Madeira. Levadas
First, what are levadas?
The levadas (from the Portuguese levar, meaning ‘to carry’) are the characteristic canals of Madeira Island, designed to provide water for crops, and are also special tourist routes. Similar irrigation systems have been used in the Mediterranean since Roman times, but nowhere else have they been developed to such a complex and efficient system. Nowadays, the canals are not only used for irrigation: they also supply water to small hydroelectric power stations, which still generate about a fifth of the island’s electricity. (wikipedia)
We chose one of the most famous, the Rabacal Leveda trail. We set off after breakfast to arrive on time. We covered the approximately one hour walk in double the time, as we stopped a few times to admire the view. Even so, we arrived in time to find parking easily. In high season, it’s a good idea to arrive early.
We chose two routes, first we visited the Risco Falls. The sight and sound of the water cascading from 120 metres above the ground is the real experience. Having a picnic at the foot of the falls was not only a good idea for the view, but we were starving by then. Back the same way, then a coffee at the Rabacal café and off to our next destination, the 25 springs. Again, a few kilometres on another trail to reach a small lake into which the water of 25 natural springs falls from the huge rocky outcrop behind it. Here, too, we spent some time to admire and rest. The way back was enjoyable while we were on the ground, but the last kilometre to the car park, on an ascending artificial road, was not so enjoyable. Whether it was the waterfall, the springs or the road leading to it that was the more beautiful it would be hard to say. In any case, we had another good day and over 10 kilometres behind us.
