Levada Nova

Levada Nova Walk in Tabúa Offers Scenic Clifftop Views and Agricultural Heritage

A peaceful half-day walking route along Levada Nova in the parish of Tabúa provides visitors with an accessible yet visually striking introduction to Madeira’s southern landscapes. The trail runs westward toward Ponta do Sol, following a mostly flat and easy path that allows walkers to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. However, certain sections run close to exposed cliff edges, making the route unsuitable for those affected by vertigo.

Throughout the walk, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views over the Tabúa valley, Ribeira Brava, and the coastline of Ponta do Sol. The elevated path offers a continuous panorama of terraced hillsides, coastal slopes, and rural settlements, creating a strong sense of connection between land, sea, and traditional island life.

Levada Nova itself is relatively modern by Madeira’s standards, with water beginning to flow through it in 1962. Despite its recent construction, it follows the island’s long-standing levada tradition and supports surrounding agricultural activity. Along the route, carefully maintained terraces showcase the work of local farmers, with sugar cane fields standing out as a defining feature of the landscape.

Sugar cane cultivation has deep historical roots in Madeira, dating back to the fifteenth century. Today, it continues to play an important role in local production, used in the creation of cachaça for the island’s iconic Poncha as well as traditional cane honey used in regional pastries and cakes. Combined with its sunny southern location and year-round accessibility, Levada Nova offers a rewarding blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and agricultural tradition.