Overview
An eight day, self-guided walking holiday exploring the levada trails of Madeira, the main island of the archipelago of the same name. This Portuguese island is celebrated not only for its perfect climate, but also for its famous network of levadas, which are narrow irrigation channels that were originally built to distribute water across the mountainous island, from the rainier north-west side to the more arid south-east. They are now the perfect arteries for adventurers, and you explore three of the nine levadas, and beyond, on this carefully-crafted walking holiday. Stay in a mix of small, locally-owned hotels and guesthouses, with luggage transfers.
- Levada do Norte
- Levada Nova
- Levada do Rei
- Ribeiro Bonito
- UNESCO Laurisilva of Madeira
- Porto Moniz natural pools
- Funchal
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Funchal
You are met at Madeira airport by your driver, then transferred to the hotel in Funchal, the island’s capital. Depending on your arrival time, relax by the hotel pool or take time to visit this colourful city, perched between the Atlantic and the mountains, and home to historic streets, fresh seafood, and of course the famous Madeira wine. As well as the unmissable Mercado dos Lavradores.
- Accommodation: Vila Baleira Funchal or similar in Funchal.
Day 2: Caminho Real do Monte | 8km
Start the day with a cable car journey from Funchal to Monte (included), located high above Funchal. After visiting the church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, begin to follow the walking trail, crossing through areas of sub-tropical island vegetation, before arriving back in the capital. A visit to the botanical gardens is highly recommended, which boast many species of the island’s flora.
- Walking for the day: 8km, 3h, ↑100m ↓550m.
- Accommodation: Vila Baleira Funchal or similar in Funchal.
Day 3: Funchal – Levada do Norte – Calheta | 15km
Begin your day with a transfer to Cabo Girão viewpoint (580m), the highest sea cliff in Europe, and where you get extensive views over the coastline. Continuing from the cliffside, join the Levada do Norte, the longest and widest levada in the south of the island. Walk along agricultural terraces, passing through towns and villages, such as Quinta Grande and Campanario. After completing your descent from the levada, you are transferred to your hotel in Calheta.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5h, ↑250m ↓150m.
- Accommodation: Calheta Beach or similar in Calheta..
Day 4: Vereda da Lagoa do Vento e Alecrim | 11km
Starting in the heart of Rabaçal Valley, walk through the Laurissilva forest, with the path leading you to Lagoa do Vento, a turquoise lagoon fed by a towering waterfall. Continue up through the forest to join the Levada do Alecrim, viewpoints of the cliffs and the central highlands. At the end of the route, you are transferred to the coastal village of Porto Moniz, where we recommend the natural pools.
- Walking for the day: 11km, 4h, ↑50m ↓650m.
- Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay or similar in Porto Moniz
Day 5: Porto Moniz – Fanal Forest | 9km
Start the day with a transfer to Fanal Plateau, the starting point of Levada dos Cedros. This trail winds through ancient, moss-covered groves and natural tunnels of vegetation that lead you into the heart of the UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forest. Follow the levada to encounter several waterfalls and views over Ribeira da Janela Valley. On your return walk, emerge at Curral Falso before being transferred back to your accommodation.
- Walking for the day: 3.5h, 9km, ↑361m ↓86m.
- Accommodation: Casa da Piedade or similar in São Vicente.
Day 6: São Vicente – Ribeiro Bonito – Santana | 17km
Start the day with a transfer to the village of São Vicente, where you walk the Levada do Rei (King’s Levada). Begin your descent, passing small orchards and vineyards, before arriving at the viewpoint, which looks out across the entire northern shore, stretching from Porto Moniz to Ponta de São Lourenço. On clear days, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo is visible. At the end of the hike you are transferred to Santana on the north-east coast, famous for its 16th-century, triangular thatched houses, painted in bright colours.
- Walking for the day: 17km, 5.5h, ↑150m ↓350m.
- Accommodation: Casa da Piedade or similar in São Vicente.
Day 7: Walk along the north coast | 15km
After a short transfer to Porto da Cruz, walk along the north coast in Vereda do Larano, one of the old supply routes, which was previously used to access the vineyards. Take in views of the surrounding area from the path, before heading to Machico. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the village or relaxing at the beach.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 4.5-5h, ↑550m ↓550m
- Accommodation: Baía Madeira Hotel or similar in Machico.
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay with an additional night in Machico. Transfer to Madeira airport included.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Please note that twin rooms cannot always be guaranteed. In such cases, the room will feature a double bed with individual bedding.
Click to view default hotels
- Vila Baleira Funchal (Funchal)
- Calheta Beach (Calheta)
- Aqua Natura Bay (Porto Moniz)
- Casa da Piedade (São Vicente)
- Baía Madeira Hotel (Machico)
Accommodation is subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for seasoned walkers and requires a reasonable level of fitness, with daily walking distances between 8-17km and an average walking time of 4-5h per day. The routes follow well-built and very diverse paths, which can sometimes be quite narrow and exposed. Many of the paths run along the coastal cliff edges and also along the levadas (irrigation canals). Therefore, sure-footedness is essential in some sections, and the tour may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available all year round. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Due to its mountainous topography, Madeira has diverse microclimates. The difference in altitude makes it possible to find snow on the top of the mountains in winter, for example, yet sunny weather with temperatures of up to 23C at sea level, or below what’s known as the banana line. Funchal Bay, protected by the highest peaks on the island, gets the most sunshine. Further down the south-west coast, in Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar, backed by the lower hills of Paul da Serra, the sun shines brighter during the summer months, and it is sunny and mild throughout the winter.
For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to Portugal.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Madeira Airport (FNC).
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers when changing hotels (one piece up to 20kg per person)
- All transfers on walking days as listed in the programme
- Arrival transfer from Madeira airport to Funchal
- Departure transfer from Machico to Maderia airport
- Cable car journey to Monte/Funchal
- Digital tour materials including GPS tracks and route descriptions
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers and tips
- Local tourist tax and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not specifically listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights in Funchal and Machico
- Trail hiking tax
- Toboggan ride (book here)
