The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Levada do Norte in Madeira
Through the vineyards in the south
You will not only see the walkers on the “Levada do Norte” - for many residents, the irrigation channel is the only access to their houses and for many children a playground. The best Madeira wines are produced on the slopes of “Estrito de Camara de Lobos”, a climatically prime location. The vineyards are lined up on both sides of the levada like a patchwork rug and are especially beautiful in late autumn when the vine leaves turn copper-red. The impressive coastal cliffs on the “Cabo Girao” are the destination for this walk.
Difficulty
Easy. A beautiful leisurely levada walk but you need to be dizzy-free for some of the precipitous spots.
Starting point: Levada do Norte, 540m.
From Funchal with no. 96 bus to Estrei to de Câmara de Lobos as far as the Le vada do Norte bus stop, about 600m after the church. You can also take a taxi or come by car.
Return: from Cruz da Caldeira to Funchal no. 4, 7, or 154 bus. No. 7 also runs express from Cabo Girão to Funchal (Mon-Sat 13.00 and 18.00) or to Ribeira Brava (16.20). Or take a taxi from the rank at Cabo Girão to return to Estreito de Camara de Lobos (about 15 €).
Refreshment: snack bars above Gara chico, on the Cabo Girão, and in Cruz da Caldeira.
