"Let the water flow..." Levadas by salinhopt

Levadas Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 16 photos

In addition to the natural beauties of Madeira, the region offers a man-made wonder in the shape of the traditional irrigation system of Levadas. These are ideal for the walker.

The Levadas represent living testimony to our ancestors’ efforts to bring fertility to the steep mountainsides and valleys by diverting the abundant sources of water that would otherwise cascade uselessly from the mountaintops. These Levadas represent the arteries in a vast circulation system that permitted the otherwise arid soil to be actively cultivated and people to settle up in the island’s highest regions.

Miles and miles...

Normally cut trench wise into the ground, the Levadas have also been cut directly into living rock, and built over rocky clefts or sheer precipices hundreds of metres deep. Others delve under mountains by means of tunnels hundreds of metres long. They cover the island from north to south with an extension of 100 km (62 miles).
Tracing the route of these Levadas on foot allows walkers to enjoy the very best island views, to recharge their batteries through contact with nature, and at the same time to contemplate the links between Man and Nature, and his efforts to tame its forces.

Last visit to Levadas: Feb 2004
Intro Updated Feb 20, 2004
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Reviews (14)

Laural Plants Favorites (5)

In the north of the island,many of the original dense laurel woods can still be seen, although interspersed here and... more travel advice

Many flowers Favorites (5)

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Pride of Madeira Favorites (5)

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Laurissilva forest Favorites (5)

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Things to Do (8)
See All Encumeada / Folhadal

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Take care

Comments (9)

dabidc May 1, 2005 at 6:41 PM Report Abuse

What a challenging way to see the island sights and without much elevation gain. Excellent photos and info, more wonders of the Vt world uncovered for the travellers.
mtncorg May 10, 2004 at 8:01 AM Report Abuse

Simply a whole lot more reasons to include Madeira on the 'to see' vacation list. Great tips and photos!
sachara Apr 9, 2004 at 9:34 PM Report Abuse

Great page about the levadas !!! Walking along the levadas is one of the many things I love in Madeira.
Imbi Mar 3, 2004 at 12:07 AM Report Abuse

Irrigation system of Levadas seems very unique. Levadas is full of natural beauty, one place not be missed.
micas_pt Feb 27, 2004 at 3:18 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic page about the Madeira's Levadas!
b1bob Feb 22, 2004 at 3:28 PM Report Abuse

So THAT'S where the intro photo was taken! Nice job, my friend.
pepples46 Feb 21, 2004 at 6:18 PM Report Abuse

excellent.....love that pic ^..^ Nature at its best, reminds me a bit of the West Coast here in NZ thanx for sharing, I enjoyed that Goncalo
globetrott Feb 20, 2004 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

What a great scenery and wonderful pics, Gonzalo ! One day I will walk along these small waterways !
sandysmith Feb 20, 2004 at 3:20 PM Report Abuse

is there really a place called Levada here? Loved those water trails :-)