Short walk in the Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras), 3 hours
A short stroll among mountains, suited to anyone who wants a gentle outing rather than a long hike. It takes about 3 hours.
- 3 h
- Easy
from €30 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Easy levada walks in Madeira
You do not need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the levadas. Many sections are almost flat, shaded and short, with a waterfall, a viewpoint or a tea house as the reward.
The easiest walks
Vereda dos Balcões (PR11): a short, gentle path from Ribeiro Frio to a viewpoint over the central mountains and the laurel forest. Ideal as a first walk. See Balcões and Ribeiro Frio.
Levada do Rei (PR18): a mostly level walk through the laurel forest near São Jorge, longer but without big climbs. See Levada do Rei.
Levada do Risco (PR6.1): the short branch from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall, an easy alternative to the full 25 Fontes walk.
Levada do Moinho above Ponta do Sol: a quiet levada through farmland and woods, which can be extended to the waterfall on the Levada Nova. See Levada do Moinho.
Tips for easy walks
Even easy levadas can have narrow sections with a drop on one side, so keep children close and wear shoes with grip. Start early to avoid the crowds and the afternoon clouds. Check the booking rules for official trails on the SIMplifica portal, or join a guided walk that handles transport and booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest levada walk in Madeira?
Vereda dos Balcões (PR11) is the shortest and easiest. Levada do Rei is easy but longer.
Are there levada walks suitable for children?
Yes: Balcões, the Risco waterfall and sections of the Levada do Rei are popular with families. Avoid routes with long unprotected drops.
Top-rated tours
King's Levada
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 availabilityvia Viator
PR 18 Levada do Rei hike with round-trip transfer, 6 hours
A levada hike on the PR 18 route with transport there and back, handy if you would rather not drive. The day runs about 6 hours.
- 6 h
- Hotel pickup
from €42 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Pico do Areeiro and Balcões East Tour
Suits visitors who want the island's east in one outing: Pico do Areeiro, a levada walk, Santana, rum in Porto da Cruz and Ponta de São Lourenço.
from €38 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour with Balcões levada walk
Pairs a sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with a walk at Balcões in about 3.5 hours. Suits early risers who want a mountain morning without giving up a whole day.
- 3.5 h
from €44 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hike, Rabaçal
For independent walkers who like to set their own pace without a guide. There is enough time to complete both levada walks, 25 Fontes and Risco.
from €43 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
King's Levada – São Jorge
Levada walk with a mix of native and introduced plants, open valley views toward Santana and São Jorge, and clear water running alongside. Suits walkers who enjoy scenery.
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Larano – Boca do Risco – Maroços Walk
A coastal walk for those who enjoy seeing land meet the Atlantic. Expect views over Machico and its gardens, plus a viewpoint above the north coast on the Boca do Risco path.
from €48 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Keep planning
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Guided hikes Levada walks and mountain hikes with a guide and transport. - Trail status today Which of Madeira's official walking trails are open, restricted or closed today, updated every two hours.
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PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo The classic ridge hike between Madeira's highest peaks, one-way since 2026. -
Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6) Madeira's most popular walk: springs, a lagoon and the Risco waterfall. -
Caldeirão Verde (PR9) Tunnels and laurel forest to a waterfall lagoon near Santana. -
Levada Nova A waterfall and cliff-side levada above Ponta do Sol.