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Trails

Levada do Paul 2

Along the southern rim of Paul da Serra to Bica da Cana

AI illustration of this part of the island, not a photograph of Levada do Paul 2
AI illustration of this part of the island, not a photograph of Levada do Paul 2

The place

The Levada do Paul II gathers water at the head of the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol and carries it west along the southern rim of the Paul da Serra plateau to the Rabaçal loading chamber, from where it drops by pipeline to the Calheta power station. Its first 1.2 km, from Rabaçal to the Estrada do Rochão, is the accessible PR 6.8; this walk carries on from the Estrada do Rochão for about 11.4 km east to Bica da Cana, on the ER 105.

The channel rises very gently, from about 1,280 m to 1,450 m, across the open ground of the plateau's edge, past the Loiral solar park and the Rabaças viewpoint over the head of the Ponta do Sol valley. The views reach south over Calheta, and the walk takes about three hours one way, with fords, a gate and a ladder stile on the way.

Highlights

  1. A gentle channel along the southern rim of Paul da Serra, at 1,280 to 1,450 m.
  2. Views south over Calheta, and the Rabaças viewpoint over the head of the Ponta do Sol valley.
  3. The Loiral solar park, dating from 2012, beside the path.
  4. Bica da Cana at the far end, with a picnic area and toilets.

When to come

A clear morning; fog is frequent on the plateau, and the open ground offers no shelter.

Getting there

Start at the Estrada do Rochão near Rabaçal, at the end of the PR 6.8, or at Bica da Cana on the ER 105, where there is parking; arrange transport between the two ends.

Worth knowing

  • Distance and time: about 11.4 km one way, about three hours.
  • Climb: about 160 m, gently, from Rabaçal towards Bica da Cana.
  • Difficulty: moderate, for the length and the exposure to the weather.
  • Accessible start: the PR 6.8 from the Rabaçal loading chamber is 1.2 km on a path prepared for people with reduced mobility; it is an official trail, so pay on SIMplifica (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt): €4.50 in 2026 for visitors over 12, children 12 and under exempt.
  • Closure: near Bica da Cana the levada meets the PR 27 Glaciar de Planalto, which was listed as closed in November 2026.
  • Weather: carry warm and waterproof layers, as the plateau is cold and often foggy.

Nearby

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