Trails
Levada dos Piornais
A levada walk without leaving Funchal
The place
The Levada dos Piornais gives a levada walk without leaving the city. The start is in western Funchal, near the Marítimo football stadium, where a set of steps drops to the water channel. From there the path follows the channel west through terraced gardens, palms and farmland, with sea views in places and an underpass beneath the VR1 expressway.
The walk ends at a stone bridge about 8 km in. Beyond the bridge the channel is fenced off and signed as dangerous, so turn back there. Allow about three hours of walking, and you can turn back at any time along the way.
Highlights
- The water channel itself, which the path follows closely for most of the way.
- The underpass beneath the VR1 expressway, the only road passage on the walk.
- Sea views in places, with terraced gardens and palms on the western side of the city.
- The stone bridge about 8 km in, where the walk ends.
When to come
A dry morning suits it best. The walk takes about three hours and runs one way, so an early start on a clear day leaves time to arrange your return, and the path beside the channel is slippery when wet.
Getting there
Start on Rua dos Estados Unidos da América in western Funchal, near the Marítimo football stadium, where a sign points down the steps to the levada. Take a taxi or walk from the city centre to the start.
Worth knowing
- Time: about three hours of walking one way to the stone bridge.
- Distance: the stone bridge is about 8 km from the start.
- Facilities: carry water and food from town; the only amenity on the route is a park with a children's playground.
- Safety: the path runs close to the water channel for much of the way, so keep back from the edge.
- Closure: beyond the stone bridge the channel is fenced off and signed as dangerous, so do not pass the barrier.
- Road crossing: the underpass beneath the VR1 expressway is the only road passage on the walk.
- Bring: sturdy shoes, water and sun protection.
