FUNCHAL ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Along the narrow waterway: a 3.5-hour walk on Levada Nova from Tabúa toward Ponta do Sol
A half-day, easy levada hike offering valley and coastal views, cultivated sugarcane fields, and year‑round mild weather—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
Along the narrow waterway: a 3.5-hour walk on Levada Nova from Tabúa toward Ponta do Sol.
The Levada Nova walk is a half‑day, 3.5‑hour trek in Tabúa (Ribeira Brava municipality) that follows a flat levada west toward Ponta do Sol. The route threads along irrigations channels opened to flow in 1962 and provides sustained views over the valley of Tabúa, Ribeira Brava and the coastal sweep toward Ponta do Sol, passing cultivated agricultural terraces and longstanding sugarcane plots.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Valley and coastal viewpoints on a south‑coast levada
Walking the Levada Nova yields continuous panoramas of the Tabúa valley and the southern coastline, with vantage points that frame both terraced fields and the distant sea—conditions helped by the mild south‑coast climate that makes the route suitable year‑round.
A living patchwork of sugarcane and smallholdings
The trail runs past carefully tended agricultural plots and persistent sugarcane plantings; sugarcane has been cultivated on Madeira since the 15th century and still contributes to local products such as cachaça, Poncha, and mel de cana used in traditional baking.
An easy, flat levada with exposed sections
The levada is generally easy and flat, but sections run alongside high cliffs without protective railings and the walk is not recommended for people with vertigo—bring a light for any short tunnels and be prepared for narrow canal‑side footing.
What the day feels like
What the hike feels like
This is a calm, half‑day levada walk: steady, low‑angle walking on canal‑side paths with frequent views down into the valley and outward to the coast. The pace is measured—ample time to look across terraced fields and pastures, note the cane stands and smallholdings, and to move carefully where the trail skirts cliffs. Because the route sits on the southern flank, conditions tend to be mild year‑round.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits—and who should be cautious.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Approximately 3h30min (half‑day).
Located on Madeira’s south coast, the levada enjoys a milder climate that makes the walk suitable throughout the year.
Good footwear (sturdy hiking shoes or boots), an all‑weather jacket, a torch or phone light for any short tunnels, and a walking stick if desired for confidence on uneven sections.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Levada Nova walk take?
The hike lasts about 3h30min (half‑day).
How difficult is the trail?
The route is described as easy and flat, but it includes exposed sections beside high cliffs and is not recommended for people with vertigo.
Is the walk suitable year‑round?
Yes; because the trail lies on Madeira’s south coast it benefits from a milder climate and is suitable at any time of year.
What should I bring for the levada walk?
Bring sturdy hiking shoes or boots, a good all‑weather jacket, a torch or phone light for tunnels, and optionally a walking stick for added stability.
What cultural or agricultural features will I see?
The route passes carefully cultivated agricultural plots and sugarcane fields—sugarcane has been grown on Madeira since 1425 and its products (cachaça, Poncha, and mel de cana) remain part of the island’s culinary heritage.