Start of Alecrim Levada walk
The levada do Alecrim is an easy, out and back walk (approximately 7 kms in all) and suitable for those who have children. However the path is very uneven due to embedded rocks, so care needs to be taken.
The start to the walk is on the Paul do Serra Plateau, and is situated next to the car park for the Rabaçal, 25 Fontes walk. Fortunately, it is not as popular as the 25 Fontes walk so you will not encounter so many people on the walk. It is also quite shady due to the overhanging Urze, which is the predominant vegetation along with endemic species of broom, Genista tenera (Madeiran Broom) and Teline maderensis (Piorno). As you proceed along the levada you will see magnificent glimpses of the Rabaçal valley and mountains.
Unfortunately, for most of the walk, the levada is now empty as the water has been diverted nearer to the falls, so the wonderful staircase with gushing water alongside which I remember from years back, is not quite so spectacular. Still there are several waterfalls you will encounter before you get to the Madre (source) of the levada, which is absolutely breath-taking – a cascade of water, creating a natural pool below.