Trails
Levada Nova Tabua
Tunnels and waterfalls in the Tábua valley above Ribeira Brava
The place
The Levada Nova runs along the hillside into the Tábua valley above Ribeira Brava, and the Tábua section is known for its tunnels and waterfalls. The levada is usually reached from Lombada, above Ponta do Sol, and the walk lies inside the Madeira Natural Park, so the park's rules apply.
Expect tunnels where you need to stoop, a long tunnel near the end with a view of a waterfall, and stretches of hillside where the path is partly exposed. Loops from Ribeira Brava run to 16.3 km and are rated hard, while a shorter 9.7 km loop from the Centro Desportivo da Madeira is moderate. A landslide blocked the trail in January 2020, so check conditions before you set out.
Highlights
- Tunnels that need you to stoop, including a long one near the end with a view of a waterfall.
- Partly exposed hillside sections that call for a steady head.
- Long views along the valley.
- A stretch inside the Madeira Natural Park, where the park's rules apply.
When to come
Choose a dry day and check conditions first. Start early, because the loops from Ribeira Brava are long, and allow extra time for the tunnels.
Getting there
Most walkers start from Lombada, above Ponta do Sol, while the longer loops begin in Ribeira Brava or at the Centro Desportivo da Madeira.
Worth knowing
- Loops: 16.3 km from Ribeira Brava, 16.5 km from Ponta do Sol and 9.7 km from the Centro Desportivo da Madeira.
- Difficulty: the 16.3 km and 16.5 km loops are hard, and the 9.7 km loop is moderate.
- Protected area: the levada lies in the Madeira Natural Park, so follow its rules.
- Exposure: the hillside sections are partly exposed, so keep to the path and watch your footing.
- Tunnels: some need stooping, so bring a headlamp.
- Safety: check current conditions before you go, since a landslide blocked the trail in January 2020.
- Supplies: carry water and food for the day.
- 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.