Levada da Silveira, mapped as Levada de Santana, is a walk along one of the irrigation channels of Madeira, in the Santana area of the island, and one of the oldest of them. The levada is about 5 km long and runs through forest and past waterfalls and a fruit farm, with tunnels on the line and views over the valley. It is not one of the classified hiking trails of Madeira, and it draws few walkers.
Levada da Silveira
Local name: Levada de Santana
Old levada walk near Santana with waterfall crossings, forest tracks and a dark tunnel.
Levada da Silveira on the map
- Entrance
- Free. No ticket is required.
- Walking time
- 3.5 to 4.5 hours there and back
- Difficulty
- Moderate. Poorly maintained path, mud after rain, narrow waterfall crossings, an unlit tunnel and unfenced stretches.
- Parking
- Free asphalt car park about 1.2 km away in a straight line; otherwise corners along the street.
- Transport
- Stop CAM da Silveira 5A, about 770 m away in a straight line.
- Accessibility
- Not for wheelchairs or pushchairs: mud, narrow crossings and an unlit tunnel. Unsuitable for very small children.
- Advance booking
- No booking: the trail is outside the booking system for classified trails on Madeira.
What makes it special
You can walk the whole levada and meet nobody. The company on a 10 km walk here can come down to a goat, some hens and roosters and a few lizards.
It is one of the oldest levadas on Madeira. Waterfalls come across the path and wet you as you cross, the tunnels need a light, and between them run forest tracks, views over the valley and the mountains, and a farm growing kiwis and other fruit.
The route
At the start, expect to hunt for it: the beginning is awkward to find, and Mapy.com lists the levada on its tourist map as Levada de Santana.
Along the channel, the path gives you forest tracks and views over the valley and the mountains. A farm growing kiwis and other fruit sits part way along, and waterfalls come across the path at crossings that narrow in places and can leave you wet.
In the tunnels, you need a light. The first longer one is broad, and turning back just past it makes a 10 km walk. The way back is the way you came.
Good to know
- Start: the beginning takes some finding. On Mapy.com, switch to the tourist map and search Levada de Santana.
- Tunnels: carry a headlamp. The first longer tunnel is broad enough that a phone torch gets you through.
- Wet feet: heavy rain leaves the path muddy, and waterfall crossings can soak you. Bring spare socks.
- Supplies: no toilets or drinking water near the levada. Fill up before you come.
- Upkeep: the path needs maintenance. It is unclassified, so IFCN, Madeira's nature institute, takes no responsibility for it.
Getting there
You come by car or by bus, and both leave a stretch on foot. The public car park, on asphalt, lies about 1.2 km away in a straight line; a second at about the same distance is for local access only. The alternative is a corner along the street.
The nearest stop, CAM da Silveira 5A, is about 770 m away in a straight line.
Locate the start on Mapy.com before you set off, because the beginning is awkward to find. The walk is there and back, so you finish where you started.
Best time to visit
Best: a dry spell, with daylight to spare for a walk of up to 4.5 hours.
Avoid: the period straight after heavy rain.
Heavy rain turns the path to mud that can soak your feet within 15 minutes, on top of the wetting the waterfall crossings already give you.
Things to do nearby
All tours in Santana on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Sun & daylight
Along the route
Similar Places
Levada da Silveira on the map
Stretches of the path have no fence or rail, and the waterfall crossings are narrow and wet underfoot. Watch your footing at every crossing and leave very small children at home.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket or a booking for Levada da Silveira?
No. Levada da Silveira is not a classified trail, so the fee and booking system of Madeira does not apply, and you will not find it on the SIMplifica portal.How do I find the start?
The beginning is awkward to find. On Mapy.com, switch to the tourist map and search Levada de Santana.How long does the walk take?
It takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours there and back. The levada is about 5 km long, and you return along the same path.Do I need a torch?
Bring a headlamp, because the tunnels are dark. The first longer tunnel is broad enough that a phone torch gets you through.Can I bring children?
Very small children should stay at home: the crossings are narrow and some spots are dangerous, with no fence or rail.