A levada is one of Madeira's centuries-old irrigation channels. Narrow, man-made watercourses built starting in the 16th century, they were designed to carry water from the rain-soaked north of the island to the drier south, mainly for agriculture — and today the paths that run alongside them form one of the island's most popular hiking networks.
Origin & Meaning
The word "levada" comes from the Portuguese verb levar, "to carry" or "to take" — a fitting name for a channel built to carry water across the island. Construction began not long after Madeira was settled in the 15th century, since the island's rainfall is heavily skewed toward the mountainous north while its best farmland lies in the sunnier south. Over the following centuries, hundreds of kilometers of levadas were dug, often by hand along sheer cliff faces, some running through tunnels blasted directly into the mountain rock. Today the network totals more than 2,000 kilometers across the island, and many levadas still carry out their original agricultural job alongside their modern role as hiking trails.
Where to Experience It
The flat, well-maintained paths beside the levadas wind through Laurissilva forest, past countless ribeira valleys, and often lead to spectacular miradouros along the way, making them one of the easiest ways to see Madeira's interior on foot. Guided levada walks, including those run by Madeira Explorers, are a popular way to experience them safely, especially on routes that pass through tunnels or along narrow cliffside sections.
Related Terms
Levadas exist largely because of Madeira's ribeiras — the mountain streams whose water they were built to redirect — and many routes pass straight through the island's Laurissilva forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a levada?
A levada is a narrow irrigation channel, originally built to carry water from Madeira's rainy north to its drier, more agricultural south. The paths that run alongside them are now used for hiking.
When were Madeira's levadas built?
Construction began not long after the island was settled in the 15th century and continued for centuries, with hundreds of kilometers eventually built across Madeira.
Are levada walks difficult?
Most levada paths are relatively flat and easy to walk, though some routes include narrow cliffside sections or unlit tunnels that call for a torch and a head for heights.
Do I need a guide for levada walks?
Many popular levadas can be walked independently, but a guided tour is a good idea for routes with tunnels, narrow ledges, or less clearly marked paths.
