Rabacal and the 25 fountains

Days: Thursday & Saturday
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: 2 Moderate
Beware: Tunnels & Vertigo

In the bewitching valley of Rabaçal we come across to one of Madeiras most popular levada walks. We walk along stretches of 3 Levadas, each with its own character, but all of them with a large number of waterfalls. Here at the head of Madeira's greatest valley, the houses of Rabaçal seem tiny beneath the enormous emerald-green mountains. For nature lovers it is simply a unique and awe-inspiring paradise. Rabaçal is an enchanted fairyland of cascading waterfalls, singing fountains and small lakes. A really great Madeira walk!

Ribeiro Frio - Portela

Days: Friday
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: 3 Moderate
Beware: Vertigo

To really appreciate Madeiras natural heritage, you have to do this walk. Set deep in the Laurisilva forest on the eastern side of the island you will marvel at display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada alongside the path dash for cover as they perceive our approach.You will love the tranquility and peace of your surroundings as your eyes feast upon sensational views at the vast array of flora and bird life. Another levada walk not to be missed!

Kings Levada - São Jorge

Days: Thursday
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 hours
Grade: 2 Moderate

This beautiful walk, situated in the lush valleys of São Jorge will take you into the lushest places to be found on the island.This initial leg of the trail presents travelers with beautiful panoramic views of the São Jorge and Santana farmlands. After the midway point of the trail, the levada that winds from the interior of the island along the mountain slopes passes through a spectacular area of native forest which is well developed and rich in natural bio diversity. The tunnels formed by the luxuriant vegetation and the great variety of species that you can find here are excellent living examples of the potential of nature, while the beautiful levada is evidence of the valuable cultural heritage of the island. You will also find a water mill (moínho), which is about three hundred years old. This mill is a good example of preservation, and powered by the water from the Levada do Rei, it grinds wheat, maize, barley and rye grown on the terraces of São Jorge. Another must in Madeira walks!

Boca da Corrida - Encumeada

Days: Friday
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 5.5 hours
Grade: 4 Difficult
Beware: Vertigo

This Madeira walk, no serious walker should miss. If we had to choose one mountain walk this would be it. Magnificent views and very little climbing. Spectacular viewpoint overlooking Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) and the enchanting green valley of Ribeiro do Poco. This is a rather long walk, more like trekking, but one is really mesmerized by the power of the rugged mountains all around and lush green valleys of Encumeada below. A real beauty!

Ponta de São Lourenço

Days: Saturday
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: 4 Difficult
Beware: Vertigo

We cannot stress enough how absolutely beautiful this Madeira levada walk really is. It is situated on the most eastern point of Madeira and is part of a natural park with fabulous seascapes and dramatic views over the north and south of the island. The islands volcanic formation is clearly evident in the rugged beauty of fascinating rock formations. On the horizon to the South you can see Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and to the North the Porto Santo Islands. Not only do we find some very rare and unique flora and fauna but in the sea, you may be lucky enough to spot the world’s rarest seal, known in Madeira as a Sea-wolf (Monachus monachus). With wonderful views of the ocean crashing against the coast and the offshore rocks we take the time to have a swim in the all inviting clear turquoise-blue waters of the Atlantic.

Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo

Days: Wednesday & Saturday
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 5 hours
Grade: 4 Difficult
Beware: Vertigo

Hiking on rugged terrain along part of the central mountain chain that runs across the island. The views are truly spectacular. This trail is unique in that it links the two highest peaks of Madeira Island, Pico Ruivo (1861 m) and Pico do Arieiro (1817 m), traversing part of the Central Mountain Massif. Besides the fact that you just don't stop seeing some of natures most spectacular scenery like the oldest heather forest in existence, you also get a chance to see some endemic birds to the island and also the most endangered seabird of Europe.
These ancient trees that are found just before you get to Pico Ruivo, are many hundreds of years old and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. The view is most awesome from Pico Ruivo, where on a clear day, you can see forever! Although the path is well used, this is not a walk for vertigo sufferers! Suitable robust footwear and clothing are essential no matter what time of the year you are doing this Madeira walk.

Prazeres - Ponta do Pargo

Days: Saturday
Distance: 8 km
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: 3 Moderate
Beware: Vertigo

We start this tranquil levada walk between the sea and mountain landscapes. In an almost never ending winding path through lush green valleys and mountains with magnificent views overlooking rural villages with vineyards and fertile terraced fields lined with a vast array of flora. It is a very pleasant walk, with spectacular views of incredible colorful contrasts of the Atlantic ocean and the green mountains above. Another really nice walk!

Levada do Norte - Quinta Grande (half day)

Days: Sunday
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: 2 Easy

A really superb walk all year round , through landscape rich in cultivation. From Quinta Grande through Campanario until Boa Morte. Along this levada, you will enjoy the beautiful landscapes such as cultivation terraces, lovely rural houses that are festooned with dahlias and the aroma of wood fires is in the air, charming gardens and eucalyptus plantations. Some spactacular views of the sea cliffs in the distance makes this levada, a really superb walk!

Levada dos Maroços (half day)

Days: Friday
Distance: 9 km
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: 2 Easy

This levada walk starts in Maroços and ends in Ribeira Seca. This Levada, is also called "Levada das Mimosas" due to the many Mimosa trees bordering this irrigation channel. At each turn, you will enjoy superb views over Machico Valley, the sea and distant views of the Desertas Islands. Different vegetables and fruits which grow on the terraces, provide an amazing contrast to the natural vegetation you will see along the way. This is a easy walk for ALL ages!

Paradise Valley (half day)

Days: Sunday
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: 1 Easy

A relaxing levada walk between mountains and valley's on the area of Stº da Serra. This is a charming walk, covered up with luxuriant vegetation, delightful wild flowers, eucalyptus & pine forest, surrounded by tiny familiar farms lands producing different vegetables and fruits, and wonderful landscapes all the way through.

Nuns Valley (half day)

Days: Sunday
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: 2 Easy
Beware: Vertigo

Situated right in the heart of the island, this fairly easy walk will enchant you as it weaves its way through dense forests, surrounded by high ridges, rural villages, fertile terraces, vineyards and ravines. Experience the route the nuns took to flee the pirates more than 400 years ago!

Levada do Castelejo (half day)

Days: Wednesday
Distance: 7 km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Grade: 2 Easy

This is an easy and charming walk, along the paths made by man in this area many years ago. You will be able to admire, some of the villages on the Northeast Coast. As we make our way around this levada you have fascinating views of terraced fields and houses that lie absent mindedly below. On this walk you will also notice how hard it is for local farmers to get to their crops and lands.