Madeira's Levadas
Levada dos Piornais
You won't need a car to reach this walk, it starts on top of Funchal's hotel area of Sao Martinho and you will find locals walking their dogs or having a jog along the levada.
You will be walking through banana plantations with beautiful views of the coastline, this walk is fascinating because it takes you from the busy city to a quiet valley in just a couple hours.
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Levada Nova
Another levada which may not be as popular can be found in the hills between Ribiera Brava and Ponta Do Sol, this walk takes you along the valleys and into small villages. About halfways there is a beautiful waterfall, and you may have to crouch down to fit through some low tunnels!
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Levada das 25 fontes
The most popular levada in all of the island for good reason, I reccomend starting early as the trail gets very busy!
If you start from the first car park you will also be able to walk through the impressive Tunel do Cavalo, which is over a kilometre long and very dark. This route is less known and a bit of a shortcut to get to the 25 fontes before the crowds!
On the way back you can also visit Risco waterfall, all the footpaths are very well sign posted so it's impossible to get lost.
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