Trails
Levada do Blandy
A short high levada from the Arieiro road down to Poiso
The place
The Levada do Blandy is a short channel high in the mountains above Funchal, between the road to Pico do Arieiro and the Poiso pass. It starts at a spring by Cabeço das Águas das Bicas, near the ER 202, at about 1,400 m, and runs for about 1.5 km to the picnic area at Poiso, beside the ER 103.
It is an easy half-hour walk with about 90 m of height between the two ends, a gentle way to see the high ground east of Pico do Arieiro without a long hike. Near the Poiso end the path passes a small cave and picnic tables, and buses stop at Montado do Pereiro, by Poiso. It is cooler up here than on the coast, so take a warm layer, and choose a clear day for the views over the hills.
Highlights
- A short, gentle levada at 1,300 to 1,400 m.
- A spring at the start, by Cabeço das Águas das Bicas near the ER 202.
- A small cave and picnic tables near the Poiso end.
- Easy to combine with a visit to Pico do Arieiro or a stop at Poiso.
When to come
A clear, dry day, for the views over the high ground.
Getting there
Park at Poiso on the ER 103, where buses stop at Montado do Pereiro, and walk up to the ER 202 end; or start from the ER 202, the road to Pico do Arieiro.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 1.5 km one way, about half an hour.
- Climb: about 90 m from Poiso up to the spring.
- Difficulty: moderate, mainly for the altitude and the weather; the path itself is gentle.
- Weather: take a warm layer, as it is much cooler here than in Funchal.
- Fee: none; this is not an official PR trail.