April

Serene laurel forest with the old Rabaçal levada running clear

The royal road at its best, with Curral das Freiras opening up below

Panoramic start at Portela with easy forest walking beyond

Terraced farmland in spring colour above the coastal village

Strong waterfall at Caldeirão Verde with the tunnels draining

Peak cascade flow with the laurel canopy in fresh leaf

Reliable easy walk; the fenced viewpoint opens onto the Ruivo massif

Easy year-round levada at its greenest, with no exposure at all

Ideal on the old royal path down to Paul do Mar

Encumeada clearing; verdant forest descent to Ribeira Grande

Full flow at Risco with the Rabaçal path drying out

Gentle Laurisilva circuit with the valley viewpoint clearing

Jungle levada in good order, but the long dark tunnel never eases

Reopens in settled spells, but check the Arieiro closure notice

Opening up, but check the cloud on Encumeada before committing to the climb

Weather at the summit swings hour to hour this month

Gentle plateau levada, but maintenance closures are common

Drier on the old levada, but closures still hit without notice

The ridge clears on settled days; exposed sections stay unforgiving

Variable altitude weather; the ridge clears some days, not others

Opening up, but check the status before committing to the descent

Draining but not clear; expect the Folhadal tunnels to stay closed