Levada is the Madeira name for the irrigation channels. The Levada do Norte (North Levada) is one of the most beautiful in Madeira Island but also the longest one and one of the most difficult levadas. Its construction started in 1947 and only 5 years later the water could run along its 50 km. It took hard work and much perseverance to build this long channel which crosses mountains and valleys.

The origin of Levada do Norte near the spring of Seixal river at 1025 meters of altitude. Between its origin and the point where this levada reaches the south of the Island it is 14 km from which 7,2 km are tunnels. If you are thinking about walking along this part of the levada be aware that it is not easy as these tunnels are low, narrow and some of them very wet. The tunnel which crosses Encumeada mountain from the North to the South has about 540 meters long and takes water on a depth of 200 meters from the top of the mountain. It then follows to the hydroelectric plant in Serra d’Água, where it falls down from 424 meters high. After helping to produce electricity the Levada do Norte goes again for the agriculture terrains of Ribeira Brava, Campanário, Quinta Grande and Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. This part of the levada is at a lower altitude of 550 meters and distances almost 35 km with 9 tunnels totalizing 3,3 km.