PR 18 - Levada do Rei

Known as the 'King's Levada,' this historic 5.3 km route from the Water Treatment Plant of Quebradas in São Jorge was built by King D. Carlos I in the 19th century. The 3.5-hour moderate hike takes you through the exuberant Laurissilva forest in the beautiful São Jorge valley to Ribeiro Bonito—the source of the Bonito stream and an isolated natural sanctuary covered by dense endemic vegetation. Tunnel formations created by diverse vegetation enhance the mystical atmosphere, culminating at the São Jorge water mill, the only working mill of its kind, still grinding cereals from region terraced fields under a local miller's supervision despite three centuries of history.