Funchal Northern Levada Walk: An Honest Review & Guide

So, you’re thinking about doing a levada walk in Madeira, that pretty amazing “floating” island, very well. Maybe, just maybe, the Northern Levada walks from Funchal caught your attention, alright? These trails provide views and natural scenery, they are often an accessible escape. This review shares some observations from someone that has gone on a Northern Levada hiking tour in Funchal, that’s right.

What to Expect on a Northern Levada Walk

Levadas, well, they’re like mini-canal systems unique to Madeira, built ages ago, long ago, to carry water from the rainy northern part of the island to the drier south, you see. These days, alright, the paths alongside these waterways are hiking trails, giving that feeling of easy access to remote locations. Northern Levada walks tend to feature lush scenery, lots of vegetation, very vibrant, too, it’s almost a jungle in some spots. Expect, usually, narrow paths – single file for hikers sometimes – and sheer drops on one side, certainly not for those very sensitive to heights.

Typically, Northern Levada walks offer moderate inclines and declines. However, the path condition can vary. Some bits are even and well-maintained; other bits are rocky and uneven. A reasonable level of fitness and sensible walking shoes are recommended, for example. Parts of the path might be a little muddy, mostly if it rained recently, that is.

Popular Northern Levada Walks from Funchal

Lots of great options branch out from Funchal, to do some northern levada walks. A handful of the most well known options are listed here, with the intent to allow the opportunity to learn, now.

Levada dos Tornos: Commonly regarded as one of the longer and more well known levada walks. The views are extensive. Expect some tunnels along the route, naturally.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde: This walk usually has a waterfall, and a path leading deeper into Madeira’s famed Laurisilva forest, you see. It is known to be green, pretty, and with that certain jungle feeling.
Levada das 25 Fontes: Another popular route, actually known for its end point, an area where, at least apparently, 25 natural springs come together. So too, this levada can be more trafficked, a detail you could reflect upon.

Booking a Tour vs. Hiking Independently

Doing a guided tour or heading out on your own both have certain ups and downs, alright. Choosing what’s “best” relies on you.

Guided Tour: If you decide to go on the guided tour, it means round-trip transport, usually. Your guide, maybe, will provide knowledge regarding flora, fauna, the history regarding the levadas. This is quite handy if you have little experience with walking in areas with the dangers involved.
Independent Hiking: You will get freedom and flexibility. Transport to a starting area might involve buses, taxis, a rental car or whatever works for you. Prep your path and stay safe.

The actual option typically falls to your taste for adventure and experience regarding trails, clearly. If unsure, it is advisable to begin with a guided tour before considering venturing solo.

What to Bring on Your Levada Walk

Packing correctly will change a good walk to that amazing walk. So you are better prepared for unforeseen changes that will arise during your walk, that’s correct. This little checklist is a pretty amazing beginning.

Walking Boots: Very sturdy footwear is, actually, required, particularly due to the sometimes uneven trails.
Waterproof Clothing: Conditions change dramatically, alright. Having a light rain jacket to prepare will give some security, very.
Water and Snacks: Keep that energy levels steady, as I was saying. Energy bars, nuts, fruit… any choices you like, anyway.
Sunscreen and a Hat: The sun is quite intense, even on cloudy days, as a matter of fact.
Headlamp or Flashlight: As mentioned before, if your selected Levada will feature any tunnel bits, these tools might allow for safer path finding in the darkness.

Photography Tips for the Levadas

You might take snapshots or videos to remember a great hike. I have a handful of ideas when the moment feels good to get something quite striking.

Play with Light: That is, photo shoots soon after sunup or before sundown can certainly make that lighting feel amazing and so provide soft shadows. During a day’s center period, very bright, the best photos might involve things which detail vegetation, textures, water.
Capture the Scale: Very wide perspectives, incorporating the trail, very tall foliage, very high mountains, this may transmit some awareness to how large the panorama felt, it’s true. You can get something spectacular with this.
Details are very relevant: Pay focus to the smaller wonders all around you, I would advise. Examples are, certain, a little blossom, an exciting insect, sunlight that lands upon specific leaves, as I was saying.

Safety Advice

Levada trails give you some challenges and possible threats. Keeping in mind some very important things before your walk might be the right step toward assurance. Here’s a couple to have at your fingertips, actually.

Check the Weather: The forecasts are subject to instant shift, very. Be aware of those conditions or be stuck with that result.
Tell Someone Your Plans: Describe a complete hiking path. A very specific turnaround timing, too, perhaps, should you ever delay for a reason.
Watch Your Step: That track near Levadas is really, typically a bit narrow, really, could be. That is why focus upon balance is really crucial, even if taking selfies.

Respecting the Environment

Keeping Madeira and these superb natural havens pristine might involve individual dedication to leave all intact after use.

Pack Out All Trash: Never, ever trash a pristine trail or water cause due irresponsible human action. Retain wrappers, water bottles, whatever bits taken on your path, maybe?
Stay on Marked Trails: Keep down footprint that touches on foliage which encircles; so please just stay exactly within all given paths alone as well.
Leave what exists: Refrain yourself to lift any wildflowers, rocks or maybe bits regarding that natural spot from wherever on any condition because, truthfully, you harm that sensitive terrain in several methods as it turns apart.

Enjoy the Experience

It feels extremely essential merely you take opportunity savor that complete ambiance provided while on an excursion amongst a single in this world, superb track around magnificent scenery over Madeira: The sensation from cool air through cheeks alongside scent due those wildflowers around – Each detail holds special charm to admire forever afterward. It remains pretty true how we should hold this beautiful instant. So embrace some natural magic on Northern Levada adventure today!