Levada

A levada (Portuguese for "led") is an irrigation channel or aqueduct on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean (about convert|500|mi|km southwest of Portugal).

The levadas originated out of the necessity of bringing large amounts of water from the west and northwest of the island to the drier southeast, which is more conducive to habitation and agriculture (such as sugar cane production). In the sixteenth century the Portuguese started building levadas to carry water to the agricultural regions. The most recent were made in the 1940s. Madeira is very mountainous, and building the levadas was often difficult. Many are cut into the sides of mountains, and it was also necessary to dig convert|25|mi|km of tunnels.

Today the levadas not only supply water to the southern parts of the island but provide hydro-electric power. There are over convert|1350|mi|km of levadas and they provide a remarkable network of walking paths. Some provide easy and relaxing walks through beautiful countryside, but others are narrow, crumbling ledges where a slip could result in serious injury or death.

A popular levada to hike is the "Levada do Caldeirão Verde" which continues as the "Levada Caldeirão do Inferno". Together it is about convert|23|mi|km long. Along both parts there are long sections which should not be attempted by hikers prone to vertigo; and several tunnels for which flashlights and helmets are essential. The "Levada do Canical" is a much easier walk. This levada runs convert|7.1|mi|km from Maroços to the "Canical Tunnel". It is known as the "mimosa levada" because acacias (commonly misnamed mimosas) are found all along the route. [J. and P. Underwood, "Landscapes of Madeira" (Sunflower Books) is the most widely used guide to the levadas. It provides detailed instructions and maps covering 42 levadas and other walks.]

ee also

*The Canary island of La Palma also has a network of visitable water tunnels.

References