Monday, January 1, 2024

LEVADAS, VEREDAS & PICOS

LEVADAS

Levada is the name given to an irrigation channel or aqueduct flanked by a pedestrian path, common on the island of Madeira. There are older examples in the Terras de Basto region, in Mondim de Basto, where the Levada de Piscaredo is located, which dates back to the 13th century. The region of Basto was where some of the original settlers of Madeira Island came from. They are also called levadas to channels, usually smaller, which carry water to the water mills.


History
On the island of Madeira, the introduction of the levadas was motivated by the need to transport large amounts of water from where it abounds, on the north-facing slopes, which are fed by the water-producing forest, the Laurissilva, to the south side of the island, more easy to live in and where most plantations have always been located, namely sugar cane.

The most popular Levadas, Picos (peaks) and Veredas (paths) for short stays on Madeira Island

PR 18 - Levada do Rei

PR 18 - Levada do Rei

32.816792, -16.924899

Built to transport water from Ribeiro Bonito to agricultural land in the parish of São Jorge, this levada connects the Quebradas Water Treatment Station, in S. Jorge, to the source of the levada in Ribeiro Bonito. Winding through a beautiful and verdant valley, this levada flows under the canopy of laurel, lemon, and wine trees that abound there. The name Levada do Rei is because this was one of the paths used by the court when the King traveled to the Region.


Distance : 5.1 km (+ 5.1 km return)
Duration : 3h30min / 3h
Difficulty: Medium
Max altitude: 710m
Min altitude: 530m
Home : São Jorge WWTP
End: São Jorge WWTP









































































































































































LEVADA DO MOÍNHO

LEVADA DO MOINHO

 32.689446, -17.091401

The Levada do Moinho is located in Lombada da Ponta do Sol, a town belonging to the parish of Ponta do Sol and the Municipality of Ponta do Sol.

The route starts right next to the Lombada Church.

The Levada do Moinho follows the lower slope of a valley. We can see another Levada, the Levada Nova on the upper slope. After passing a waterfall, follow it a little further, until you reach Madre da Levada. Go back about 300 meters and climb a staircase, on your left, which will take you to Levada Nova.

Despite being on the same slope of the valley, Levada Nova is very different from Levada do Moinho. The main charm of this levada is that you pass behind a waterfall and then enter a tunnel. It is a unique landscape. Continue on the Levada until the end. You will find the road that leads to the Church of Lombada.



LEVADA NOVA


 LEVADA NOVA

32.694191, -17.087598

 Levada Nova begins and ends at "Estrada Nova da Lombada", at the above geographical coordinates.
Alternatively, you can also access Levada Nova, via a staircase, on your right, at the end of Levada do Moinho (see previous video).
On the Levada Nova route, you will find a waterfall of unusual beauty.
You must take the necessary precautions because you will not find side protection on parts of the route. 




























































































































































PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Following the levada from Queimadas and walking for approximately 6 km through forest and tunnels excavated in the basalt rock, when you arrive at Caldeirão Verde, enjoy a refreshing breeze and the tinkling sound of water that falls in a trickle through the huge gorge that is Caldeirão Verde.

Distance : 6.5 km (+ 6.5 km return)

Duration: 5h30min

Difficulty: Medium

Max altitude: 980m

Min altitude: 890m

Home: Queimadas Forest Park

End: Queimadas Forest Park


LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES


https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-6-levada-das-25-fontes/


PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

This 3 km trail (+ 3 km return) will take you to discover the eastern tip of the island, with panoramic views over the north and south sides.
PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a trail of moderate difficulty, with an estimated duration of 2:30 hours, which goes along the peninsula with the same name.
Although it is an undulating path, the good conditions of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offer a pleasant hiking experience.
It is a peninsula of volcanic origin, mostly made of basalt, but with some limestone sediment formations.
At the end of it, there are two islets: Desembarcadouro Islet and Farol Islet.

The semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds explain the low vegetation and the absence of trees in this place, contrasting with the rest of the island.
It is classified as a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, home to rare plants and a diversified fauna.

