Levada da Serra do Faial is a footpath along one of Madeira's levadas, the island's irrigation channels, in the Camacha area. It runs through woodland of oak, pine and eucalyptus. The path is flat and shaded, with no steep or exposed stretches. It is known for easy walking and for its plants, agapanthus among them, and it is used by guided groups, children, dogs and cyclists.
Levada Serra do Faial
Local name: Levada da Serra do Faial
Flat levada path through shady oak, pine and eucalyptus near Camacha, with no steep or exposed stretches.
Levada Serra do Faial on the map
- Route length
- 8.8 km · one way
- Entrance
- Free: the trail is outside Madeira's trail fee system.
- Difficulty
- Easy. Flat, gentle path beside the channel, with no exposed or steep places.
- Parking
- Parking about 138 m away; a closer car park, about 112 m away, is private.
- Transport
- Bus stop LEV da Serra do Faial, beside the levada.
- Accessibility
- Flat path that suits children and dogs; the entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
- Advance booking
- No booking needed: the trail is outside Madeira's booking system.
- Address
- Levada da Serra do Faial, Camacha, Portugal
What makes it special
Shade is what stays with you. Oak, pine and eucalyptus stand over the levada, which makes it a relief on a hot, sunny day and chilly enough on others to leave you under-dressed.
Madeira's better-known levadas cling to cliffs. Here nothing is steep or exposed, and the path runs flat enough for children, dogs and cyclists. The rest of the interest grows beside it: agapanthus and other flowers, with enough plant life to keep a guide talking. Wagtails turn up along the way.
The route
At the LEV da Serra do Faial stop you are already beside the levada, with guideposts about 123 m and 394 m away. From here the path simply follows the channel, flat and with nothing steep or exposed to deal with.
Along the channel the path runs under oak, pine and eucalyptus, with flowers beside it in season and a café along the way.
Heading towards Funchal, about 3 km out and the same back makes a gentle outing. The route is a line, so however far you go, plan to return the way you came.
Good to know
- No facilities: there are no toilets or drinking water nearby, so fill up before you come.
- Café: one stands along the levada, but carry your own water anyway.
- Clothing: the shade gets chilly, so bring a layer.
- Navigation: Google Maps does not recognise the levada as a path, so do not count on its walking directions.
- Status: this is not a classified trail. IFCN, which manages the official ones, neither recommends it nor takes responsibility for it.
Getting there
A bus stop named LEV da Serra do Faial stands beside the levada, so the walking starts as soon as you step off. By car, there is parking about 138 m away in a straight line; a closer car park, about 112 m away, is private. The route is a line, so the way back is on foot along the same path, at no cost, to the stop or the car.
Best time to visit
Best: summer, when the agapanthus along the levada comes into flower and the trees give shade from the heat.
Avoid: storms and strong wind, with eucalyptus and pine standing over the path.
Light rain is no reason to cancel, since nothing on the path is steep or exposed, but rough weather can bring branches down from the trees above.
Things to do nearby
All tours in Camacha on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Sun & daylight
Along the route
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Levada Serra do Faial on the map
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay or book to walk Levada da Serra do Faial?
No. It is not a classified trail, so Madeira's booking and fee system does not cover it.Is the walk suitable for children and dogs?
Yes. The path is flat, with no steep or exposed places, and dogs are allowed.Can I walk just part of it?
Yes. The route is a line, so you can turn back whenever you like. About 3 km towards Funchal and back makes a gentle outing.Is there anywhere to get food or drink?
A café stands along the levada. There are no toilets or drinking water nearby, so bring your own water.Can I rely on Google Maps for this walk?
Not for walking directions. Google Maps does not recognise the levada as a path.