When visiting Madeira Island, you will be able to discover all the Madeiran traditions and customs, which will make your stay unforgettable. The levadas da madeira are one of the great attractions of the region that, attracts several visitors to the archipelago of Madeira, throughout the year, although at this moment the routes are conditioned, due to the coronavirus and some, temporarily closed.
With the unmistakable nature that characterizes Madeira Island, you will be able to appreciate and enjoy memorable moments that are provided by the well-known levadas of the region. These take you to visit a course with several magnificent landscapes, waterfalls that transform into beautiful lagoons, species that reside on the island and, various other things, characteristics of these paths. Below will be mentioned some hikes that you can do in the region, which you should do with the presence of a guide, whether it is an easy, medium or difficult course.
Discover the well-known walks when visiting Madeira Island
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is very well-known among residents and visitors who, during their stay on Madeira Island, took this pedestrian route. This levada has a medium level of difficulty, with a duration of approximately five and a half hours, which starts at the Parque Florestal das Queimadas and ends at Caldeirão do Inferno.
Along this route, you will appreciate a beautiful and vertiginous landscape of the interior of the island and you will find the Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas, which presents original characteristics of the typical houses of Santana, such as the telhados de colmo, bringing you closer to the culture of the region. In addition, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful tree species and indigenous bird species during your journey.
During your route, after passing some tunnels, you will find the Caldeirão Verde, in which you will observe a lake, formed by the water projected from the bed of the Ribeiro do Caldeirão Verde, with a height of approximately one hundred meters. This is one of the best moments that you will enjoy in this levada.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most popular hikes in the region. The route lasts approximately two and a half hours and has a medium difficulty level, starting at Baía d ‘Abra and ending at Casa do Sardinha. Along this route, you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes of the eastern tip of the island, walking along a path with good conditions and respecting your safety.
Ponta de São Lourenço is a peninsula of volcanic origin, largely basaltic, which also contains formations of limestone sediments. This is classified, as a partial nature reserve and the island of the landing of integral nature reserve, and this path presents four kilometers of a winding path.
This route provides you with a unique experience, in which you will be able to observe several species of endemic plants, many of which are exclusive to Madeira Island. You will also find, with regard to fauna, one of the largest colonies of seagulls in the region, on the islet of Desembarcadouro and other attractions of the islet.
Vereda do Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo
The journey from Vereda Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo lasts three and a half hours and connects the two highest points of Madeira Island. On this walk you will find tunnels, steep slopes and several magnificent landscapes, which will make the whole route worthwhile. In addition, this levada is classified as having a medium level of difficulty, being an accessible route that must be carried out in the presence of a guide.
This is a special route, since it connects three of the highest peaks on the island, Pico Ruivo, Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro, and is a seven-kilometer route that starts at the Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint and ends at Pico Ruivo. In this path you can identify some magnificent species, including the nesting of the endemic species Freira da Madeira, a sea bird, which is considered to be the most threatened in Europe.
You should go on this hike while visiting madeira Island, as this will provide you with unique moments, along the entire route and on arrival at the highest peaks in the region.
Levada do Alecrim
The Levada do Alecrim is a route with an easy level of difficulty and, therefore, accessible to anyone, as long as it is done in the presence of a guide, who can guide and keep you safe. This hike lasts about two and a half hours and has a distance of three and a half kilometers, starting from Rabaçal and ending at Lagoa “Dona Beja”.
This levada arose with the intention of transporting the waters of the Lajeado and Alecrim streams to supply the Calheta Hydroelectric Power Station and, therefore, you will observe the springs along the route. Given this, you will find some endemic plants, such as the mountain orchid and Leituga, being able to appreciate the beautiful and fragrant nature of the region.
Upon reaching the source of Levada do Alecrim, you will be able to identify a magnificent landscape that includes a small lagoon, the “Dona Beja” lagoon, and enjoy the clear water of the lagoon, as well as its freshness.
Levada do Rei
The Levada do Rei is 5.3 kilometers long and has a medium level of difficulty. By taking this route with a duration of three and a half hours, you will be able to appreciate and enjoy unique moments, along with the characteristic nature of this region.
In this levada you will cross an exotic forest area, with the presence of indigenous vegetation and, you will be able to observe beautiful rural and panoramic landscapes of the region of São Jorge and Santana. In addition, along the levada you will cross a natural forest, rich in natural biodiversity. Several species are present in this route, as well as a beautiful levada, the island’s natural heritage. Consistent biodiversity is due to the abundance of clear water, which also allows for a variety of animal species, which is frequent.
This route is magnificent and will make your stay unforgettable. Although it is temporarily closed, when you are visiting madeira Island, in the future, you cannot miss this opportunity to get to know a little more about the nature of the region.
Come and discover the natural wonders of Madeira Island
Come and discover the natural wonders of Madeira Island
The Madeira Walks are very important activities in the region, since they reveal the characteristics of this magnificent nature that encompasses the archipelago of Madeira. Although, some taken are closed temporarily when you are visiting madeira Island, in your next visit to the region, be sure to appreciate and enjoy the best of the island.
Do you want freedom of movement in Madeira Island?
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