Levada Walking - BE CAREFUL

I have said this on the blog before and will repeat this again, that Levada walking needs concentration and care. 

The British Government have released today caution for British tourists traveling to Portugal.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and has advised tourists visiting Madeira to take caution when walking Levada's on the island and some should only be attempted if your used to hiking.

Also in Portugal to take care not to have money and passports on show as there is an increase in robberies in certain areas, and to also look for anything or anyone suspicious that could lead to terrorist activity, as its a destination they believe could be targeted.

Coming back to the LEVADA walking, Saturday 30th April a French male 85 years old dies after falling 100m from the levada at Garachico,  Estrieto de Camara de Lobos.

Today both French again, a woman of 59 years fell and broke her foot on the Levada 25 Fonts Rabaçal, and a young woman of 27 years fell from Caldeirão do Inferno Santana with suspected broken leg.

Levada's are beautiful and the only way you will see the real Madeira, I do many and enjoy them very much,

You need to be very careful though, if your looking at the scenery and taking photos for god sake stop and do this, I see so many tourists walking along with their eyes everywhere apart from the path in front of them, a small slip or trip can result in death in an instant. 

I am not trying to put people off but just have common sense, wear good walking shoes or boots, make sure you have a touch, a light waterproof, a mobile phone that is charged something to eat if your on a long walk and water to drink. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY tell someone where you are going, especially tourists staying in hotels, and hotel staff will notice your missing if your bed has not been slept in over night. and if they know where you planned to go, it could SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Enjoy Madeira, Enjoy the Levadas and stay safe, they are beautiful, and so much to see and enjoy. 

Levada Walks

The one thing you must do when visiting Madeira, is a levada walk.

This is going to be the only way you will see and feel the real Madeira.

Monday I did the walk from Marocos to Machico, A very nice easy walk, all on the flat, and no dodgy parts if your scared of heights.

You walk through all the terraced land and see so many fruits and vegetables grown, cats, dogs, goats and sheep also along the way, as well as friendly locals. You will also see honesty stalls, with fruit and drinks along the way, and there is also a bar about 2/3rds of the way round to stop for a drink and snack.

The walk is about 12km and will take about 4hrs 30mins. 

We parked the car at Marocos, and at the end of the walk by the old tunnel to Caniçal, we jumped in a taxi to take us back to the car, this was 12-14 euros.

I recommend the Walk Me Guide app, it is the best app for Madeira and a must to have if you enjoy walking. The app is free on Android and if you have an Apple device Ipad or Iphone it is $2.99.

If you would like the app on your Apple device I will be giving away free codes in April for you to have and use the app for Free, just send me an email or contact me any other way and I will send you a code to install the app.

Please take a look at my photos below (Click Photo), and if you have never done a levada then this is a perfect one to start with.

Levada Walks

Some sad news today as a tourist for Belgium I believe, fell from the Levada Curral dos Romeiros.

 A fairly easy walking Levada, it seems the person was on their own, and was already dead when the emergency services got to them.

Levadas are one of Madeira's main attractions and are stunning and beautiful, but it has to be said that these walks should not be carried out alone, and you always need to be careful. The weather has been bad so this does not help as surfaces will be slippery, but also you need to take care if your looking around or taking photos then stop and do this, don't loose your concentration as it can be so easy to slip trip and fall.

Photo by Timbobee on Flickr