Levada Norte starting from Cabo Girão — route on the Island of Madeira

Great tour - but we didn't want to go back the same way and instead went back a little above on a road with little traffic

Unfortunately, the tour did not quite meet my expectations. The part of the route through the residential areas was too long. If you would like to get a glimpse into the backyards and vegetable gardens on the hillsides of the residents, you can find what you are looking for here. The loop at the northern end at least offers levada hiking in a natural environment. Unfortunately, carelessly or often deliberately disposed of rubbish is a constant reminder of the proximity to the urban zone. The view from Cabo Girao is of course great.

Taxi to startpoint from parking skywalk 16 euro , half way cafe , very nice walk

Since the end point was also the starting point, the total hike is about 15 km. The view at Cabo Girao is fantastic. To get to the platform, a ticket for €2.00/adult must be purchased from the machine.

It's nice to be out on the levadas again, quite alone. A lovely walk away from the tourist crowds, with a small café along the way at the Igreja de Garachico.

Today's tour, the last day of our unplanned extension due to flight cancellations, took us along the Levada do Norte. This central irrigation channel carries water from the wetter northwest to the drier southern slopes. The vineyards around Estreito de Câmara de Lobos particularly benefit from it. In some sections, the levada is wide and even covered. We chose this altitude and this part of the island because of the forecast rain front. It would have been significantly colder and more unpleasant at higher elevations. Here, at around 540 to 580 meters, the temperatures were around 13 degrees Celsius, partly cloudy with a bit of wind and a few drops of rain – but without actually getting wet. Overall, better than predicted. The vineyards above Estreito de Câmara de Lobos give the tour its character, and the view from the cliff edge at Cabo Girão – from the Skywalk (580 meters above sea level, entrance fee 5 euros) – is well worth it. The Levada Trail felt completely different today because we walked through a lot of populated areas, past many excited dogs, and the blossoms already hinted at the arrival of spring. Another interesting sight was a freshly lit fire: it seemed part of a garden was burning 🔥. The fire department checked the situation, but apparently no major intervention was necessary. P.S.: Today's hike was based on tour no. 7 from the Rother hiking guide, which, however, is designed as a linear hike and even manages to omit the highlight of an approximately 80-meter-long tunnel. We also wanted to return to our parked car without having to take a taxi.

Very nice and easy hike if you don't suffer from vertigo.

A tour with great views and variety, but not without danger. Absolute sure-footedness and a head for heights are required. There are many exposed and narrow sections that are not secured.