Levada da Ribeira da Janela

The place

This is one of the northwest's defining levada walks — about 13 km from its start near the Miradouro de Lagoa dos Lamaceiros south of Porto Moniz, threading through a string of unlit tunnels cut straight through rock into the Ribeira da Janela valley. It's remote enough to see a fraction of the traffic of the central-island levadas. The tunnels are the whole character of the walk, so come prepared for them rather than surprised.

When to come

Dry spells only — the path can flood inside the tunnels after heavy rain; start early since the full out-and-back eats most of a day.

Worth knowing

• Multiple unlit tunnels — bring your own torch or headlamp, none provided
• Point-to-point and remote — turning back partway is often the realistic plan
• No facilities once past the trailhead
• Path runs narrow beside the water channel in places — a concern if uneasy with drop-offs