Trails
Levada do Norte (Nord)
7.7 km
The place
This is the upper stretch of the Levada do Norte, the long water channel that carries water from the north of the island towards the south, and it starts at the Encumeada pass at about 1,000 metres, where the road between São Vicente and Ribeira Brava crosses the ridge. The first steps climb from the road to the levada, which is signposted towards Folhadal.
The walk heads west along the channel, passes through a tunnel of about 500 metres, reaches the entrance of a second, and turns back there for an out-and-back of about 5.3 kilometres. Beyond that point the longer PR 17 route runs to the Bica da Cana viewpoint above the São Vicente valley, a point-to-point day of five to six hours.
Highlights
- The first tunnel is about 500 metres long.
- The start sits at about 1,000 metres on the ridge.
- The second tunnel's entrance marks the turning point of the out-and-back.
- The trailhead lies opposite the Boca da Encumeada restaurant at the pass.
When to come
Go in the morning on a dry day, since a morning start leaves time for the longer PR 17 walk if you want it.
Getting there
Drive over the Encumeada pass on the road between São Vicente and Ribeira Brava and park by the restaurant at the pass, then walk a few metres towards Ribeira Brava and climb the steps on the right to the levada.
Worth knowing
- Allow about two and a half hours for the 5.3-kilometre out-and-back.
- Bring a headlamp for the tunnels, which include one of about 500 metres.
- Wear waterproof footwear for the tunnels.
- Carry water and snacks for the out-and-back.
- Without a car, arrange a taxi or hotel transfer to the pass.
- The longer PR 17 walk requires a SIMplifica booking, at €4.50 in 2026 for visitors over 12.
- Parts of this path have been reported closed or damaged in recent years, so check its current state with IFCN (+351 291 145 590) before you set out.