Levada walks through Madeira's flowers

What it is

A levada is a narrow stone channel that carries water from Madeira's wet northern mountains to the farmed terraces of the dry south. Islanders began cutting them in the fifteenth century, and the maintenance paths beside them now make a network of nearly level walks across very steep country. Many pass through the laurisilva, an ancient laurel forest listed by UNESCO. In spring the endemic pride of Madeira raises blue spikes on the cliffs, with Madeira orchids and geraniums in the shade. In summer the path edges are lined with blue and white agapanthus and hydrangeas, both introduced and both everywhere.

Before you go

• Some paths have sheer drops and unlit tunnels. Choose a route to match your head for heights, and carry a torch.
• Check the official trail status before setting out. Paths close after storms and landslides.
• Weather changes fast in the mountains. Take a waterproof even on a clear morning.

The flowers you will see

AgapanthusBlue to white summer flowers from southern Africa, grown worldwide in gardensHydrangeaFlowering shrubs with large heads that change color with soil pHPride of MadeiraA tall blue-flowered shrub native to Madeira, grown in gardens worldwide

Also part of it, and being written: Strelitzia reginae.

More in Funchal

🇵🇹 Funchal · All yearFlower sellers at the Mercado dos LavradoresFunchal's 1940 farmers' market, where women in striped Madeiran dress sell bird of paradise, proteas and orchids. 🇵🇹 Lisbon · May to JunJacaranda season in LisbonAvenues and squares across Lisbon turn violet in late May and June when the city's jacaranda trees flower. 🇵🇹 Ponta Delgada · Jun to AugHydrangea hedges of the AzoresCountry roads on São Miguel and Faial lined for miles with blue hydrangea hedges in the Atlantic summer.