Levada da Serra do Faial

The Levada da Serra do Faial is a typical route on the east coast of Madeira Island, which starts in the neighbouring municipality of Santa Cruz and ends in the municipality of Machico.

About 9 km long, the Levada da Serra do Faial is a calm route to do, remaining almost entirely at the 850 m contour.

From 6.5 km the descent begins towards the parish of Santo António da Serra (Machico), more precisely in the Portela area.

The Levada da Serra do Faial presents a variety of scenes along its course, combining a rural setting—dominated by dense surrounding forest—with the everyday life on the outskirts of the East Coast municipalities.

There are several crossings that create harmony between these two distinct realities; these points also provide access to the regional roads E.R. 202 and E.R. 102.

Along the route, on the more rural side, you can spot large trees, the Laurissilva Forest and the emblematic species classified by UNESCO as World Natural Heritage. The strong eucalyptus scent also takes you to the transition zones between the Laurissilva and more exotic forest.

Remnants of once-cultivated fields and the paired stone walls and haylofts complete a scene that transports us to a more distant past, when agricultural life filled the area and structured the daily life of its people.

The more urban side of the route and the various crossings with the regional roads allow you to change direction whenever you feel the need or even stop for a snack at a nearby bar/restaurant.

In any of these settings there is a common denominator that accompanies you for almost the entire route. The levada that gives the route its name is a constant presence and serves as a true guiding feature of the trail.

As you enter the municipality of Machico heading toward Portela, you will find several natural viewpoints, already featuring as a backdrop the emblematic Penha de Águia, whose imposing presence sits between the parishes of Faial and Porto da Cruz.

The end of the route is also rewarded with the well-known Portela viewpoint at 670 m. Here you can take the opportunity to rest a little and enjoy a regional drink or meal.