Tour Levadou das Rabacas
A short walk with beautiful views
Thanks to the irrigation system called levads, Madeira has a number of beautiful hiking trails with minimal elevation. Irrigation canals have been built here for centuries to get water from the interior to fields with sugar cane and vines. They are up to a meter deep, their condition is currently very diverse, as well as the quality of the paths leading along them. A short walk along the Levada das Rabacas can begin in the saddle of Encumeada, where there is a parking lot at an altitude of 1007 meters above sea level, or in the parking lot a few hundred meters in front of the saddle at the eponymous hotel Encumeada. The reward for this undemanding short, one might say sightseeing walk are the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and lush vegetation.
Encumeada residential hotel
From the hotel we climb about 300 meters along the road towards the saddle and turn left on the connecting road, which will lead us to the crossroads of two levas: das Rabacas and Norte. Alternatively, proceed from the saddle in the direction of Folhadal (yellow signpost).
Waterfall
We choose the path without a tunnel, where otherwise Levada do Norte leads to the Folhadal area (this is also an interesting alternative, the headlamp is highly recommended). And now we simply follow the trough of the irrigation canal and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.
Achada
Deep below us is a small village, above which on our slope rises the road to the saddle of Encumeada.
Waterfall
The landscape is full of vegetation and it thrives in the humid environment, full of streams, streams and smaller and larger waterfalls.
Levada
The path along the irrigation canal is wide enough for safe walking and stops while studying the diversity of the surrounding landscape.
Mountains
Although the interior is very rugged, levadas allow not only easy movement on sharp slopes, but numerous tunnels and tunnels can also reach the neighboring valleys.
Valley
You can continue through Levada through other tunnels (up to 2 km long), but we will end this undemanding acquaintance with the beauties of the local nature in front of the first tunnel and return to the starting point of the walk.
Encumeada
The saddle and the hotel of the same name indicate the destination of our short walk along the levada.
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