Levadas are small irrigation canals that can be found on Madeira Island and on the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands. This term is also applied to canals, usually smaller ones that direct the water to watermills.
On Madeira Island, the use of levadas resulted from the need to bring large amounts of water from the north-facing springs where it is abundant, to the south side of the island.
The levadas began to be built in the sixteenth century and the most recent ones date back to the 1940s, supplying water to hydroelectric power plants and also used for irrigation purposes. Their total extension is approximately 3.000 km and you can stroll through them on foot; allowing you to reach the heart of the island where you will encounter breathtaking landscapes. From 0 to 1,862 meters the excitement is guaranteed!
The Madeira “Levadas" are among a number of protected areas including, most importantly, the Madeira Natural Park and the Funchal Ecological Park.
PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes / Levada do Risco is the suggested walk to start. Easy level and beautiful landscape.
Distance: 1.5 Km (+1.5Km return)
Degree of dificulty: Easy
Duration: 2 hours
Start/End: Rabaçal (ER105) / Risco
Max. Altitude/Min. Altitude: 1288m / 1000m
CODE OF CONDUCT AND SAFETY REGULATIONS
Please take in consideration the code of conduct and safety regulations that you should always follow.
Walking Code
- Avoid noise or actions against nature
- Do not take plants or animals with you
- Do not throw rubbish away (tissues do not easily decompose)
- Do not light fires
- If you are a smoker do not throw cigarettes ends on the floor, keep them for the dust-bin
- Do not change or damage the signs
For your own safety
- Before starting out make sure you have update instructions on the route
- Let someone else know where you’re going and when you expect to return
- Be sure to confirm the time it will take so that you can finish before nightfall
- Take some extra food and water with you
- Wear suitable clothes and shoes
- If possible take a mobile phone with you
- In case of heavy rain or strong winds do not go on and/or turn back using the same route
- Don’t take risks