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Piornais with Branches: from the Pilar Channel to Ribeira do Vasco Gil

Distance
15.6 km
Time
6 h 34 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

Levada dos Piornais reveals western Funchal from the level of an irrigation channel. This version begins at Travessa Levada do Pilar, follows the urban slopes of São Martinho and reaches Ribeira do Vasco Gil. Branches and returns over familiar ground make it a wider outing than a single levada section. Check restrictions before attempting the complete passage: part of Piornais retains a construction-related no-access map entry, and reopening has not been confirmed.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Concrete 56% · Dirt 19% · Asphalt 9% · Unknown 16%

Surface data covers 13.1 km of 15.6 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Concrete 56% · 8.68 km
Dirt 19% · 2.89 km
Asphalt 9% · 1.36 km
Paving stones 1% · 0.11 km
Compacted dirt 1% · 0.02 km
Unknown 16% · 2.50 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
The walk shows how water channels belong to everyday Funchal: Pilar appears near the departure, while Piornais follows the urban hillside and irrigated plots. Ribeira do Vasco Gil introduces another watercourse valley on the western approach. Choose a confirmed open section for an introduction; the full version requires checking the restricted part.
Length
15.6 km
Elevation gain
1203 m
Surface
Concrete 56%

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Formosa Beach requires a separate descent to a coastal beach complex with pebbles and black sand. The coastal approach and beach walk are outside this levada version. Monumento ao Motociclista also needs a separate exterior look from a safe pedestrian position; do not enter the road island to visit it. Continuing towards Câmara de Lobos is another programme.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
SIGA003 serves São Martinho on the Centro–Lombada–Pizo route. Use the current timetable and confirm a drop-off for the walking approach to Travessa Levada do Pilar. The endpoint is separate, so plan the return journey beforehand. A parish service does not establish boarding beside the channel or at every branch.
By car
The departure is on Travessa Levada do Pilar, a local residential street in Funchal. Agree a drop-off that keeps traffic and house entrances clear. The western channel endpoint needs a separate road approach; an exact vehicle-collection point is not established. For an open-section visit, choose a safe walking exit to an agreed street beforehand.
Parking
No verified parking area at the exact departure or western endpoint is established. Ask where leaving a vehicle in São Martinho is permitted and how to reach the channel. Keep private entrances and narrow residential lanes clear. A short drop-off place does not establish permission to store the car throughout the expanded outing.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Levada do Pilar the named water channel beside the opening part of the walk.
Levada dos Piornais the irrigation channel linked to cultivated plots on the urban hillside.
Ribeira do Vasco Gil the watercourse crossed on the selected western approach.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1203 м.
SurfaceConcrete 56%, Dirt 19%, Asphalt 9%, Unknown 16%.
Риски Before the complete passage, establish whether the construction-restricted section is open and whether an authorised diversion exists. Respect barriers and avoid improvising an unknown diversion across a road interchange. The levada has bridges, tunnel sections and narrow passages; carry a torch for the unlit tunnel. Keep a secure footing on wet channel edges and pass others where there is adequate space.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 6 h 34 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
A full itinerary time is not established because the restricted section and authorised diversion still need checking. Branches and returns add time to a channel-side walk. Once the accessible sections are confirmed, plan levada pauses and an exit to a city street. Allow separately for Formosa Beach and the transport return.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
For the open part, choose a dry day without excessive heat. Check channel edges, bridges and tunnel entrances carefully after rain. Reconfirm the restricted section regardless of season. Walk the narrow western parts in daylight, with margin for returns to city streets.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Footwear with a grippy sole
Drinking water and a small snack
Sun and rain protection
A torch for the unlit tunnel
A map of authorised paths and city exits
A charged phone
The current return-service timetable

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

SIGA003 serves São Martinho on the Centro–Lombada–Pizo route. Use the current timetable and confirm a drop-off for the walking approach to Travessa Levada do Pilar. The endpoint is separate, so plan the return journey beforehand. A parish service does not establish boarding beside the channel or at every branch

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 15.6 km, moderate.

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