Take a step back from the hustle and bustle and embark on the tranquil journey of the Levada do Rei walk. This captivating trail is an invitation to explore Madeira Island’s serene beauty, charming landscapes, and rich biodiversity. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a serene yet unforgettable nature experience.
Wednesday
09h00 » 17h00
Adult: 38€
Children: 20€
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Itinerary
Levada do Rei: Your adventure begins in the quaint village of São Jorge, known for its traditional Madeiran charm and captivating sea views. From there, you follow the trail alongside the Levada do Rei, one of Madeira’s most charming irrigation channels. These levadas, unique to Madeira, have been vital for the island’s agriculture since the 16th century and provide a calming soundtrack of gentle flowing water to your journey.
UNESCO: As you venture deeper into the trail, you’ll find yourself immersed in the lush Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest is a living testament to a type of subtropical vegetation that largely disappeared from Europe millions of years ago, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. It hosts a variety of endemic plants, ferns, and trees, which form a dense canopy above the trail, creating a shaded and cool atmosphere.
Birdlife: The Levada do Rei walk also offers a fantastic opportunity for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, including the Madeira Firecrest and the Chaffinch, which are often seen flitting amongst the trees.
Ribeiro Bonito: This trail promises beautiful views throughout, but the crowning glory comes at the end when you reach the majestic Ribeiro Bonito. This spot, true to its name, is a ‘beautiful stream,’ surrounded by untouched laurel forest. Here, you can take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and maybe capture some photographs before heading back.
The trail is approximately 10 kilometers long, and though it involves some ascending and descending, it is generally of moderate difficulty and should be suitable for most hikers. The walk takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete, making it a perfect half-day excursion.
At Madeira Sunrise Tours, your safety is our top priority. Therefore, please note that we reserve the right to change, postpone, or cancel walks at short notice if there are adverse weather conditions, landslides, or other circumstances beyond our control.
If you need to cancel your reservation, a refund will only be provided if the cancellation is made by 4:00 PM the day before the scheduled tour/walk.
Please ensure you come prepared with suitable walking shoes or boots and a warm coat, especially if temperatures are low in the mountains.
For full-day walks, please bring a picnic and water with you as they will not be provided by Madeira Sunrise Tours.
