Time for our old favourite: Ribeiro Frio – Portela. The good old ”Landscapes of Madeira” book was in my pocket again.
Last time I walked this levada was when my mother was still with us and we decided to go to Madeira for a revival of good old hiking times. She was 75, and I knew this would be her last time here. Strangely enough, that is what we felt too, my husband and I, this year. This might be our last time, our last walk in Madeira. My husband is now the same age as my mother was in 2010, and we have been here so many times over the years.
The bus dropped us at Ribeiro Frio, and as usual its name was accurate – it was cold. This walk is 11 kilometers long and of moderate difficulty. Sure footedness and a head for heights is essential.
Let’s go – with beating heart and high expectations!
We decided to go to Balcoes first, where you can see all the way down to the sea. Misty mornings are not unusual …
… and this one was no exception. Luckily it lifted just in time for the great views!
So, where is the levada? This sidetrip to Balcoes does not follow a levada, but is truly worth it for the magnificent views.
As soon as there is a house or a road in sight – the path is adorned with Pride of Madeira. This is not their national flower though – which is the Strelizia.
We walked back to the starting point and Levada do Furado, where the main walk begins. It is a varied and beautiful walk, much travelled. Luckily it was not crowded at all, so it felt like good old times.
There are some steep parts, but in most places also good railings. A couple of tunnels as well, but today you can easily use your phone instead of the torch. We met many of the pretty Chaffinches – especially where hikers usually take a break to eat something. Totally unafraid of people they come jumping up to you, watching your every move with those pepper grain eyes.
At the restaurant in Portela, we had a well deserved dinner and a coffee, warming up a bit after the last 30 minutes of rain.
Oh, the scent, the lush landscape, the silent walk and the soothing trickle of water. I know mum would have loved it – again.
Was this really our last time? Well…
Leya 
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Thank you, Jo!
What a magnificent place with wonderful memories.
♥ Sorry there is no way to transfer the lovely scent!
What a fantastic, memorable hike! Glad you two were able to walk it again.
thank you, Rebecca! Yes, we were so grateful to see that we managed rather well!
Oh, Ann-Christine. What a walk. Thanks so much for sharing it You say it’s a much travelled route, but this is hard to believe. It looks as though the Hand of Man has barely touched it. Quite magical!
Well, thank you, and much travelled in their island might not mean so many people…maybe just that it is a very loved route?
Well, I can absolutely see why this is a favourite walk and a special place for you 😀 The views are wonderful, and I love the waterfall and the cute chaffinch! And everything looks so green! There is no way I could tackle that walk so I’m very happy to have experienced it virtually through you – thank you!
Thank you for walking with me, Sarah! It is difficult to feel when I only can give you photos…but green it is!
Ann-Christine, it looks like a magical place. Never say never!
♥
I am happy to have walked this with you A-C because there is no way I could do that now. The steepness and the narrowness of some of those paths – you have to be very sure-footed. I wish I had visited Madeira 20 years ago because I am sure I would love it as much as you do.
Jude, I am glad you walked with me, and yes, I am sure you would have loved it too. We are happy to have made those two hikes once more.
What a wonderful hike and beautiful images. Thank you for taking us along.
Thank you, Donna, for walking along!
Dear Ann-Christine
We are sure it wasn’t. You seem to love this island too much to stop visiting it.
We have never been there and knew it only from the nautical literature.
All the best
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you! Then you have seen a tiny piece of it now.
Fabulous – stunning scenery, lush green vegetation, interesting paths, and you have even given me an abandoned building! Thanks for the Virtual Walk, A C!
Thanks, Sue, that one was for you!😊
haha!
Tragically, my confidence is fading too for this kind of walk, though I know it’s stunningly beautiful. Let me walk it in your footsteps, Ann-Christine xx
❤️You are welcome!
Can’t help myself. I’m linking to my Monday walks xx
Oh of course! Thank you for thinking! The heat doesn’t make my head any clearer…🥰
Dear Lord, Ann-Christine! You’ve been to paradise several times. What a gorgeous place with beautiful flowers and lush greens. Amazing!
Thank you – a place to return to all seasons!
What a beautiful setting for hiking and soaking up nature’s goodness.