One thing that practically every tourist likes to do on their vacation is to walk a little to be more active, so Madeira is an excellent place for that. Now imagine being able to be surrounded by nature at different times, whether inland or along the coast, that is this is what hiking in Madeira Island is all about. Want to know about hiking in Madeira Island? Come to discover the difference between Levada and Vereda.

Normally, those who are not informed may have the wrong idea about what Madeira Island can offer any of us on any existing topic. Fortunately, there is a little bit of everything in this pearl of the Atlantic, the most curious thing is that it has almost 2000km of levadas that provide hikes with different difficulties, most of which are open to the public. 

From now on, let’s admit one important thing. Madeira is literally a paradise for nature lovers, as it has a very complete mountainous constitution full of valleys, plains, plateaus, peaks, and viewpoints as well as an immense forest that covers about 70% of its total area full of endemic species, of both plants and animals. In short, an ecosystem that sometimes envies some tourist destinations. 

Obviously, walks are not far behind, as everything that has been said above can be appreciated in detail in Madeira, from walks along the coast smelling the sea to walks within the dense forest with the presence of beautiful peaks and viewpoints.

What is a “Levada”?

The “levadas” are extensive water channels with a small slope, originally designed to transport water from the north of the island, where a wetter climate is observed and with more precipitation, to the south where the climate is notoriously drier, with more population. and plantations.

 Currently, the levadas are also used to venture out and discover the stupendous nature of Madeira Island, where there are landscapes and species of flora and fauna that are unique in the world.

What is the difference between a “Levada” and a “Vereda”?

Despite everything, as mentioned above, Madeira is a perfect place to go for a lot of walks. But what is the difference between a “levada” and a “path”? This is quite simple to differentiate.

A “levada” is a path with the presence of a narrow watercourse while a “vereda” is also a path but without the presence of a watercourse. Even so, both “levadas” and “veredas” are common walks in Madeira, some with difficulties and certainly each with its own beauty.

RULES TO CONSIDER

Although these walks can be done by everyone regardless of their race, gender, ideology, body, there are some rules that must be followed.

• Stay inside the track with or without a guide;
• Avoid noise and attitudes that disturb the environment;
• Do not collect or damage plants;
• Do not disturb the animals;
• Do not leave any type of rubbish on the routes;
• Make no fire;
• If you are a smoker, don’t throw the butts on the floor, save them to put in the trash can;
• Do not destroy or modify the signs in the places, as they are necessary for the orientation of the routes.