• Levada do Alecrim

  • 1

Levada do Alecrim

 
  • Itinerary
  • Rabaçal - Ribeira do Alecrim - Lagoa "Dona Beja"
  • Start
  • Rabaçal (E.R. 105) 
  • End
  • Rabaçal (E.R. 105)  
 

 

 

Datasheet

  • Typology
  • LEVADA
  • Difficulty
  • EASY
  • Terrain
  • REGULAR
  • Direction
  • ROUND TRIP
  • Distance
  • 6,8 KM (2x 3,4 KM)
  • Time
  • 2h – 2h30min

3D Route

Source: Google Earth

How to get here

With Funchal as a reference and keeping in mind that the regional road (ER. 105) between Encumeada and Rabaçal is temporarily closed, we recommend the following route:

  • Take the Via Rápida (VR1) towards Ribeira Brava;
  • In Ribeira Brava, follow the Via Expresso (VE3) towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta;
  • Once you reach the village of Arco da Calheta, at the roundabout take the first exit towards E.R. 222;
  • In Loreto follow the signs towards Rabaçal;
  • Once there the walk on the right hand side.

 

Points of Interest

Levada do Alecrim is part of the network of levadas that start in the Rabaçal area.

The starting point of this levada also leads us to Levada das 25 Fontes, Risco and Paul II.

To start this Levada, also known as Paul I, follow the paved road a few meters towards the forestry house of Rabaçal. You’ll find a dirt trail visible just to the right, take this route and a few meters ahead you meet the levada. This is a fairly easy, well-marked walk.

During your walk you’ll be traveling through magnificent heather tunnels that almost enclose the path, making this a unique experience.

Approximately 500 meters after the starting point you’ll cross Ribeira do Alecrim (Rosemary stream) that feeds the hydroelectric power station of Calheta. Along the way there is a high rate of endemic flora such as the Madeiran orchid and giant sow thistles. In addition to unique flora there are amazing views onto the Rabaçal and Ribeira da Janela valleys.

Before arriving at the “Dona Beja” lake, you’ll cross a trail: to the right, you’ll be taken up to Lajeado; to the left down to Lagoa do Vento (this descent difficult and is only recommended for experienced walkers). Tributaries, which you’ll have to cross, flowing into the main streams are fairly frequent, although they do not present too much of a challenge.

After more or less 3,4km you’ll arrive at the origin of the levada, where you can enjoy the pretty Dona Beja lake and the serene setting.

Safety

In addition to the safety guide the Municipality of Calheta prepared specifically for you, which you may find here, please note these more specific recommendations:

- Do not forget that this walk is located in a mountainous region above 1200 m altitude, therefore, it is subject to unpredictable weather conditions (fog is very common). Do not venture off the trail. When in doubt please feel free to use the GPS references available.

Map

 

Gallery

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