Trails
Levada do Poiso - Levada do Pico Furão
A level levada stroll above Curral das Freiras
The place
In the Curral das Freiras valley, enclosed by the central mountains, two small irrigation channels, the Levada do Poiso and the Levada do Pico Furão, carry water along the slopes above Fajã dos Cardos at about 795 m. Their paths join into a short, level walk of about 2.1 km between Pico da Ginda and Fajã do Capitão, with a viewpoint over the valley at the western end.
It takes about half an hour one way with almost no climbing, on a footway beside the water and a short stretch of path, so it suits anyone who wants a taste of a levada without a long hike. On the way it passes the ruins of old wine presses. The bus from Funchal to Curral das Freiras stops at Pico Furão, about 350 m from the western end, which makes the walk easy to reach without a car.
Highlights
- A level path at about 795 m above Fajã dos Cardos.
- The ruins of old wine presses along the way.
- A viewpoint over the Curral das Freiras valley at the western end.
- Bus stops at Pico Furão, close to the western end.
When to come
Any dry day; it is short enough to fit around a visit to Curral das Freiras.
Getting there
Take the bus from Funchal to Curral das Freiras and get off at Pico Furão, about 350 m from the western end, or drive to Fajã dos Cardos.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 2.1 km one way, about half an hour.
- Climb: about 10 m; the path is level.
- Difficulty: easy.
- Surface: a footway beside the channel, with a short stretch of path.
- Fee: none; this is not an official PR trail.
