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PR03FAI

Levada

Faial

Open

Acores9 currently marks this trail as open.

Status checked 25 July 2026

Type
Walking trail
Route
Point to point
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
7.6 km
Duration
2 hr 30 min
Elevation
641–718 m

The trail

Levada follows a water channel built at about 680 metres above sea level on the Capelo Peninsula. Designed to collect water at several points and carry it toward the Varadouro hydroelectric plant, the scheme required years of planning and construction before opening in 1964. The trail now follows part of this system on an almost level line, revealing how engineering, volcanic relief and damp forest meet.

The route begins near Cabeço dos Trinta. An out-and-back detour leads to a tunnel entering the volcanic cone, whose interior holds dense vegetation. Back on the main track, markings pass a storage tank and reach the channel. From there, the levada guides the walk among Azorean laurel, buckthorn, holly and heather. Occasional clearings open views across the alignment of cones in the Capelo Volcanic Complex.

The itinerary continues beside the water, crossing drainage lines and restored sections, until it finishes at Alto do Chão in Cedros parish. Its grade is easy and elevation change modest, yet the setting is remote and frequently wet. The appeal comes from the channel's steady rhythm, the diversity of laurel forest and the story of an infrastructure that turned upland water into power.

Directions

Leave Horta westward and pass Feteira and Castelo Branco on the regional road. In Capelo, continue 350 metres beyond the Caldeira junction and turn right onto the asphalt lane. At the junction with a house in the middle, turn right; take another right at the following junction and continue to the trail sign. On foot, take the right-hand detour to the Cabeço dos Trinta tunnel, then return to the dirt road. Pass the storage tank on its left and continue until meeting the levada. Follow the channel and markings through woods and clearings, avoiding intersecting routes, until Alto do Chão in Cedros. Arrange collection at the finish.

Safety

The trail is open. The levada crosses damp woodland, streams and ground that can contain mud, roots and slippery stone, so wear waterproof boots with good grip. Do not enter the channel or walk on narrow edges, and cross wet points carefully. Fog and rain are common at this elevation; carry waterproofs, warm layers, water and backup navigation. Use your own light at the tunnel and do not enter if access is obstructed.

Official coordinates

Start
38.581499, -28.745657
End
38.601952, -28.709406
Elevation profile641–718 m
0 km7.6 km
GPSgpxGoogle Earthkmz
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