Daniel’s Levada Directory

Levadinha Joao de Deus

Also known as Levada da Fajã dos Vinháticos (Faja da Nogeira), Levadinha João de Deus, Levada João Dias

Archival documentation — not a current hiking recommendation. Source file on danishome.ch last modified: 4 September 2025

Area

Faja da Nogueira/Northeast

Construction period

Alte Levadinha: Vor 1850 Neue Levadinha: 1970

Function and use

Originally it irrigated the area around Lombada da Gorda (old course); today (new course) it feeds the Faja da Nogueira power station via the Levada da Serra do Faial.

Access

The new course can be reached on a faint path that starts at the south-eastern exit of the Pico Ruivo tunnel. It meets the levada where the pipe that crosses the stream begins. Then follow the Levadinha as far as the new Madre.
Old course: the old Madre in the Ribeira Seca (exact place undetermined; this area was hit by a landslide some time ago, and the structures are destroyed).
Access is possible from the new Levadinha shortly before the Madre: a descent, then access to 2 small tunnels and the first gallery tunnel, which can be seen from the opposite side (Walk 2016).
On the tour of 10 October 2015 the 'Madeira Lés a Lés' described the climb from the Levada dos Tornos (the passage in the Ribeira Seca). On the way they crossed the Levadinha Joao de Deus.
The Amigos da Natureza were here as well, in July 2016 (photos 129-135).
Access from the other side, at Lombada da Gorda (Renato Cabral's walk).

Condition

New course: from the tunnel to the new Madre, moderately difficult; a head for heights is required!

Old course: mostly in ruins. The tunnels are, as they usually are, in good condition; getting to them is strenuous, dangerous, or impossible.

In August/September Lorenz from the Madeira Forum cleared the section from the gallery (3rd tunnel) as far as the (7th tunnel) and managed to get through to the climb out of the Ribeira Seca. Experts only!!!

In 2024 Renato Cabral and a small group reached the long buried tunnel, but from there they climbed on up towards Achada da Teixeira! Experts only!!!

Remarks

A short, exciting side trip to the new course if you happen to be in the area! The old course is only for the fanatics!

Update 2020: The feed pipe at the end seems to be broken, and the levada has apparently been abandoned, possibly also in connection with the landslide on the Levada da Serra do Faial on the way to the power station. That landslide was cleared in 2021, though, so perhaps this small levada is back in use?

Update 2025: The new Levadinha is in use again, and the passage as far as the Ribeira Seca is accessible again too!