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Hiking in Madeira: levada walks and mountain trails

Madeira is one of Europe's great hiking islands. More than 2,000 km of levadas, irrigation channels built from the 15th century onwards, cross the island, and the paths beside them lead through laurel forest, tunnels and cliffs. Add the veredas, old mountain paths, and you have walks for every level.

In this section

The best levada walks

Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco (PR6 / PR6.1) start at Rabaçal and lead to a pool fed by dozens of springs and a tall waterfall. It is the most popular walk on the island, so start early.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) starts at Queimadas park near Santana and goes through tunnels and laurel forest to a green lagoon under a waterfall. Bring a torch.

Levada do Rei (PR18) near São Jorge and the Balcões viewpoint walk (PR11) from Ribeiro Frio are short and gentle, ideal if you want the laurel forest without a long day. More in our easy levada walks guide. On the sunny south-west coast, the Levada Nova and the Levada do Moinho lead to a waterfall above Ponta do Sol, the Levada do Alecrim is a quieter alternative to 25 Fontes and the Levada dos Tornos runs above Funchal. For the best falls, see Madeira waterfalls.

Mountain and coastal trails

The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro links Pico do Arieiro with Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the highest point of Madeira, along a dramatic ridge. The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) crosses the bare, windswept eastern peninsula, a complete contrast with the green interior.

Practical tips

Check three things before choosing a walk: the length (many routes are linear, so you walk back or need a transfer), the drops (some sections run along unprotected edges) and the tunnels. Guided walks solve the transport problem and include local knowledge about plants, history and weather: see our guided hikes.

Most official PR trails now require a booked time slot on the regional government's SIMplifica portal and a fee for visitors, which is lower when you book through a tour operator. Rules have changed several times since 2024, so check SIMplifica before you go. Routes can also close after storms or wildfires: closed trails are off limits, and the regional forestry institute (IFCN) publishes their status.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest levada walk in Madeira?

Levada do Rei and the Balcões walk are among the easiest, mostly flat and shaded. 25 Fontes is moderate but busy.

Do I need a guide for the levadas?

No, but a guided walk saves you the logistics of linear routes, includes transport and is safer if you are not used to mountain terrain.

What should I bring?

Walking shoes with grip, a rain jacket, water, a torch for tunnels and layers: it can be warm in Funchal and cold and wet in the mountains on the same day.

Top-rated tours

King's Levada

King's Levada

★ 5/5

Very easy levada walk with waterfalls and nature, running from 9:00 to 16:00. Group size varies with the number of bookings, from small to large.

  • Easy

from €32.06 per person

Check availability

via Viator

Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.

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