Levada walk · Ponta do Sol
Levada Nova & Levada do Moinho
Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho form one of the most interesting walks in the Ponta do Sol area because they show two generations of Madeira’s irrigation system. The route follows an older levada lower on the hillside and a newer channel higher above it, passing cultivated terraces, small farms, waterfalls and open views towards the south coast.
History and character
Levadas are narrow, gravity-fed channels built to carry water from the wetter mountains and north-west of Madeira to farmland and settlements in drier areas. The first systems began to appear in the early centuries of Portuguese settlement, and by the second half of the 15th century levada water was already vital to sugar-cane production. Over time, the network supported vineyards, bananas, vegetables, fruit orchards, domestic water use and, in some places, water-powered mills. Building channels along steep cliffs required difficult manual work, including carved ledges, aqueducts and tunnels. In Ponta do Sol, Levada do Moinho is the older channel. It was built between the 1920s and 1930s and takes its name from the water mills that it supplied; the water was used both for irrigation and for grinding grain. Levada Nova was constructed later to bring more irrigation water to farmland between Ribeira da Caixa and Ribeira Brava. It opened in 1962 and runs higher on the slope, which is why hikers can combine the two channels into a varied circular walk.
How to walk the circular route
Park near the lower Levada do Moinho entrance. This is also where you finish. Walk uphill to the Levada Nova start linked below, follow the upper levada through the tunnel and past the waterfalls, descend the connecting steps to Levada do Moinho, then follow the lower levada back to the car.
Open the Levada Nova walking start in Google Maps ↗- From the parking area, walk uphill to Levada Nova. Allow roughly 7–10 minutes and around 100 m of ascent for this approach.
- Follow Levada Nova towards the tunnel. The tunnel is approximately 200 m long. Bring a headlamp or use your phone torch, walk carefully and watch your head: the entrance is low.
- After the tunnel, continue past the two waterfalls. The path can be wet and slippery. Walk approximately 500 m beyond the waterfalls to the connecting steps down to the lower levada; do not miss this descent.
Video: where to descend to Levada do Moinho Use this video to recognise the connection and look for the steps down to the lower levada.
- Take the steps down to Levada do Moinho. At the bottom turn left and stay on the lower levada without taking side paths. Follow it all the way back to the parking area.
The full circuit is roughly 8 km. Allow around 2½ hours, including photo stops.
Around the middle of Levada do Moinho, water may spill across the path. Use grippy footwear you are comfortable getting wet, or bring waterproof shoe covers. Quick-drying sandals are an option only if they grip securely on wet, uneven ground.
Narrow, exposed and slippery sections require care.
Practical tip
Levada Nova traverses a steep hillside, in places alongside rock faces. If you are afraid of heights, walk with a guide and stay close to them. After roughly the first kilometre, especially inside the ravine, mobile reception may disappear for much of the route. Bring drinking water. If walking independently, turn left onto Levada do Moinho after descending the connecting steps and follow it without taking side paths all the way back to the parking area.