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Walking the levadas

Exploring Madeira

Today the walking tour was due to do an intermediate walk through higher mountainous regions (1300m). However upon arrival it was so cold and wet we had to ascend in altitude and our guide asked if we wanted to do the levada walk along the horizontal irrigation channels or walks including waterfalls. Levadas were in favour so we ascended from the higher hostile winter climate.

A heavily pregnant local guide was going to lead the way and told us that Madeira comprises of 2400km of levadas. Most of them were dug in the early part of the 20th Century so they ran from predominately the north (higher rainfall), to drier areas such as the sunny south. Levadas are fed by reservoirs and natural springs. Some levadas were constructed as early as the 15th Century.

We were offered a walking stick for the 10km walk 600m above sea level. Some of the levadas had dried up. The journey began from a little hillside village called Prazeras.

The flora was the most interesting aspect of this walk. Wild plants included walnut trees, bay leafs, chestnuts and eucalyptus as well as pinewood, apple trees and giant reeds. Plants growing alongside the levada included belladonna flowers, South African lilies, evening primrose and banana passion fruit. Other favourites include plum trees, avocado, busy lizzies and lime trees.

Up above a buzzard was circling while the cheap cheap sound of a fire crest was heard in the trees. Herbs also grow near levadas including lavender, rosemary and oregano.