Levadas in Madeira

Levadas are irrigation channels to funnel and transport water in Madeira. They are usually no more than a meter wide and 50-60 cm deep. There are around 200 levadas in Madeira, the majority of them state-owned.

Levadas in Madeira

The channels bring water mainly from the wetter west and northwest to the more populated but drier southwest of the island. The idea is believed to stem from the Moorish occupation of Iberia.

There is now a network of more than 3,100 km of levadas on Madeira. As well as irrigation for crops they also provide hydroelectric power. They sometimes pass through tunnels cut through the mountains.

In days gone by the channels were also used for washing laundry

History & Hikes

Building began in the 15th century and continued until the 1940s. At first, they were built in wood and later stone, though many are just dug from the soil. Convicts slaves from Africa and the Canary Islands were often pressed into their construction. They were first constructed to provide drinking water and also fuel the short-lived sugar boom on the island in the late 15th century and early 16th century. The system of using slaves for sugar production in Madeira later became the blueprint for sugar plantations in both the Caribbean and Brazil.

Paths often run alongside them and provide a system of pleasant walking trails in the countryside.

Levada channel on Madeira

The 37-km long Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) which becomes the Levada Caldeirão do Inferno, the 5 km Levada do Rei and the 7 km-long Levada do Caniçal are popular hikes. The Levada do Alecrim has great views of the Paul da Serra plateau at around 1,200 meters. The Levada do Furado is a popular walk and descends to the village of Portelo. There are views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed laurel forest (laurissilva) on this hike. The Levada do Risco is a path to the Risco waterfall and another walk from Rabaçal on the Levada das 25 Fontes leads to 25 Fontes ("25 Springs") a serene pool fed by several falls.

The walks often pass close to some of Madeira's spectacular waterfalls including the Cascata dos Anjos.

Walking the dog on a levada in Madeira

New Fee System

With the rise in tourism on the island dubbed the "Hawaii of Europe" - especially from cruise ships - new fees are now levied on non-residents wanting to walk the popular trails on Madeira. Fears of ecological damage and overtourism driven by the rise in the number of tourists - over 700,000 cruise ship passengers visited Madeira in 2025 - have seen the introduction of fees to walk the island's trails. It will now cost around $5.30 USD to walk standard trails and $125.50 USD to tramp the famous PR 1 trail between some of the highest peaks on Madeira including the Cabo Girão viewpoint. Children under 12 walk free but everyone must register on the SIMplifica app (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt).