Levada do Castelejo

The Levada do Castelejo is the ideal trail to appreciate two distinct but complementary landscapes in a single route: agricultural landscapes and Laurisilva Forest.
The Levada do Castelejo is a trail that provides a broad view of the agricultural panorama of Machico municipality, in a harmonious environment between the art of good walking and connection with nature.
Agricultural fields are a constant feature throughout almost the entire route, making it possible to appreciate the main local crops, with a strong predominance of horticultural and fruit crops of each season. As we walk inland, the climate becomes more humid and the first Laurisilva species begin to appear, with the largest patch found at the end of the levada.
This forest is easily recognized by the presence of large trees that can reach over 10 meters in height, with the main species being: Laurel (Laurus novocanariensis); Vinhatico (Persea indica); Til (Ocotea foetens); Barbusano (Apollonias barbujana).
The water course of Levada do Castelejo is normally active and runs the entire length from Ribeiro Frio to Porto da Cruz, supplying the agricultural fields and primary sector of Machico municipality.
Throughout the entire route, the water course accompanies the walk, functioning as an orientation guide. At the end of the trail, there is a small waterfall resulting from the stream waters where you can perceive the water origin of Levada do Castelejo.
The return is made by the same path, in the opposite direction, allowing you to appreciate all the details that were missed during the first passage.