Levada do Castelejo, north east coast Madeira

 Levada do Castelejo

 Levada do Castelejo, terrace veg fields

This levada near Faial at north east coast, is one that is next to real functioning terrace fields. 

 Levada do Castelejo, corn & bean

 Levada do Castelejo

One can see what vegetables are being grown in the fields, (mainly potato, bean, pea, onion, corn, onion, cabbage, pumpkin, sugar cane, grapes) and appreciate how this waterway is important in local farming.

 Levada do Castelejo, terrace veg fields

 Levada do Castelejo, corn & bean

 Levada do Castelejo

Ribero Frio, Levada de Balcoes, north east Madeira

Ribero Frio, Levada de Balcoes

A pleasant half hour walk along the levada, cut through rocks, to a view point with great mountain and coast view. 

Ribero Frio, Levada de Balcoes

Ribero Frio, Levada de Balcoes, view of mountain and coast

Curral das Freiras, Central mountain, Madeira

Curral das Freiras, Central mountain, Madeira

A driving tour to this south mountain view point at Eira do Serrado, with a good view of Curral das Freiras village, with impressive terrace fields around.

Curral das Freiras, Central mountain, Madeira

Curral das Freiras, Central mountain, Madeira

Levada walk, north west Madeira

Levada de Moinho

  

Levada de Moinho

Levada de Moinho, starting from Posta da Vila, is a most pleasant walk with the waterway winding and twisting in a moist green forest environment, with mini waterfalls, canyons, wild flowers here and there. 

Levada de Moinho

Levada de Moinho

Levada de Moinho

Levada de Moinho

Levada walk, south west Madeira

Levada da Bica da Canas

Levada da Bica da Canas, on the south side of Paul de Serra near the village Canhas, offers a view of the south coast.

Levada da Bica da Canas

Unfortunately this levada is not maintained, with some area dry and some area overflow to make the path wet and muddy. As most of the walk is at the edge of a very steep slope, this walk is not for the faint-hearted.

North east coast, Madeira

north east coast Madeira, near Santana

Had simple lunch at Quinta Furao, Santana, and this is the view from the terrace. 

north east coast Madeira, near Faial, the Eagle Rock (Penha de Aguia)

The north coast is so beautiful, with clear blue water, fantastic cliff and rock formation everywhere.

Pico Riuvo hike, central Madeira

Pico Riuvo, central Madeira

view of Pico Arieiro

A 2.5 hours return hike along the hilltop on gentle up and down steps to the highest peak, Pico Riuvo, at 1862m. 

Pico Riuvo, central Madeira

Pico Riuvo hike, central Madeira

A very well maintained path and reasonably easy walk, with beautiful mountain view all along. 

Pico Riuvo hike, central Madeira

 

Pico do Arieiro, Central Madeira

Pico do Arieiro, Central Madeira

This is the third highest peak in Madeira, at 1818m, an easy drive up to the top, with a cafe, with fantastic view of the central mountain range. 

Pico do Arieiro, Central Madeira

It is very pleasant to sit and watch the cloud formation. 

Pico do Arieiro, Central Madeira

There are hiking trails from the top to other mountains, along the ridges, but far too long and difficult for me.

Eastern end, Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

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Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

One of the top hiking trails, at the most eastern tip of the island, unlike the rest of Madeira, is barren and treeless.

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

This is a 3-4 hour hike with up and down on well made path or steps around most astonishing rock formations. 

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

  

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

Quite tired after the walk but have to admit that it is worth it, beautiful view all along.

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

Ponto de Sao Lourenco, Madeira

North coast near Porto Moniz, Madeira

North coast near Porto Moniz

What a view! Beautiful green terrace fields calved onto steep slope, deep blue sea, clear water with unique stone formation.

North coast Rivbeira da Janela

North coast Rivbeira da Janela

North coast Rivbeira da Janela

North coast Rivbeira da Janela

25 waterfalls hike, Central Madeira

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

This is the most famous and popular walk, Levada dos 25 fontes, (25 waterfalls walk) from Rabacal on Paul de Serra, because it is along the biggest valley in the island with good mountain and gorge view, the path is more authentic and atmospheric. 

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

However, the waterfalls at the end of the hike is fine but not outstanding, and there are really a lot of tourists from late morning onward, very busy on the narrow path. 

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

Take the 3euro village van to get to nearer the start of the levada walk, to save 45 minutes of downhill walk in the hill (and return).

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira

Levada dos 25 fontes, Madeira