Details
Distance: 3 km (6 km round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2:30 hours
Start/End: Baía d'Abra / Casa do Sardinha
Max. altitude/ Min. Altitude: 126 m / 23 m






PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo

Starting at Achada do Teixeira, this path climbs along the slope that separates the slopes of Faial from those of Santana, until reaching the top of Pico Ruivo. This entire area, due to its exceptional natural wealth, is part of the European network of sites of community importance – Natura 2000 Network. In this area, meteorological changes are sudden and this area is often immersed in a sea of ​​clouds, which despite being a beautiful spectacle , requires extra care.

Distance : 2.8 km (+ 2.8 km return)
Duration: 1h30min
Difficulty: Medium
Max altitude: 1861m
Min altitude: 1535m
Home : Achada do Teixeira
End : Achada do Teixeira



PR 11 - Vereda dos Balcões

Near the Parque Florestal do Ribeiro Frio you will easily find a sign indicating the direction of Vereda dos Balcões. Walking along the levada and enjoying the shade of the treetops you will quickly reach the panoramic Miradouro dos Balcões.

Distance : 1.5 km (+ 1.5 km return)
Duration: 1h30min
Difficulty: Easy
Max altitude: 630m
Min altitude: 630m
Start : ER103 (Ribeiro Frio)
End : ER 103 (Ribeiro Frio)



At the end of Vereda dos Balcões, you will find a viewpoint. There, birds eat birdseed from visitors' hands.
Right in front of the entrance to Vereda dos Balcões you can find the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park -Laurisilva Forest (Parque Florestal do Ribeiro Frio - Floresta  Laurissilva), several small waterfalls and a trout breeding facility, which you can visit.



PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro

Through the Central Mountain Massif, in an area that is part of the Natura 2000 Network, this trail connects the highest peaks on the island. Starting at Pico do Areeiro, this walk extends for several kilometers between climbs to the beautiful peaks that make up the central mountain range, offering unique landscapes where the warm colors of fantastic geomorphology merge with the green of the high-altitude vegetation.

Distance: 7 km or 5.6 km

Duration : 3h30min / 3h

Difficulty: Hard

Max altitude: 1861m

Min altitude: 1542m

Home: Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint

End: Pico Ruivo



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The levadas began to be built in the 16th century and the most recent date from the 1940s, promoted by the Administrative Commission of Hydraulic Uses of Madeira, supplying water to hydroelectric power stations and for irrigated agriculture.

The main springs of the levadas are found in the Natural Park of Madeira, with a series of processes taking place with the aim of promoting the candidacy of the levadas on the island of Madeira as a World Heritage Site.

Routes and Tourist Trails
Traveling through the Levadas on the island of Madeira and its trails is a cultural, scenic and impressive journey. These channels are over 3000 km long and are likely to be traversed on foot, being a much sought after way of visiting the most remote places and with the most dramatic landscapes on the island, constituting a botanical relic, since most of the routes find within the boundaries of the Madeira Natural Park.

There are several types of levadas with different levels of difficulty, most of the routes are identified. Before setting off in search of adventure, the hiker must remember that he is almost always in a mountain environment and in some cases in high mountains, which entails high risks in some places due to their remoteness and high altitude, the climate of high mountains can become unstable, so always check with the local authorities before going on an adventure, adapt the routes to your experience and level. Others are easily accessible and perfect for simple walks in the middle of nature and in the Laurissilva forest.



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 (1,350 mi) 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.





A popular levada to hike is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde which continues as the Levada Caldeirão do Inferno. Altogether it is about 37 km (23 mi) long. Along both parts there are long sections which may cause hikers to suffer vertigo; and several tunnels for which flashlights and helmets are essential. The Levada do Caniçal is a much easier walk. This levada runs 11.5 km (7+1⁄8 mi) from Maroços to the Caniçal Tunnel. It is known as the mimosa levada because acacias (commonly misnamed mimosas) are found all along the route.

Levada do Alecrim & Vereda da Lagoa do Vento (PR 6.2)

P 32.75446, -17.13344 (Levada do Alecrim)

32.760154, -17.121799 (Lagoa do Vento)

One of Madeira's favorite levadas is Levada do Alecrim combined with the Vereda da Lagoa do Vento trail (PR 6.2).

