"Levada" is a Portuguese word derived from the word "levar" - which means to carry and is roughly translated as "carriageway", but more correctly defined as mini-canal. The mini-canals are irrigation systems developed to distribute water from the rainfall heavy and wet regions on the north of Madeira island to the drier sun parched regions of the south. The water is channeled across a wide network of winding canals. These narrow water carriageways deliver precious water along far distances to banana plantations, vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, as well as to hydro-electric power stations dotted around the island. The levadas criss cross the mountains and cover a total distance of 2500 km, and date back to as far as the early 16th century.
Our two first levada walk was along the levada Calheta to Ponto do Pargo which is one of the longest levadas of Madeira, and it is passing Prazeres, the small village where our hotel was situated
Time for a brake and a coffee
Our hotel (very good service, nice people) drove us to the levada Calheta to Ponto do Pargo 5 hours walk back to the hotel
Close up View from the Levada to a village at the coast
Another levada walk along the levada Calheta to Ponto do Pargo
Leveda at Ecumeada pass
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