Levada do Curral is a linear walk on Madeira along a levada, one of the island's irrigation channels, between Santo Amaro and Curral das Freiras. The channel carries no water, and landslides have damaged the line. The way includes many steps on a steep gradient and needs sure feet and a head for heights. Walking time runs from two hours to eight. It is not one of the island's classified hiking trails, and it is walked for its mountain scenery.
Levada Curral das Freiras (CF20)
Local name: Levada do Curral
Hard levada walk between Santo Amaro and Curral das Freiras, with steep steps and landslide damage.
Levada Curral das Freiras (CF20) on the map
- Route length
- 10.2 km · one way
- Entrance
- Free: the trail is outside the IFCN fee system.
- Walking time
- 2 to 8 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard. Many steep steps, a landslide-damaged path and exposed stretches that need sure feet and a head for heights.
- Parking
- Two car parks about 450 m from the bus stop in a straight line, one of them free.
- Transport
- Bus stop Levada Curral das Freiras, in Curral das Freiras.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair or pushchair access: many steep steps and a landslide-damaged path.
- Advance booking
- No booking: the trail is outside the IFCN booking system.
What makes it special
Landslides have cut into this levada, its channel runs dry, and the walk can fill a working day.
Levada walks tend to be level strolls beside running water. This one has neither the level going nor the water. There are many steps on a steep gradient, and the path asks for sure feet and a head for heights. The scenery is the reason to come, and it has to be earned with your eyes on the ground. If you are looking for an easy levada on Madeira, pick another.
The route
At Santo Amaro, the line sets off for Curral das Freiras as a single route with no loop, following a dry irrigation channel.
Along the way, the path takes many steps on a steep gradient and needs sure feet and a head for heights. Landslides have damaged it: about 3 km in, the damage has stopped walkers, while others have got through. If a slip blocks the way, turn back.
At Curral das Freiras the line ends. Getting back means retracing the whole walk or having your transport arranged in advance, so settle that before you set off.
Good to know
- Status: not a classified trail. IFCN, the body behind the island's trail booking system, does not recommend it or take responsibility for it.
- Landslides: damage has stopped walkers about 3 km in, while others have got through. Be ready to turn round.
- Knees: many steps on a steep gradient make this a poor choice with weak knees. Bring walking poles and suitable footwear.
- Time: the walk takes from two hours to eight. Start early and carry food and water for the long end.
Getting there
At Curral das Freiras you can arrive by bus or by car. The bus stops carry the name Levada Curral das Freiras, and everything else here is measured from them in a straight line: guideposts about 230 m and 300 m away, car parks and toilets about 450 m away, a water point about 550 m away.
A car left here stays at this end of a line whose other end is at Santo Amaro, so settle your return before you start.
Best time to visit
Best: a dry, settled day with an early start.
Avoid: rain and the days straight after it, and a late start in the short days of winter.
Wet rock and loosened slopes are the worst things to meet on a path already damaged by landslides, and a walk that can reach eight hours will outlast a winter afternoon.
Things to do nearby
All tours in Curral das Freiras on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Sun & daylight
Along the route
Similar Places
Levada Curral das Freiras (CF20) on the map
Landslides have damaged this levada, and its exposed stretches run above unfenced drops that demand sure feet and a head for heights. If a slip blocks the path, turn back and do not try to cross it; stay away in rain.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Levada do Curral take?
From two hours to eight. Start early and plan your day around the long end.Is Levada do Curral dangerous?
Yes. Landslides have damaged the path, and it needs sure feet and a head for heights. Damage has stopped walkers about 3 km in, so be ready to turn back.Is it an official trail?
No. It is not a classified trail, and IFCN, the body behind the island's trail booking system, does not recommend it or take responsibility for it.Is it a good walk with weak knees?
No. There are many steps on a steep gradient. Anyone who does go needs walking poles and suitable footwear.Where does the walk start and end?
It runs as a single line between Santo Amaro and Curral das Freiras, with no loop back to the start, so settle your return before you set off.