The pedestrian route starts at Miradouro do Rabaçal, similar to what happens with the Levada das 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco. The trail is well marked and is approximately 9 km long (round trip) including the detour to Lagoa do Vento (2 km round trip). If you just want to walk the Levada do Alecrim, you only have 7 km to go.

https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-62-levada-do-alecrim/









Unlike the route to Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6) & Levada do Risco (PR6.1), in which you will have to go down to Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal, to visit Levada do Alecrim and Vereda da Lagoa do Vento you will only need to walk a few meters at Miradouro do Rabaçal, turning right shortly after to enter the magnificent heather tunnels that accompany the Levada. At the end of the route, the Dona Beja Waterfall and Lagoon awaits you, a favorite in Madeira, where you can take a refreshing swim.

Just before Lagoa da Dona Beja, you will find the sign that marks the detour to Lagoa do Vento, an authentic slice of paradise in Madeira. It's only 1 km each way, but the difference in level is really steep (you'll have to overcome approximately 170 meters of difference on each side), making it considered a highly difficult section.

  Tip: when leaving the lagoon, instead of going up towards Levada do Alecrim you can head towards Casa do Rabaçal via PR 6.3 (it is sometimes closed for maintenance). This way, you can avoid the climb and you can even take the bus that we mentioned above, to return to the parking lot at Miradouro do Rabaçal.

Practical information about Levada do Alecrim and Vereda da Lagoa do Vento

Distance: 9 km

Circular: Yes

Technical Difficulty: Easy (Levada do Alecrim)/

                                  Difficult (Vereda da Lagoa do Vento)

Departure/Arrival Location: Miradouro do Rabaçal

https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-63-vereda-da-lagoa-do-vento/





 Levada do Risco (PR6.1) & Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6) 

32.755138, -17.133879 (Levada do Risco)

32.755102, -17.133879 (Levada das 25 Fontes)

Two of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira are Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco (PR6 and PR6.1 respectively).

The two routes combined are approximately 11 km long (round trip) and start from Miradouro do Rabaçal in the heart of the Paul da Serra Plateau. From Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal they always follow parallel paths through the subtropical Laurissilva forest.

1 - In addition to the idyllic beauty of the route, full of lush vegetation, at the end of Levada do Risco you will come across an impressive waterfall, which falls down the rock forming a gigantic risk.

https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-61-levada-do-risco/



2 - At the end of Levada das 25 Fontes you will come across a natural amphitheater of rare beauty. 25 lines of water sprout and flow from a huge rock that form the paradisiacal Lagoa das 25 Fontes. It's difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting to crown the walk.~

https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-6-levada-das-25-fontes/







Tip: the section that connects Miradouro do Rabaçal to Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal is approximately 2 km long, going downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back. The good news is that you can take a bus, provided by the Municipality of Calheta, and thus save a few kilometers on your legs. Getting there and back costs €5 and a single trip costs €3. We went downhill on foot (it didn't cost anything), but we took the bus at Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal uphill.

Practical information about Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco

Distance: 11 km (9 km if you take the bus uphill)

Circular: Yes

Technical Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Departure/Arrival Location: Miradouro do Rabaçal (or Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal if you choose to take the bus)

LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES & LEVADA DO RISCO PARKING & SHUTTLE

Shuttle & WC + Bar

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8)

32.742979, -16.701537






This 3 km trail (+ 3 km return) will take you to discover the eastern tip of the island, with panoramic views over the north and south sides.
PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a trail of moderate difficulty, with an estimated duration of 2:30 hours, which goes along the peninsula with the same name.
Although it is an undulating path, the good conditions of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offer a pleasant hiking experience.
It is a peninsula of volcanic origin, mostly made of basalt, but with some limestone sediment formations.
At the end of it, there are two islets: Desembarcadouro Islet and Farol Islet.

The semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds explain the low vegetation and the absence of trees in this place, contrasting with the rest of the island.
It is classified as a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, home to rare plants and a diversified fauna.

Besides one of the largest colonies of seagulls in the region, and protected seabirds such as shearwaters and Bulwer's petrels, at Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço you may, with some luck, observe marine species in their habitat, namely the monk-seal.
At the end of the walk along Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, enjoy a well-deserved swim at Cais do Sardinha.


