Madeira · MADEIRA LEVADA WALKS
20 reviewed
The levadas are irrigation channels cut into the mountainsides in the fifteenth century, and because water needs a gentle gradient they make for hours of nearly flat walking inside the laurel forest. Below are the guided walks and transfers worth booking: how long each one takes, how exposed it is, whether you need a head torch for the tunnels, and what the transfer costs.
Guided Levada walk from Funchal through Rabaçal Valley, ending at Levada das 25 Fontes with 25 spring cascades and a long wet tunnel.
“It was a great trip, very well planned and organized, and our tour guide Sara talked about Madeira in a very interesting way.”
Self-guided hike from Funchal to Rabacal Park, combining 25 Fontes and Risco Levada with a transfer designed to beat crowds.
“Excellent experience in all ways. Communication, pickup, driver was engaging and provided safe trip with excellent driving skills on the Madeira curvy roads in addition to great tips on trails. GO ON THE EARLY TRIP - worth avoiding the crowds!”
East Madeira in 8 hours, Pico do Arieiro views, Laurissilva levada walk, Santana lunch, Faial skywalk, and Porto da Cruz rum tasting.
“Perfect day our guide Carlos was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about our trip would certainly recommend this trip”
A small-group, self-guided PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde day with smooth hotel pickup, tunnel time, and a waterfall lake finale in Madeira.
“Very nice day. Flat roads. But in total it’s 18km so be ready!!! 4 tunnels in total that you need to do it twice since it’s the same way to go back. You can use your phone for the light torch 🔦.”
Guided Skywalk 4x4 plus the Rabacal 25 Fontes levada walk to waterfalls, ending at Cabo Girão’s glass floor cliff views.
“Trip was very nice. Leon our guide was great. We met great couple from the UK and spent nice day. Levada and views were nice. Amazing waterfalls with small birds around. Restaurant in which we ate was different from others (probably great for kids), food was good, beer nice. Skywalk is great and views were amazing.”
8-hour Madeira mix of Pico do Areeiro views, Balcões Levada walk, Santana thatched houses, rum stop, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
“Nice experience! I recommend for everyone. Kind and knowledgeable tour guide.”
A guided 4.5-hour levada walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfalls, with hotel pickup, photo stops for Santana and São Jorge, and a picnic view.
“Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to go to this exact Levada, however the one we went to was still nice”
Hike Madeira’s 25 Fountains levada with hotel pickup, UNESCO Laurisilva forest, and an 800 m tunnel.
“The hike was easy and memorable. The views were very nice, and the guide (Ruben) was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the hike, flora and fauna. Marta was a super safe and reliable driver. Highly recommended!”
Madeira East tour with levada walk, traditional villages, 3-course lunch, wine, and Porto Cruz rum tasting, plus easy hotel pickup.
“Our guide was charming, informative and took us everywhere!! Lunch was good. Great value for the money”
Hike Madeira’s Caldeirão Verde levada through UNESCO Laurissilva forest, 4 basalt tunnels, then an emerald waterfall lagoon pool.
“Our guide Marta did everythin to make us feel comfortable during the trip. She explained everything and took great care of us. She did the extra mile to make me feel safe, as I my knee was weak. Special thank to the best guide I ever encountered-Marta!”
Serra de Água Valley levada walk in Madeira, 5 km and easy going, with mountain views, native plants, and a pastry stop at the end.
“We really enjoyed this light walk on a beautiful landscape. Our guide Natalia explained everything along the walk and we learned about some interesting plants on the island.”
Full-day Rabaçal Levada walk from Funchal: guided 11 km to Risco and 25 Fontes waterfalls, pickup included. Bring a picnic.
“Good place to start Levadas. Charlotte was an excellent guide ! The only issue with this trips is that there were a lot of people, but that cannot be avoided I guess”
Join a small-group jeep and Rabaçal walk to 25 Fontes, then ride to Cabo Girão’s glass skywalk for Atlantic views.
“Our guide for the day was Pedro who combined the right level of information with local and historical information. The pace was comfortable and timing was good for eacg part of the journey.”
E-bike guided ride through Camacha forests along Madeira’s levadas, with Laurel UNESCO sights and mountain views over Santo da Serra.
“What a wonderful way to see and learn about a part of Madeira. The path was great, challenging enough to keep our kids engaged and not too challenging that one could not make it. It was nice to also learn a few things about the trees and plants on the way. The group size is max 8 which is perfect. And the short stop at the beautiful golf course where we had tea and cake was an unexpected surprise 🤩. Can highly recommend to anyone that wants to take a break from all the hiking on the island!”
Small-group hike on Madeira's Moinhos Levada, waterfall spray for hair wetting, then Ponta do Sol sea time.
“Lovely trip and great tour guide. Beautiful landscape and super relaxed. 😇 thank you for the amazing day 🙏”
