Article Bica da Cana

From the small parking lot along the road, we first climb a wide path to the top of Bica da Cana. In our case, rather out of duty, because otherwise a nice view is immersed in the clouds. However, it gives the surrounding landscape a touch of mystery.

We return to the parking lot. This is where the PR17 route begins. The trail marker and map is at the very beginning. At first we go almost flat, but soon we start to decline.

Somewhere to the left (from the west) we hear the noise of wind turbine leaves from the thick fog. The immediate area is increasingly mysterious.

After a short steep descent, we come across a cross path, which we set out to the right below the top of Bica da Cana.

We are immediately surrounded by dense bushes and forests. The fog exacerbates the experience.

The trail hidden in the lush vegetation is pretty straight all the time, without too much ascent, but there are irregular muddy and rocky sections. After about 30 minutes at the rock wall, where the water flows, we turn back.

We return by car towards the Encumeada saddle. We stop at a car park in a place called Canto do muro. There is a nice view of the highest peaks of Madeira from here.

At the stop, which is about 1.5 km further down towards the Encumeada saddle, we look at another levada.

Just below Encumead's saddle above the restaurant, this levada continues east. But we won't get far after it. After about a 15-minute walk, further work is prohibited in front of the short tunnel. Even so, from that short accessible part, there are views into the valley, heading south towards the Atlantic.