PR 23 – Levada da Azenha
The Old Water Mill Route
Distance
6.8 km (Return)
Duration
2h – 3h
Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This is not a “tourist” levada. You will see local farmers tending to their land. It’s quiet, authentic, and peaceful any time of day.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada da Azenha?
The PR 23 is a lovely, low-key walk in the Caniço area. It connects the rural backroads of Santa Cruz to the lush valleys of Azenha.
It preserves the memory of the old “Azenhas” (Water Mills) that used to grind wheat here. You walk under old stone bridges, past small waterfalls, and through mimosa forests.
Trail Map
From Azenha (Caniço) towards Gaula.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Azenha (Start)
Start at the Caminho da Azenha in Caniço. Look for the trail sign. The path immediately enters a shaded valley.
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2
The Old Mill
You pass ruins of the old water mills. The vegetation is lush, with vines and invasive species mixing with native plants.
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3
Levada do Tornos Connection
The trail actually runs below the larger Levada dos Tornos. You might see connections between the two water systems.
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4
Turnaround
The official path ends when it meets a steep road or the levada goes underground. Turn around and enjoy the easy walk back.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The old stone walls of the ruined mills covered in ivy make for a moody, historical photo subject.
There are sections where the trees completely cover the levada, creating a dark green tunnel effect.
Through the trees, you can occasionally spot the ocean and the houses of Caniço clinging to the hillsides.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to Caniço (just east of Funchal). Head inland towards “Azenha”.
📍 Entrance
The trailhead is somewhat hidden in a residential area. Use GPS to find “Caminho da Azenha”. Park considerately on the narrow street.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Suburban Streets
Navigate the steep streets of Caniço.
Our Rental Recommendation: Caniço has some very steep hills. Hill Start Assist is a lifesaver here. A compact car is best for parking on the narrow streets near the trailhead. This is Madeira Island has great city runabouts like the Renault Clio.
Essential Gear
- Sneakers: The trail is mostly flat dirt. No heavy boots needed.
- Water: It can get warm in this lower-altitude valley.
- Mosquito Repellent: Being near stagnant water and lower down, bugs can be present in summer.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
A Traineira (Caniço de Baixo)
Drive down to the coast in Caniço de Baixo. This restaurant serves excellent fresh fish and seafood. It’s a bit more upscale but perfect for a nice lunch.
