ON FOOT · LEVADA WALKS
The good levada walks cap their group sizes and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 4 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Travel by shared van from Funchal, Caniço, or nearby south-coast towns to Rabaçal for a self-guided hike on the 25 Fontes and Risco levadas. Your English-speaking driver explains the route, provides a map, and returns at the agreed time. Choose the 6 a.m. pickup to reach the waterfalls before the crowds.
“Great walk. Transport arrangements worked very well. Thanks to all”
You’ll ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to Queimadas Natural Park, then follow a 13 km self-guided levada trail through ancient Laurissilva forest. Expect four tunnels, waterfalls, narrow paths, and a lagoon where swimming may be possible. Drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, Diogo, and Cristiano provide the trail briefing and transfer.
“the guide super nice and extremely communicative. We felt under his care. his has picked us up right on time and left us back and agred place. We recommend this Tour and the guide”
Travel from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then walk independently through Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest to Caldeirão Verde. Your driver-host, including Vitor, Fabio, Roberto, and Cristiano, provides maps, safety advice, and return pickup. Expect a long, mostly level hike with four dark tunnels, wet paths, and a dramatic waterfall.
“The transfer was on time and we were provided good local information.”
Follow Madeira’s PR6 levada through the Laurissilva forest to the 25 Fountains and nearby waterfalls. Expect about 4 to 4.5 hours on foot, slippery steps, a dark 800-meter tunnel, and a guide such as Ruben, Daria, Samuel, or Marta. Hotel pickup from Funchal and Caniço is included.
“Great hike!!!! Few uphills and downhills but moderate . Love love the hike!!!!! Mostly trails are covered with trees . Our guide and driver are amazing!! Friendly and pleasant !”
Other ways to spend the day on foot
Rock, ice, forest or crater rim.
