Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal

Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal: A Natural Escape with Stunning Views

If you’re looking to experience Madeira’s lush landscapes and dramatic waterfalls without straining yourself, the Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal offers a perfect mix of moderate trekking and breathtaking scenery. For just under $50, this 8-hour guided tour takes you through some of the island’s most iconic levadas—those historic irrigation channels—and into the heart of Madeira’s verdant wilderness. You’ll visit Waterfalls, rockpools, and lofty lookout points around Madeira’s highest mountain, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances a manageable distance (about 10 km) with plenty of opportunities to marvel at water’s power and beauty. The expert guides help you understand the landscape’s history and geological features, making the walk more meaningful. Plus, the chance to cool off in lagoons or splash under waterfalls is a huge plus for nature lovers.

One consideration is that weather can influence your experience—some reviews mention cloudy, rainy days that limit the views. It’s important to prepare for all weather conditions and carry a small picnic, as food isn’t available along the route. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy moderate hiking, stunning natural scenery, and a bit of adventure, especially those keen on avoiding overly crowded spots.

Key Points

• Balanced Duration: An 8-hour tour offering a comprehensive experience without being overly tiring.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Sarah enhance understanding and ensure safety.
• Stunning Scenery: Waterfalls, rockpools, and mountain vistas create unforgettable photo opportunities.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easy.
• Weather Dependence: Good weather enhances the views, but it’s wise to be prepared for rain.
• Limited Food Options: Bring your own picnic since food isn’t provided.

A Closer Look at the Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal

If you’re visiting Madeira for the first time, this tour offers a gentle yet immersive way to discover the island’s natural beauty. It’s designed as a moderate excursion, making it suitable for most travelers with a decent level of physical fitness. You’ll spend about six hours walking along the Levada do Alecrim, renowned for its carved rock pools and waterfalls. It’s an experience that many find to be a highlight—some even describe it as “the walk they enjoyed the most” during their trip.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start at Levada do Alecrim

The journey begins early at 8:30 am with hotel pickup, which is included if you’re staying at a selected hotel. The Levada do Alecrim is the star of the day, taking you deep into the western valley of the island. Expect to follow the watercourse past beautiful waterfalls and cascades formed over millions of years. The walk is around 10 km, making it a moderate challenge that balances scenic rewards with manageable effort.

Many reviews highlight this part as especially memorable. Kate_P shared, “It was much less crowded, with beautiful views and a nice swim in the lagoon under the waterfall.” The shade from the trees and the coolness of the water make it a refreshing escape from the summer sun—something we love about Madeira’s natural offerings.

Waterfalls, Rockpools, and Mountain Lookouts

As you walk, you’ll see the rockpools carved into the landscape, testament to water’s erosive power. Your guide will point out interesting geological features and local flora, enriching the experience. The tour also includes visits to lookout points around Madeira’s highest mountain, Pico Areeiro, offering sweeping views that make the climb worthwhile.

End of the Day

The tour concludes back at your hotel, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. The small group size (up to 16 travelers) ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take photos.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers have mixed experiences based on weather and expectations. Mervyn L noted that despite wet and cloudy weather, the guide Sarah offered the group the option to cancel, which many appreciated. Even with limited visibility, he appreciated the effort to go ahead, describing it as “a very wet and cloudy day,” but still enjoyable.

On the other hand, PiotrK’s experience was less favorable due to poor weather and fewer views. He felt the levada was “boring” and that there was no swimming in lakes as some might expect. This highlights how weather can impact the scenic aspect of the tour, emphasizing the importance of checking the forecast.

The Price and Its Value

At $49.73 per person, this tour offers good value for a full day of guiding, transportation, and access to some of Madeira’s most beautiful natural sites. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Funchal. While food isn’t included, bringing a small picnic makes the experience more flexible and personal. Considering the cost of similar guided hikes elsewhere, this tour strikes a reasonable balance between affordability and quality.

Equipment and Preparation

The tour recommends sports shoes or hiking boots with good grip—crucial for uneven or potentially slippery terrain. Travelers should also be prepared for changing weather and carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and a rain jacket just in case.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided walk is ideal for nature lovers who want a manageable but immersive experience. It’s suited for those who enjoy scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, and who appreciate the company of a knowledgeable guide. It’s also a good choice for travelers looking to escape the crowds of more popular tourist spots. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and want to see Madeira’s wild side, this tour will serve you well.

Final Thoughts

The Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal offers a well-rounded, authentic experience for those eager to see the island’s lush waterfalls, rockpools, and high mountain vistas. The guided aspect ensures you gain insight into the landscape’s geological features and local flora, making it more than just a walk. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it especially convenient, and the small group setting fosters a friendly, personal atmosphere.

While weather can influence the visibility and overall experience, the tour’s flexibility—offering alternative dates or refunds—adds peace of mind. If you’re prepared for the moderate effort and want an intimate encounter with Madeira’s natural beauty, this walk can be a highlight of your trip.

This tour is best suited for active travelers, nature enthusiasts, and those wanting an authentic, less crowded experience. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking scenic tranquility, water features, and mountain views with the comfort of guided support.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s designed as a moderate walk, so you should have a decent level of physical fitness. The walk covers about 10 km and involves uneven terrain, but it’s manageable for most travelers prepared for light hiking.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a small picnic, water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing. Good grip sports shoes or hiking boots are strongly recommended for safety and comfort.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you’re staying at a designated hotel in Funchal, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own picnic. There are no food options available along the route.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, which encourages a more personalized experience and better interaction with the guide.

Who is the guide?
The guides are professional and knowledgeable; one review mentions Sarah, who was helpful and attentive, especially when weather conditions were less than ideal.

To sum it up, the Lakes of Madeira Levada Walk from Funchal is a rewarding experience for those who love natural landscapes, moderate hiking, and authentic scenery. With expert guides, scenic vistas, and a flexible booking policy, it’s a great way to spend a day exploring Madeira’s wild and beautiful side—just be sure to bring your rain gear and a picnic.