Trail describtion:
Levada da Água de Alto offers stunning scenery and breathtaking views. It is one of the less frequented levadas, which comes with a number of great benefits. There’s a good chance you won’t encounter any other hikers, or just a handful at most.
The levada itself is relatively short, making it a great option for less experienced hikers or even families with children. The difficulty level can be adjusted depending on how you choose to get there. It is easily accessible by car and bus, but you can also reach it on foot, allowing you to extend your hike and turn it into a longer and more rewarding adventure.
Trail characteristics:
Trail is subjectively rated as Easy.
The length of the trail is 7.2 km (4.47 miles) and journey will take you around 02:10 hours. The elevation on the trail is 150 m. The highest point on the trail is 377 m and the lowest 238 m.
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Personal hike notes
This levada is also a great choice for those who have planned more challenging hikes during their stay and want to take a break without completely skipping a day outdoors. Levada da Água de Alto is perfect for this purpose—it’s easy, relaxing, and short, yet it offers spectacular landscapes, incredible viewpoints, and a breathtaking waterfall at the end that will leave you in awe.
As you walk along the levada, you’ll be immersed in Madeira’s lush greenery. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The highlight is undoubtedly the Água d’Alto Waterfall, nestled in a verdant canyon, providing a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.
The waterfall is most impressive after periods of rainfall, typically during the winter months. However, always check the weather forecast before your hike, as the trail can become slippery when wet.
If you decide to visit the trail by bus:
The LEV Serra Faial-Zona 28 bus stop is served by buses numbered 56, 103, and 138 in both directions:
- From Santana and the northern part of the island.
- From Funchal and the southwestern part of the island.
When traveling on the Santana – Funchal route, expect the bus to arrive at the LEV Serra Faial-Zona 28 stop approximately 10-15 minutes after departing from Santana.
Conversely, on the Funchal – Santana route, the bus is expected to arrive at the LEV Serra Faial-Zona 28 stop about 10-15 minutes before its scheduled arrival in Santana.
Another option for reaching the levada by bus is the Faial-Supermercado bus stop:
- This stop is located directly next to a grocery store and café.
- It is served by buses numbered 56, 103, and 138.
The schedule is similar to that of the LEV Serra Faial-Zona 28 stop. For this stop, expect the bus to arrive approximately 15-20 minutes after departing from Santana, or before arriving in Santana if traveling from Funchal.
Accessibility on Foot:
It is possible to reach the levada on foot from both Santana and Faial, covering a distance of just a few kilometers.
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