Levada da Ribeira da Janela: A Hike Through Madeira’s Ancient Tunnel.

Situated along the northeast coast of Porto Moniz is Ribeira da Janela, an area set in history famous for its fertile soil and breathtaking landscapes. The term Levada comes from the Portuguese word “leva,” which means to carry. These are extensive systems of channels that travel many kilometers, mostly running alongside mountains but occasionally cutting through them. They are mainly ditches constructed to direct water from different sources, mainly for agricultural use. In this article, I will share my experience exploring the ancient tunnel of Ribeira da Janela, known as the Levada, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and equipping you with all the necessary information about it.

Table of Contents

1. Route Description.
2. How to get to Levada da Ribeira da Janela.
3. Hazards and Recommendations

1. Route Description.

The Levada da Ribeira da Janela hike is an 11.5km trail when taken through one-way and approximately 23 km as an out-and-back trail. It follows the Ribeira de Janela valley, offering incredible views of the unique Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trek begins in Lamarçeiros, Porto Moniz, where you will follow a road surrounded by verdant jungles and towering cliffs.

Around 4.5 kilometers into the hike, you will begin to encounter tunnels- so bring a flashlight to navigate through the dark tunnels and avoid any low ceilings. Most hikers find this shorter route perfect to appreciate the scenic trail. The pathway within the tunnel was quite slick, and you should prepare to get splashed since water is dripping from the rocks above.

After hiking through the first tunnel for roughly ten minutes, you will be greeted by a breathtaking waterfall that is so calming that it inspires you to keep going. There were also moments of anxiety when I encountered small landslides; proper precautions should be observed while navigating the tunnel. For those not ready for the full hike, there’s a great option: start from Lamaçeiros and hike to a picturesque waterfall, about 5 kilometers and back. This route lets you experience the wild nature, tunnels, and gorges, giving a true taste of the levada’s beauty without the long distance. Hiking in the Levada can be moderately difficult. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential to prevent mishaps because the levada is flat with slick surfaces and the trail gets narrower as you go. Depending on the trail you choose and where you begin the trip, a full hike through the Levada da Ribeira da Janela takes between seven to eight hours. However, you should be aware that Levada da Ribeira da Janela is a popular tourist destination that attracts travelers or hikers from all over the world and you might meet hikers out for the same adventures. It portrays Madeira as a place that must be on every traveler’s bucket list because of the fairly challenging climb, which promises a panoramic view and a hint of mystery at every turn.

2. How to get to Levada da Ribeira da Janela.

One popular route of getting to Levada da Ribeira da Janela is by using the ER101 road which is signposted above Porto Moniz or towards Santa. There is a large parking lot at the end of the road. If you are interested in the one-way trail, the 11.5 km. You will need to hire two buses; one will be parked at Lamarceiros, and the other will be parked at Fonte do Bispo. You can then begin your hike from Fonte do Bispo and track down the Levada to Lamarceiros.
For the out-and-back trail, you will have to trek back from Lamarceiros back to Fonte do Bispo. This can be overwhelming and stressful because you need to return the cars to Fonte do Bispo before you start the back of the trail. A one-way trail is more desirable as there’s no need to return to the Levada to walk the trails you have just finished.  If you’re looking to rent a car, I always recommend using Carwave Madeira. Fully-equipped vehicles with comprehensive insurance coverage, eliminating the need for a security deposit or credit card hold. Book your rental car today.

3. Hazards and Recommendations.

Hiking through the Levada can be challenging if the right precautions are not taken. Here are a few tips to make sure that your hike is one without any accidents.
● Checkthe Weather Forecast: Before you set out on the hike, it is important to check the weather and cloud conditions to avert unprepared challenges that may result in avoidable accidents. This can be achieved using the webcam in Porto Moniz.
● Prepare your backpack: Ensure to carry enough water and snacks to keep you energized and hydrated during the hike. Whistle and first aid materials would also help in emergencies.
● Tunnel Navigation: Levada tunnels are dark and slippery. Bring a headlamp and make sure your hiking boots are apt for the trail.
● Walkonmarked paths: Stay close to clear paths to avert incidents of landslides. The footsteps of hikers can be seen clearly on marked paths and that makes them reliable. Feel free to use my GPS track to stay on course and enjoy every step.
● Stayin touch with someone: When going on the hike or during the hike, ensure to keep in touch with someone on the outside for fast response in case of emergency.

The hike along Levada da Ribeira da Janela lets you enjoy nature. As you walk on the green, slippery path, the beauties of Madeira unfold before you. You can hear the calming sound of water flowing and see the bright greenery, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It is a hike through Madeira’s ancient tunnel, and it emphasizes why Madeira should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

For more interesting destinations check out my guide to Madeira Island. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations and hikes, various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.

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