recommended for the more challenging routes.
• Clothing: Weather conditions can change quickly in Madeira, especially in the mountains. It’s important to wear layers and bring waterproof gear, as rain showers are common.
• Water and Snacks: Carry enough water and light snacks, especially on longer trails. While there are plenty of natural sources of water along the levadas, it’s best to be self-sufficient.
• Guided Tours: While many levadas are well-marked and can be walked independently, it’s a good idea to consider a guided tour if you're unfamiliar with the terrain or want to learn more about the island’s unique ecosystem.

6. Conclusion

The Levada Walks in Madeira are an incredible way to explore the island’s natural beauty and geological history. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll through the forests or a more challenging hike along mountain cliffs, Madeira offers a variety of levada trails that cater to all levels of hikers. These walks not only allow you to discover the lush landscapes of Madeira but also provide a unique way to connect with the island's agricultural heritage and geological past.