Madeira : Walking on Water: A Scenic Adventure Along Levada Paths
LEVADAS (Madeira)
A levada is an irrigation channel or aqueduct specific to Madeira.
** History **
In Madeira, 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.
In the sixteenth century the Portuguese started building levadas; yet 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 kilometres of tunnels.
** Levadas today **
Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island, they also provide hydroelectric power. There are more than 2,170 kilometres of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths. Some provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges where a slip could result in serious injury or death.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levada_...)]
** LEVADA DO REI **
Levada do Rei, 5.3 km (+ 5.3 km return) long, takes you to discover the exuberant nature of the island, until you reach a singular place considered a natural sanctuary.
The walk takes about 3:30 hours and is considered of moderate difficulty.
The starting point of Levada do Rei is located in São Jorge. First you will cross an exotic forest area where it is possible to observe the typical agricultural landscapes of São Jorge and Santana.
Along the way, you will also be able to contemplate the tunnels formed by the diverse vegetation in this area.
The green landscape that embellishes Levada do Rei is made possible by the great abundance of water here.
However, the most special moment of the walk is saved for the arrival at Ribeiro Bonito, an isolated natural sanctuary covered by the dense vegetation characteristic of the Laurissilva forest.
[https://www.visitmadeira.com/en/what-...]
** LEVADA DO ALECRIM **
Starting at Rabaçal, this trail follows the Levada do Alecrim, at an altitude of 1300 metres, until it reaches its spring at Ribeira do Lajeado.
It is 3.5 km (one way) full of cinematographic sceneries in close proximity to Nature.
With an estimated duration of 2:30 hours, and considered an easy trail, PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim offers wide views over the Rabaçal valley and Ribeira da Janela.
The characteristic density of the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows its imposing shades of green.
The biggest surprise is reserved for when you arrive at the spring of Levada do Alecrim, a 'levada' built to supply the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Calheta, where you can refresh yourself at the 'Dona Beja' lake, which feeds the Lagoa do Vento waterfall.
The return from Levada do Alecrim is completed via the same trail.
[https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-d...]
** LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES **
Beginning in Rabaçal, the Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most popular hiking trails among tourists and locals.
About 4.3 km long and with an estimated duration of 3 hours, this is the right trail for anyone who wants to be surprised by the exuberance of Nature.
This trail of moderate difficulty will take you to different places of interest and sceneries.
Characterised by superb natural surroundings, Levada das 25 Fontes gives you the chance to discover Lagoa das 25 Fontes, created by the waters that come down from Paul da Serra and which emerge here thanks to 25 water springs.
However, before reaching this place you may be surprised by some of the landscapes that you will find along Levada das 25 Fontes.
When you reach the final destination, take in the beauty of the lagoon and regain your strength for the return trip, along the same path.
[https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-d...]
** LEVADA DO MOINHO **
This 10,5 km trail, which takes about 3:30 hours, begins near Ribeira da Cruz.
Levada do Moinho (also called Levada Grande) owes its name to the fact that along its trail there were several water mills supplied by it.
It is still possible to find the ruins of some of them, like the Achadas mill, the Cancelas mill and the Levada Grande mill.
As their construction was financed by some local people, the right to use the water, a precious resource in Madeira, was exclusive to those people.
This trail of moderate difficulty is completed, almost to the end, in direct contact with the green area of Laurissilva.
Ending at Tornadouro, in Junqueira, the surroundings of Levada do Moinho are often punctuated by the branches of the 'levada' that carry water to irrigation tanks.
[https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-d...]