Levada Walks in Madeira: The 15 Best Trails

Madeira: Enjoy a Guided Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley - From Funchal to Paul da Serra

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,197 reviews · 8 hours · from $50Our pick

From Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, or Caniço, travel with a guide to Rabaçal for a full-day walk along Madeira’s historic levadas. Expect waterfalls, a lagoon fed by 25 springs, forest paths, steps, and a wet 800-meter tunnel. Guides have included Sara, Ruby, and Robina. Bring sturdy shoes, weather-ready clothing, food, water, and a light.

“It was a great trip, very well planned and organized, and our tour guide Sara talked about Madeira in a very interesting way.”

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Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Madeira Levada Walks, Madeira Tours, Private Drivers, Rabaçal 25 Fontes Hikes, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

2.25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38Best value

Ride from Funchal or nearby towns to Rabaçal in a shared van of up to eight, then follow the 25 Fontes and Risco routes on your own. Your driver-host explains the map, trail turns, and return time. Pedro, Adriana, Nuno, and Elvio have led departures, though your driver may differ. Allow about eight hours door to door.

“Beautiful hike, lots of steps. Do the early hike, it’s worth it to beat the crowds. As stated in the description, this tour only provides transportation to the hike and back to your hotel. Our driver, Pedro, explained the directions for the hike very clearly and there are signs everywhere so you don’t get lost. The only bathroom is at the cafe that doesn’t open until 10am. You need €0.50 to enter so bring change. This is a great value for your money as Bolt/Taxi could be expensive depending on your group size. If you plan ahead, you could also do PR 6.2 and/or 6.3 if you hustle. Happy hiking!Read…”

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Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

3.Madeira East Island Tour and Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 787 reviews · from $63

Spend eight hours crossing eastern Madeira in an air-conditioned minibus for 8 to 14 people. The route takes in Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio’s Balcões levada, Santana’s thatched cottages, coastal viewpoints and a Porto da Cruz rum tasting. Shared tours include a three-course lunch with drinks. Guides vary, with Lucy, Carlos and Tony among those who lead the trip.

“Great trip many different areas around the island. A great way to see the highlights, get a yummy meal, and get to ask a local about all of the history.”

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Madeira: PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

4.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then follow the self-guided PR9 trail through Laurissilva Forest, tunnels, and ravines to Caldeirão Verde. Your local driver-host, such as Vitor, Fábio, Roberto, or Cristiano, gives a safety briefing and route details, then collects you for the return transfer. Bring a head torch, waterproof shoes, food, and water.

“We took the transfer to the PR9 trail with Levadas In and Out, and everything was perfect. Our driver Fábio was very attentive, punctual, and careful. The car was clean, comfortable, and in great condition. Before the hike, Fábio gave us all the necessary information about the trail and answered all our questions. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely use this company again!”

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Skywalk 4x4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk - Following the levada to 25 Fontes

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Skywalk 4×4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

5.Skywalk 4×4 Experience and Rabacal 25 Fountains Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 318 reviews · from $41Top rated

Set out from central Funchal at 9 a.m. for a guided 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall walk, a 4x4 ride and a stop at Cabo Girão’s glass-floor viewpoint. The walk can include a long, dark tunnel, so bring a torch as well as walking shoes. Lunch and the €3 viewpoint entry are extra. Guides have included Michael, Julia, Gil and Ruben.

“Awesome experience. Taking the 4x4 allowed us to have a great levadas walk and fountain experience without the crowds. Also included a very cool trek through a 800m tunnel requiring flashlights. Took us to lunch after at the Jungle Rain, (get the skewers) then through ‘shoRead more”

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Madeira: Santana Jeep Safari and Balções Levada Walk

6.Santana Jeep Safari and Balções Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 219 reviews · from $71

Spend eight hours exploring eastern Madeira by jeep, with a short walk at Pico do Areeiro, the Balcões Levada near Ribeiro Frio, an off-road stretch, Santana’s traditional thatched houses, and a Porto da Cruz rum distillery. Guides include Victor, Miguel, David da Silva, Michael, Ruben, and Severino. Pickup is available in Funchal or Caniço.

“I was solo travelling and was a little worried when I saw I was with other couples, but the guide was great at including us all! We went to see some incredible places, and despite getting sunburn (my fault), it was great fun and I would highly recommend it. The off-road part was quite short so couldn't stand up for too long but it was good fun anyway, I would do it again thanks to the guide, Miguel!”

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Caldeirão Verde Hikes, Madeira Levada Walks, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews

Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls: Madeira

7.Levada Walk and Caldeirao Verde Waterfalls: Madeira

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 205 reviews · 7 hours · from $46

From Queimadas Forestal Park, follow a guide along Madeira’s levada paths through Laurisilva forest, low tunnels and open views toward Santana and São Jorge. The roughly 4.5-hour walk reaches Caldeirão Verde waterfall, where you have a 30-minute picnic break. Transfers from Funchal, Caniço and nearby areas are included; lunch and the €4.50 trail entrance fee are not.

“We had an amazing weather, and our tour guide was helpful and very informative. Even though we felt quite tired after the walk, we were able to see amazing views and waterfall in the end. Very worth trip and we were well takwn care by the agent. Loved every minute of it. Highly recommend to everyone.”

