La Levada do Norte and Folhadal forest

Madeira Island is filled with irrigation canals, the Levadas. This short hike takes you along the Levada do Norte, one of the most significant of the island, located in an elevated part of the island. You'll find stunning viewpoints along the way and go through a beautiful forest with various species.
N.B. The altitude displayed is most probably over estimated as the trail is relatively flat along the Levada following the contour line.

Technical sheet

n°4098415
A Câmara de Lobos walk posted on 05/05/15 by Tamtraductions. Last update : 03/04/24
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.32 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 364 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 355 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,065 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 962 m
Open in the mobile app GPX track PDF print

Description

Start: Start from Bocca da Encumeada, accessed by a road that crosses the island through its breadth between Sao Vicente to the north and Ribeira Brava to the south.

The entire hike goes along the Levada do Norte, leaving no room for itinerary mistakes.

(S) Follow the road leading to Ribeira over a few metres then climb the stairs to the right reaching the Levada (sign indicating "Folhadal"). Follow the Levada heading west then steer due south-west. After approximately 1 km you'll reach the entrance to a tunnel on the right-hand side.

(1)Go through the tunnel, over roughly 500 m and get to the other side.

(2) Out of the tunnel, shrub vegetation surrounds the area and the path along the Levada is narrower. Keep going along the Levada until you get to another tunnel.

(3) Follow the same trail for the way back. (E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 992 m
  2. 1 : km 1.15 - alt. 992 m - First tunnel - Entrance/Exit east
  3. 2 : km 1.69 - alt. 1,048 m - First tunnel - Entrance/Exit west
  4. 3 : km 2.66 - alt. 1,065 m - Second tunnel
  5. S/E : km 5.32 - alt. 992 m

Useful Information

Start: Start from Bocca da Encumeada, accessed by a road that crosses the island through its breadth between Sao Vicente to the north and Ribeira Brava to the south.

Gears: Good sports shoes are sufficient for this hike. A headlamp or a flashlight is a must to go through the tunnel. Bring a water supply.

⚠️Although the route seems straightforward, a map is always useful.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

During the walk or to do/see around

During the first part of the trail, between (D) and (1), the area is surrounded by flowers (depending on season) and to the left there are beatiful views of Pico Grande and the south coast of the island.

After the first tunnel, between (2) and (3), you'll find yourself in a rich and diverse shrubby area, and more of a primitive vibe.

Other walks in the area

Walking Pico Ruivo from Bocca da Encumeada

Walker
↔19.44 km ↗+2,655 m ↘-2,646 m ◔8 hrs ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Câmara de Lobos (Madeira)

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, and by the road less travelled. A long and demanding hike in diverse environments. Beautiful viewpoints on the route and, at the top, a beautiful 360° view.
N.B. Due to the steep crags of Madeira, the displayed altitude difference is overestimated and, therefore, so is the estimate of the time. Expect the elevation to be more in the order of 1,200 m in both directions.

Walking Pico do Arieiro Pico Ruivo crossing

Walker
Pico do Arieiro Pico Ruivo crossing
↔9.82 km ↗+1,909 m ↘-1,912 m ◔8h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)

A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit.
Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels.
N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m.

Walking Pico Ruivo from Achada de Teixeira

Walker
↔5.38 km ↗+362 m ↘-358 m ◔2h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Santana (Madeira)

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

Walking The Levadas of Rabaçal

Walker
↔13.08 km ↗+1,196 m ↘-1,200 m ◔7h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Calheta (Madeira (Portugal)) (Madeira)

It runs along the three very different Levadas, all interconnected by sloping paths. The route covers a varied landscape, crossing over diverse vegetation, and with beautiful views of the waterfalls. A hike whose direction and length can be adjusted depending on wishes or circumstances.
N.B. The displayed altitude difference is higher than reality (and consequently so is the average time for completion). Expect more in the realm of 600 metres in altitude.

Walking Seixal- Châo da Ribeira

Walker
↔9.91 km ↗+599 m ↘-595 m ◔4h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Porto Moniz (Madeira)

Nice climb in the hinterland. A walk away from the crowd in the undergrowth between ferns and laurel. Beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Walking Vereda dos Balcões

Walker
↔3.07 km ↗+258 m ↘-258 m ◔1h 35 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Machico (Madeira)

This walk is one of Madeira's shortest and easiest. It leads to the Balcões belvedere, with its impressive views of the island's highest peaks. Here we offer an alternative route for the last kilometer of the return journey. This alternative route makes the walk a little more challenging, while keeping you away from the crowds.

Walking Levada Do Furado de Ribeiro Frio

Walker
↔10.10 km ↗+663 m ↘-945 m ◔4h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Machico (Madeira)

A must-do levada, very easy, for all ages, alternating shady sections on the mountainside, winding paths and panoramic views of the island's north coast and then the east coast as you reach Portela.
Less busy than other levadas, the 10.5 Km walk is 4/5ths flat, with no change in altitude (very gentle slope all along the levada), except for a 200-meter drop in altitude on the last 2 Km of the walk.
Take a cab back to the starting point.

For more walks, use our search engine.

The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

Loading…