Note: Entry - €1, except residents and children up to 12 years old (included).
Please access the SIMplifica website for more detailed information. 




Another of the best trails and levadas in Madeira is the fabulous Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, which develops on a peninsula of volcanic origin that contrasts with the rest of the island of Madeira.

At Ponta de São Lourenço, instead of the lush vegetation, the hallmark of Madeira, you will find a lunar landscape, marked by steep and undulating rocks of brownish, orange, and reddish colors, where only the undergrowth and a small oasis of palm trees remain. This particularity is due to the semi-arid climate and the enormous exposure to northern winds. Along the peninsula, you can also see two islets: Ilhéu da Cevada and Ilhéu do Farol, which, as the name suggests, is the “home” of the Ponta de São Lourenço Lighthouse. The feeling of having traveled to some other island is inevitable!

The walking route is approximately 4 km long (8 km round trip) and extends in a succession of ups and downs along the undulating cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. Here you will be able to observe countless rock formations from another planet and will be treated to superb coastal landscapes, with the Island of Porto Santo and the Desertas Islands appearing on the horizon.

Almost at the end of the route, just before the towering Ponta do Furado, you will find Cais do Sardinha, in an idyllic bay with crystal clear waters that invite you to take a refreshing swim, and Casa do Sardinha where you can rest for a while and have a drink before return. A true oasis in Ponta de São Lourenço!

Attention: Ponta de São Lourenço is very windy and has enormous sun exposure. Given this, you should avoid walking during the hottest hours and carry a good supply of water and a good windbreaker. Never give in to the temptation of getting closer to the cliffs. Gusts of wind are very strong and unpredictable. Any carelessness can end in tragedy.











 Vereda dos Balcões (Levada)

32.735729, -16.886321



Vereda dos Balcões is a short 1.5 km long trail (+ 1.5 km return), that takes you to enjoy the views from the Balcões Viewpoint.

Beginning at regional road ER 103, in Ribeiro Frio, this trail is easy and takes about 1:30 hours alongside Levada da Serra do Faial.

The Vereda dos Balcões trail will be an opportunity to come across indigenous and endemic species, offering different shades of green to the Laurissilva forest.

While hiking, pay attention to the tree species of the Lauraceae family and the exotic species distributed along the edges of the trail.

At the end of Vereda dos Balcões, you will arrive at the Balcões viewpoint, where you can take a glimpse at the magnificent scenery.

You will find valleys covered by the dense green area that characterizes the Laurissilva.

From here you can also see the Hydroelectric Power Plant of Fajã da Nogueira and, on clear days, the central mountain range of the island, with Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo standing out.

On the way back from Vereda dos Balcões, on the same trail, you can visit the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, where you will find the Aquaculture Centre, which includes a rainbow trout nursery.

Details
Distance: 1.5 km (3 km round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1:30 hours
Start/End: E.R. 103 (Ribeiro Frio) / Balcões
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 880 m / 870 m













PICO RUIVO



Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

32.735610, -16.928894




For more advanced trail runners, the Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo trail is one of the most challenging that the island of Madeira has to offer.
Connecting two iconic points of the archipelago, this trail makes up for its demanding nature with the unforgettable landscapes it offers. 

Considered to be highly difficult, the Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo trail running route is 12.2 km long.
It can be completed in about three and a half hours (round trip), as it starts and ends at Pico do Areeiro, the third highest point of the archipelago of Madeira, with an altitude of 1818 meters. 

The Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruivo trail crosses the island's Central Mountain Massif, with surprising landscapes.
Sometimes, the surrounding mountains are above the clouds, forming a movie-like backdrop. 

Along the way, athletes have to overcome many steps, which make the experience both more challenging and more enchanting, given the picturesque outline they convey to the landscape.
After passing through some tunnels, athletes are then rewarded with the remarkable arrival at Pico Ruivo, the highest point in Madeira and the third highest in Portugal, with an altitude of 1862 meters.

Details
Distance: 12.2 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Start/End: Pico do Areeiro / Pico do Areeiro
Level difference +: 1000 m
Level difference -: 1000 m

















PICO GRANDE




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