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25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

8.25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 187 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $52

From Funchal or Caniço, ride by air-conditioned minivan to Rabaçal for a guided walk through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest and along levada channels toward the 25 Fountains. Expect waterfalls, plenty of steps, a possible 800-meter tunnel and a route that can be busy. Guides such as Ruben, Samuel, Daria and Nuno have led the walk.

“Amazing walking tour and great host plenty of information about everywhere. Very well looked after by the host Reuban”

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Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch

9.Madeira East Island Tour with Levada Walk and Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 174 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $66

Set out from Funchal for an 8-hour guided circuit through Camacha, Pico do Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Santana and the east coast. Expect mountain viewpoints, a levada walk, a three-course lunch and a rum tasting in Porto da Cruz. Guides such as Tony, Carlos and Lucy have led the route, though your guide is not guaranteed.

“Stunning views on this trip provided by Secret Madeira. The driver Tony was very informative and told us the history of the island as well as details of the places we visited, He also pointed out the many different plants and vegetation on the island. Lovely meal reservation at Restaurant O Colin in Santana.”

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Caldeirão Verde Hikes, Madeira Levada Walks, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews

Madeira Island: Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk

10.Madeira Island: Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 159 reviews · 7 hours · from $54

From hotel pickup to Queimadas Forest Park, this seven-hour outing pairs a guided 13-kilometer levada walk with four natural tunnels and a 30-minute stop at Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Guides such as Marta and Ruben have led nature-focused outings here. Expect uneven, sometimes slippery ground, a modest climb and a return along the same trail.

“The trip was so beautiful! Our guide, Ruben, and our driver, Carlos, did an amazing job. The guide knew so much about the forest and the Island, gave us planty of time for pictures and many stops to enjoy the nature. The walk was not hurried at all and we stopped for coffee/break before and after the walk. We spent almost 40 minutes at the waterfall and it was stunning! The members of the group that did not have raincoats or flashlights received the equipment from the organizers. The guide was very patient with everybody. Make sure to have hiking shoes or good sneakers, water and a raincoat. I would…”

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Madeira Levada Walks, Madeira Tours, Tour Reviews

Serra de Água Valley Levada Walk

11.Serra de Água Valley Levada Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 154 reviews · 4 hours · from $38

This four-hour guided outing follows an easy, mostly flat 5 km levada route in Serra de Água, with views toward Madeira’s south coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava and Campanário. Guides such as Ruby and Patricia have shared details about local plants, Madeira’s history and how the levada works. Selected hotel pickups are available.

“the walk was so peaceful and scenery beautiful. Collected on time. Ruby our guide was friendly and informative. we were lucky the levada walk was relatively quiet. some parts were narrow. wish I had taken my walking stick!”

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Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal

12.Full-Day Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $52

From Funchal, travel to Rabaçal for an approximately 11 km guided walk to Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes springs. Guides such as Sara, Charlotte, Ruby, and Yulia have led outings here, sharing details about Madeira’s plants, wildlife, geology, and water channels. Bring sturdy shoes, weather protection, and a picnic.

“Fantastic day. The guide was knowledgeable and the views spectacular . Well worth a visit. Thank you”

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Madeira: Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada Walk & Cabo Girão

13.Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada Walk & Cabo Girão

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 117 reviews · from $67

From Funchal, a local guide leads a small group to Rabaçal for a roughly three-hour walk past waterfalls and springs, including an 800-meter volcanic tunnel. Then comes lunch at Paúl da Serra, an off-road ride toward the south coast, and a stop at Cabo Girão. Guides on past tours have included Julia, Gil, Chris, Ruben, Pedro, Duarte, and Luis.

“Nice program, well organized, nice and knowledgeable guide (Pedro), beautifull walk. Super day!”

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Camacha: Levada Trail e-Bike Guided Tour

14.Levada Trail e-Bike Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 115 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $82

From Camacha, ride an electric mountain bike beside historic levada channels, across forest paths and up to views near Santo da Serra. Your guide shares details about Madeira’s plants, wildlife and local life, and helps fit your bike and explain its controls. Hotel pickup, a small group of up to eight, and a stop by an old water mill are part of this half-day outing.

“Pick up was spot on time. Small group. Guide was helpful and friendly. Bikes were good. Route was a little tricky in places given my lack of experience on a mountain bike and the weather but the younger more experienced members of the group had no difficulty at all. The weather was terrible though which made it harder. It poured down and the tracks were full of water and mud. These were very unusual conditions according to our guide. The guide changed the route because of the weather and he stayed with us at the back to ensure we were ok. We managed to do it and although we were…”

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Madeira: Wet your hair in the amazing Levada Nova / Moinhos

15.Wet your hair in the amazing Levada Nova / Moinhos

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 109 reviews · 8 hours · from $44

Join a small-group day trip from Caniço, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, or along the way. Your driver takes you to the Moinhos Levada, where you walk at your own pace past old water channels and waterfalls. Guide Nelio has led many trips, and the day ends with free time in Ponta do Sol.

“Our trip was great!! Pick up was early to beat the traffic and other walkers. We liked this , as it felt we had the mountain trail to ourselves . Our guide Neilo was great… He set up a WhatsApp group for our small group of 6 .. A nice touch .. as it gave us all the information we needed . The trail itself is absolutely beautiful… lots of open space valleys and views . Some parts of the mountain trail is requiring some maintenance. Overall a great hike and easy to walk … If you are scared of heights this one is not for the faint hearted .…”

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