The main sources of fresh water in Madeira are located in the mountains. However, the people on the coast also need it to live and cultivate the rocky soils. In the 16th century, it was decided to solve the problem of water delivery by constructing levadas, irrigation channels for supplying water from the mountains. The depth of a levada is 1-1.5 m, the width is about the same. Along the levadas, there are convenient hiking trails to make it impossible to get lost there. In general, Madeira seems to be permeated with a network of levadas with a total length of about 1,500 km.

Today, it is one of the most popular and attractive tourist sites. The official website of the island includes a section about all the levadas (64 routes), their length, and level of difficulty.

One of the most beautiful, the Levada Da Ribeira Da Janela (PR15), starts near the town of Porto Moniz on the north coast and ends in the village of Ribeira da Janela. This levada is one of the most picturesque and unchallenging at the same time. The route can be taken by both the elderly and children, as it runs over flat terrain. It is quite long, 12.5 km there and then the same route back.

Or you can try to get out of Ribeira de Janela by yourself. But do not rely on the local public transport. As a rule, people only walk part of the way and then turn back. The best place to make a U-turn is the waterfall, which is about a 1-hour 15-minute walk from the start of the route. The way to it offers unforgettable views. You can see the ocean in some places. And part of the route passes through a eucalyptus forest and past a small lake. Besides, there are places for rest in the most beautiful places along the way that basically consist of tables and benches.

If you are lucky, you will see local chaffinches and even chat with them. Used to tourists, they fly to picnic areas and willingly eat out of their hands. The route also includes tunnels of various lengths: they are quite low and dark. Be sure to bring a flashlight and closed-toe shoes (preferably trekking boots), as it can be slippery and wet in the tunnels and on the path.