Trails
Levada do Caniço
From the source of the Caniço levada down to Assomada
The place
The Levada do Caniço begins at its source, the Madre da Levada do Caniço, below Camacha, and runs south for about 4.1 km to Cabeço dos Moinhos and Assomada, above the town of Caniço. On the way it passes Achada da Camacha, Salgados and Terra Velha, a small waterfall and the wooded Arvoredo hill.
The channel is almost level, at 325 to 380 m, with about 50 m of climbing in all and about an hour of walking one way. Much of it runs past gardens, terraces and small houses, with views over Caniço to the sea and shady stretches of woodland. Towards the waterfall near the source the path becomes unmarked and runs above steep drops, so the upper end needs real care, and turning back there is sensible if you are unsure.
Highlights
- The Madre da Levada do Caniço, the channel's source, at the top end.
- Views over Caniço and the sea from a nearly level path.
- Gardens, small houses and shady woodland along the way.
- A small waterfall near the upper end.
When to come
Any dry day; the upper end is best avoided after rain.
Getting there
Start from Assomada, by the Estrada dos Moinhos above Caniço, and walk up the channel towards its source; come back the same way.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 4.1 km one way, about an hour.
- Climb: about 50 m in all.
- Difficulty: moderate for the exposed upper end; the lower part is easy.
- Exposure: near the waterfall towards the source the path is unmarked and has steep drops; turn back there if unsure.
- Fee: none; this is not an official PR trail.