Camacha and Quinta Valle Paraiso walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

An out and back Levada walk along a section of the Levada da Serra. There are no vertigo problems and plenty of shade along this generous track (used by families with infants’ push chairs!). Trees, shrubs and wild flowers in profusion. Camacha is a substantial village sitting high above Funchal, long established as the centre of an important wicker-work industry, using local willow as raw material.

Start. The parking area is just above the forestry office and Start : Go uphill for a short distance from the parking area. Turn left between buildings, on the wall is an old sign ‘Levada da Serra do Faial. Join the levada in a few yards. Pass a flight of the traditional ‘ox foot’ steps, then pass between houses, before reaching the village of Achadinha. Proceed along a roadway with levada still on the right.

1. Pass the bar and cross a road, there is a ‘Levada da Serra, Choupana’ sign. Pass the village wash place (still used!) and walk along the side of a road, descending gently. In 150 yards, by a bus stop, turn right to ascend a short flight of steps and continue along the side of the levada, now with views of Camacha and the sea. The rich woodland includes oaks, willows, chestnuts and eucalyptus. Go straight across a road, then cross a house access roadway and continue past an area where huge rocks have been placed. There is a ruined house on the left, then a road with bus stops (ER203). Go straight across, pass behind a small cluster of houses, and reach the entrance to Quinto Vale Paraiso, with its long cobbled access drive.

2. Return by the same route.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.