terça-feira, 26 de maio de 2009

Madeira Hiking and Levada WalksThe island of Madeira



The island of Madeira, with its spectacular scenery and tranquillity, is a heaven for walkers and nature-lovers. Its a green subtropical paradise of volcanic origin. Few walking destinations offer such variety with picturesque villages, rugged peaks, alpine plateaus, waterfalls and gorges, verdant valleys, orchards full of cherries, bananas and other fruit, wild flowers in abundance and an unspoilt coastline with towering sea cliffs. You can enjoy walking here all year round, because Madeira's temperature only varies a few degrees either side of 20ºC.


The unique Madeira Levadas (these are water channels that run through the mountains, with narrow paths alongside, for the workers to maintain them.) are simply exhilarating and superb. They are easily followed as they wind around the hillsides. Sometimes they pass through small tunnels and a torch may be necessary. Mountain hikes and levada walks allow you to explore most of the island on your holiday.

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