The most interesting activity for an active traveler in Madeira is hiking. All tours must be made from one accommodation to the coast within a day. There are three different categories of hikes. The Levada walks along the many irrigation canals , a peculiarity of the island. They transport fresh water from the rainy mountains and the north to the arid south. This water is used to irrigate fields and supply drinking water. Next to each Levada there are narrow paths that are used for repairs and are open to the public for hiking purposes. A partly adventurous course through the mountains that enables the untrained hiker easy access to the mountains. There are mountain hikes in the core zone of the island with different levels of difficulty from easy to difficult . Coastal walks with often very spectacular views of the cliffs. Sure-footedness and freedom is in some paths essential.