Daniel’s Levada Directory
9 July 2018 Circular walk from Portela Pass via the Levada do Castelejo, Pico da Suna and the Levada da Portela
Also known as Tour 2018-07-09 Pico da Suna
Archival documentation — not a current hiking recommendation. Source file on danishome.ch last modified: 12 June 2020
Course
Start at the Portela pass. Descend via the Caminho Municipal Portela–Cruz da Guarda (part of the CR 23) and an alternative path to the regional road from Porto da Cruz to Maiata. To the end of the Levada do Castelejo, and on it against the flow as far as the Vereda da Terra Baptista, then on that path to the Pico da Suna. Descend to the water house at the end of the Levada do Furado, that is at the Madre of the Levada da Portela. Along the old disused section of the Levada da Portela, past the Posto Florestal in Lamaceiros, and later again on the section that carries water, as far as the Portela pass.
Distance: 17.9 km, 820 m of ascent, 820 m of descent
Start: 09.30 Portela pass
End
17.10 Portela pass
Condition
The descent on the old CR 23 is in perfect condition.
The Levada do Castelejo is somewhat overgrown and carrying only a little water as far as the junction with the ER108, and in good condition after that. The exposed spot after the crossing of the Ribeira Tem-Te-Nao-Caias is protected, but the protection is worthless.
The climb on the Vereda da Terra Baptista is in good condition and very pleasant to walk. The ground is somewhat eroded in places because it is used as a mountain-bike downhill route. 2 turnoffs to the Levada do Furado are marked.
The descent from the Pico da Suna is on a wide track.
The Levada da Portela is a bit bleak at the start, on the track; from the section that carries water it is very fine.
Remarks
The Vereda da Terra Baptista is used as a downhill route. Keep that in mind and react in time to any riders.