Madeira Explorers
Welcome to our beautiful levada and leisure walks
"Levada" is a Portuguese word derived from the word "levar" - which means to carry and is roughly translated as "carriageway", but more correctly defined as mini-canal. The mini-canals are irrigation systems developed to distribute water from the rainfall heavy and wet regions on the north of the island to the drier sun parched regions of the south. The water is usually stored in reservoirs or tanks, or captured directly from natural fountains to be redirected and channeled across a wide network of winding canals. These narrow water carriageways deliver precious water along far distances to banana plantations, vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, as well as to hydro-electric power stations dotted around the island. The levadas cover a total distance of 2500 km, and date back to as far as the early 16th century.
The Levada "Walks" are walking trails along the maintenance paths beside the Levadas. Although the Levadas were constructed primarily for agricultural/industrial use they are just as important for tourists and local people alike who want to enjoy outdoor adventure activities inaccessible by by cars.
Just some of our choice of walks
Referta / Castelejo
This is an easy and charming walk, along the paths made by man on this area many years ago. You will be able to admire some of the villages on the North Coast. On this walk make sure you take the time to notice how hard it is for local farmers to get around their crops and lands - wondering how do they do it? - Just pay attention and look around.
Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes
The valley of Rabaçal is one of natures greatest exhultations. Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse from where we walk to the Risco waterfall. We then descend to the Levada of 25 Fontes and walk along the maintenance path. After a while we reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers above us, from the cliff face. 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking back to our vehicles we go through a tunnel which takes the water to the south of the island.
Ribeiro Frio / Lamaceiros / Portela
This is perhaps the most well known levada in Madeira. As we walk along this footpath you will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada alongside the path dash for cover as they perceive our approach. As we near Lamaceiros the views of Porto da Cruz and Eagle Rock far below are out of this world. A walk that must not be missed.
Pico do Ariero / Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira
This is it! This is the walk that will give you a complete perspective of the beauty of the island. Rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. All along this route the views are breathtaking. A profusion of unique plants make this place their habitat. In springtime these plants proudly dress themselves in amyriad of colours, displaying their fragile flowers for all to see. Near Pico Ruivo we walk through the oldest heather forest in existence. These ancient trees are many hundreds of years old and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. We soon arrive at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and the views from here are out of this world. Truly and as the saying goes "on a clear day you can see forever".
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Madeira Explorers
C.C. Monumental Lido, Shop 5, 3rd Floor, Estrada Monumental, Funchal
Contact: Alvaro Freitas
Telephone: ++351 291 763701
Fax: ++351 291 761464
Mobile: ++351 969528022
Website www.madeira-explorers.com
E-mail info@madeira-explorers.com
Per Walk €35,--
Children (5/12) €20,--
Picnic €5,-- (Vegetarian on request)
We also have our own walking
equipment shop with the
latest clothing and hiking boots.
The Lakes of Madeira
This is a walk unlike any other. Many of our guests tell us it is the walk they have enjoyed the most. Deep in the valley of western plateau, you will marvel at the lakes and rock pools, that over millions of years have been carved out by the waters as they rush towards the sea, forming magnificent waterfalls and cascades. In summertime fring your costume and enjoy a cool crisp swim in these crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters. You will experience a diversity of walking terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountains tracks, as we make our way up the valley. From forest trekking, along unmarked routes, to scrambling up to the oldest levada in the west of the island. An unforgettable experience.