Daniel’s Levada Directory
Levada da Serra da Alegria
Also known as Levada da Fonte Vermelha, Levada Nova de São Roque, Levada Nova da Serra da Alegria
Archival documentation — not a current hiking recommendation. Source file on danishome.ch last modified: 31 March 2022
Area
Monte/Funchal. The Levada da Serra da Alegria was originally a complex system combining 2 feeder branches from the Ribeira de Santa Luzia and splitting into 3 branches across 3 lombos into the north of Funchal.
Madrei
Ribeira de Santa Luzia
Levada da Serra da Alegria superior N 32°43.100 W 16°55.550 ca. 1412 m a.s.l.
Levada da Serra da Alegria inferior (Levada da Fonte Vermelha) N 32°42.650 W 16°55.250 ca. 1133 m a.s.l.
End
Alegria ca. 460 m a.s.l., Galeao ca. 531 m a.s.l. and Lombo de Joao do Boieiro ca. 480 m a.s.l.
Function and use
Water supply for Sao Roque, Alegria, Cova, Galeao and Jamboeiro
Access
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Descent from the Levada do Barreiro via the upper part of the Jesus steps (Escadinhas do Menino Jesus)
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Descent from the new panorama road (crossing with the Levada da Negra) via the Esteios
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Ascent via the lower Jesus steps
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From the respective end points
Condition
Levada da Serra da Alegria superior: In places very dangerous and exposed, in poor condition, and quite dangerous to walk towards the Madre. One spot takes a fair amount of nerve and acrobatics! It does not seem to be in regular use, blocked in places, though repairs in concrete have been made at various points. From the point marked on the map (water chamber) it is piped along a gravel track (see also Walk 2015).
Levada da Serra da Alegria inferior (Levada da Fonte Vermelha): It is not an easy levada to walk, though walkers with sure footing and a head for heights can certainly manage it. It was built to withstand rockfall, with piped sections and covers!
The sections on the lombos are easy, a little slippery when wet (see also Walk 2015).
Access paths: In places absolute sure-footedness and a head for heights are required! (Escadinhas do Menino Jesus)
Remarks
Above the Levada da Serra da Alegria superior, traces of another old ruined levada can still be made out (see the map).