A 'Levada' walk west of Silves walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Start the walk by going back along the road about 100 metres, before turning right down a path with chain across to join a small concrete waterway, which forms part of the extensive irrigation ‘canal’ system around Silves. Turn left alongside the ‘canal’ / do not go straight ahead which is dry in the winter. After a short while a tarmac track crosses the canal and by turning right, this provides a short detour, before rejoining the canal at the next junction. Follow the path alongside the waterway for about an hour, stopping here and there to admire the view across the river and checking on the bird life. About half way along this route, look out for a left-hand bend, for a short path down to the river, where you will stand on the very point where the Arade and Odelouca rivers converge. An unusual and interesting, confluence of two wide tidal waterways.

The path continues past a few isolated houses until you reach a canoe club on the river. Go down here where refreshments may be available in the summer and where some toilets are conveniently situated. Continue now on the road up past some more properties and barking dogs (Caution with the dogs), until the reappearance of the canal on your left (about 500m). Continue along path with canal on the left; when you see the viaduct going over the road on your right-hand side, carry on about 10m and as you rejoin the road turn left.

A further 200m onwards you will walk past sewerage plant on your right, you will smell it, rather than see it. After following the road for another 800m you will meet a minor tarmac road, serving a hamlet of mostly old properties & barking dogs (Caution with the dogs), at the top of the hill. This tarmac road leads down to the original junction on the canal which you follow (no detour this time) back to your car at the restaurant on the main road, where drinks and snacks are available.

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.