Madeira · LEVADA WALKS & RABAçAL
56 reviewed
The levadas are Madeira’s quiet genius: flat water channels that carry you deep into the laurel forest with barely a climb. Here are the best guided levada walks, best first, from the 25 Fontes waterfalls at Rabaçal to the tunnel hike at Caldeirão Verde, with distances, difficulty and prices so you can match the walk to your legs.
Guided levada walk in Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley from Funchal, visiting Levada das 25 Fontes springs, tunnel return, and hotel pickup.
“The tour was as described, very well organised and led by a very impressive lady, Sara, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and humour made the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable!”
Self-guided hike from Rabaçal to 25 Fontes and Risco Levadas with hotel transfer, map briefing, and early-crowd bypass.
“Everything went well and as planned. A great walk and would definitely book another trip while we are here”
Guided hike in Madeira’s Rabaçal nature reserve to the 25 Fountains, with hotel pickup, an expert guide, and unforgettable levada waterfalls.
“We liked this trip. Our guide Martha was very friendly and told us a lot about this area (in English and German). Of course the waterfall was a bit crowded, but anyway, the hike in this beautiful nature is worth it. We recommend this trip and of course Martha. 😉”
Caldeirão Verde transfer hike in Madeira: self-guided 13 km levada with waterfalls and 4 tunnels, plus optional lagoon swim from Queimadas Park.
“Great Levada hike. Beautiful views although a bit rainy. Very nice people in the group so I was lucky. The driver was very friendly and talking a lot about the island and the hike. I had a beautiful day.”
Madeira East tour: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva levada walk, Santana lunch, Faial Skywalk and Porto da Cruz rum tasting.
“We booked this trip for the Wednesday but unfortunately the minibus broke down. Staff quickly organised for us to go the next day instead. It all worked out though as we had a brilliant trip, there were only 6 of us on the tour which was great. It really felt like we had a more private tour. Carlos, our guide, was excellent, you couldn't ask for anyone better. Very funny, friendly and helpful, his knowledge of the Island was brilliant. He also added in a few extra little stops for the great views.”
Funchal pickup to Madeira’s PR9 Caldeirão Verde hike. Self-guided levada with tunnels, waterfalls, and easy transfers.
“Perfect experience, no notes :) Vitor was super friendly and helpful and the group in the transfer were lovely :)”
Hike Madeira’s Rabaçal 25 Fontes with a small group, levada history, and a dramatic waterfall ending in a lagoon.
“This was a very enjoyable tour despite the weather limiting the enjoyment of views which we are sure must be spectacular on a clear day. It was nice to be in a small group, expertly led by Paulo who was very knowledgeable about flora and fauna. We were picked up on time and driven safely to the start of the walk. A glass of poncha at the end of the tour was a nice touch providing a chance to chat with the group.”
Jeep plus levada walks in Rabaçal: waterfalls at 25 Fontes, Cabo Girão Skywalk, and expert guiding from Funchal. Great value.
“Special thanks to Leo and Rubin for accommodating physical needs and making the experience that much more.”
Madeira in one day: Pico do Arieiro views, a Jeep safari, Referta levada hiking, Santana’s triangular houses, rum in Porto da Cruz.
“Miguel was a brilliant guide, passionate and enthusiastic to share so much information about everything we passed. A well balanced trip with gentle walk and beautiful view points. Didn’t realise we would stop at a restaurant for lunch in Sentana, maybe I miss read. Sentana itself seemed only a tourist trap and lacked charm. Miguel puts a lot into his work and it shows. Recommend”
Guided levada walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfall from Madeira’s Laurisilva forests, with pickup, torches, and a scenic picnic stop.
“Even with the rainfall on the return, it was a great tour. Fun guide! He was curtious and compassionate to one of the girls who needed assistance. Glad to see! Loved the tour!”
Guided 25 Fountains Levada hike in Madeira’s Rabacal Valley with hotel pickup, UNESCO laurel forest, waterfalls, and an 800m tunnel.
“This is a moderate hiking experience but has a lot of steps up and down and is very crowded. So crowded that the beauty at the end of the hike is compromised because there isn’t room to sit and enjoy it.”
Tour Madeira’s east coast with a levada walk, Santana villages, mountain viewpoints, rum tasting, and a 3-course lunch from Funchal.
“Our guide Mr Gama was amazing and very attentive to the whole group alot of information on the island and it's history. Would definitely recommend this tour.”
Rabaçal Valley hike through Madeira’s UNESCO Laurissilva, Risco waterfall detour, 25 Fountains lagoon break, and a natural tunnel.
“I had an excellent time on this tour. The walk to Risco Waterfall was a true highlight for me — peaceful, scenic, and much less crowded than 25 Fontes, which was beautiful but very busy. Marta, our guide, was fantastic — warm, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about Madeira’s nature and history. Her insights really enhanced the experience. Thank you for a great day and a memorable hike!”
Join a moderate 13km Caldeirão Verde levada walk through UNESCO Laurissilva forest, tunnels, and a waterfall lagoon with pickup.
“The hike was beautiful and had lovely views It was quite easy walking as it was not up hill (just a stair bypass in one place) and not very long sections that were narrow. The tunnels added to the excitement. But, the ground was very uneven and it was important to always look where to walk. As the guide kept a fast pace we were not able to enjoy the surroundings as much as we wanted to. We do levada walks for pleasure, not for reaching a goal or achievement. On the way back (it is a tour where you walk the same path two ways) the guide mostly seemed…”
Easy 5km Serra de Água levada walk in Madeira with hotel pickup, south-coast views, native plants and a 4-hour guided tour.
“Picked up from hotel at stated time. Excellent guide, knowledgeable and very friendly.”
