Encumeada levada

Encumeada levada

This is a hard lever trail in the mountainous massif of Madeira that passes through Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) and begins at Encumeada, the central zone that divides the north and the south sides of the island.

The first part of the route takes you on an accessible trail that passes through Curral Jangão and gradually ascends to Chão da Relvinha, where we'll descend til Fajã Escura.

Arriving here, we follow Fajã dos Cardos, where we'll see a trail surrounded by agricultural plantations.

This is where we start to climb til Boca das Torrinhas, a point where you can contemplate the view over Curral das Freiras. We'll return with constant ascents and descents, til Encumeada, in a rail with basaltic steps.

The first part of the walk runs along a levada with a climb in a stone path that will lead you to Pináculo (1515m). From here the journey follows to Levada da Serra, excavated in a volcanic tuff with water dripping and splashing, which need caution in the walk.

Along with this part of the walk, until Caramujo area (1250m), you'll see stunning views over São Vicente Valley covered by watercourses. After exploring the Caramujo area we will continue to Levada do Folhadal (1000m). The last part of the walks takes place inside of Laurissilva Forest.