Top 8 guided levada walks in Madeira

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: the top 8 of 168 guided levada walks in Madeira

Viator lists 168 guided levada walks in Madeira. We analysed all of them, what each trip includes, its programme and its conditions, and picked the top 8. Here they are. Private tours and other formats are below.

Rating and the number of reviews count as one of the criteria: every trip here had 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor together, when we last went through the list.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Guided levada walks in Madeira: which one to choose

A levada walk takes you along a water channel through forest or past farm terraces. These trips include a guide and transport. Several pick up in Funchal and Caniço. Starting prices for shared trips range from €35 to €65 per adult. The longer days take up to 8 hours.

The Referta walk gives you about 2 hours on foot above Porto da Cruz. Allow time for the drive too. Walk with a local takes up to six people. Its route changes with the day.

For waterfalls I'd look at the 25 Fontes and Risco walk. The return route takes you through a 500-metre tunnel. The peaks walk takes in Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. That one needs a high level of fitness.

The private 25 Fontes walk has pickup options across Madeira. Prices start at €45 per adult. Choose the pickup option for your area. Food costs extra on several of these trips.

Walk with a local
Walk with a local

Start with what matters most to you: the route and how you get there. Stars won't tell you that.

Compare the 8 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 21 September 2026

Hide the tableShow the comparison table
8 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripHow you get thereVehicle or formatListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Walk with a localHotel pickupOn foot6 travellers€50 per adult4 hours to 6 hourstimes shown at booking (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
02Madeira Peaks - Mountain WalkHotel pickup or meeting pointOn foot16 travellers€48 per adult8 hours08:30 (Wed, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03Levada da Referta - CastelejoHotel pickupOn foot16 travellers€35 per adult2 hours08:30 (Thu, Sun)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Larano Walking TourHotel pickupOn foot16 travellers€45 per adult4 hours 30 minutes08:45 (Thu)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
05Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) - Hiking Tour in MadeiraHotel pickupMinibus15 travellers€48 per adult6 hours08:30 (Tue)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
0625 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)Hotel pickupMinibus15 travellers€48 per adult7 hours08:30 (Fri, Sun)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
07Fanal Assobiadores - Mountain WalkHotel pickup or meeting pointsee the tour page15 travellers€48 per adult8 hours08:30 (Thu)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
08PR6 Levada Wood : Rabaçal - 25 SourcesHotel pickupOn foot16 travellers€65 per adult7 hours09:00 (Tue, Thu)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 8 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01

    The walk that changes each day

    Walk with a local

    Walk with a local

    4.96/5 from 67 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    Your guide leads a different route each day from Monday to Saturday. Wednesday is the 13 km Caldeirão Verde walk. Pickup is included for a shared group of up to 6 people.

    It suits walkers aged 12 to 75 who want a small group. You'll need moderate fitness. Pick another tour if its route doesn't run during your stay.

    The trade-off. Choose the Walk with a local option for the shared tour. Lunch costs extra.

    From price
    €50 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours to 6 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 6 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    times shown at booking (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Choose Walk with a local for a shared walk. Private Tour is a separate option.
    • Travellers must be aged 12 to 75.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Send your address to arrange your pickup time.
    • Lunch costs extra.
    • Bad weather can cancel the trip.
    • Give this one a miss if you have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02

    The walk between Madeira's peaks

    Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk

    Madeira Peaks - Mountain Walk

    4.83/5 from 295 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The 10 km route takes in Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. You walk through heather forest near Pico Ruivo. Your guide and transport from Funchal are included.

    I'd choose it for a mountain day if you have a high level of fitness. Look elsewhere if you have vertigo or limited mobility.

    The trade-off. You must carry a picnic because there's nowhere to buy food on the walk. Government fees cost extra.

    From price
    €48 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Wed, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • This walk is not recommended with limited mobility or for wheelchair users.
    • Each booking needs someone aged 12 or over.
    • Bring a picnic. There is nowhere to buy food during the walk.
    • Wear shoes with grip or hiking boots. Bring clothes for changing weather.
    • Check your pickup message the day before the walk.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03

    The levada above Porto da Cruz

    Levada da Referta - Castelejo

    Levada da Referta - Castelejo

    4.98/5 from 48 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You follow Levada da Referta past farm terraces above Porto da Cruz. Pickup and the forest fee are included. Prices start at €35 per adult.

    I'd start here if you want a short levada walk. For a mountain hike I'd look at the peaks walk.

    The trade-off. Allow time for pickup and the drive as well as the walk. Ask for the return time before booking.

    From price
    €35 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Thu, Sun)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Each booking needs someone aged 13 or over. Travellers must be aged 90 or under.
    • The two hours are walking time. Add the drive from your pickup point at both ends.
    • Ask how your baby will travel before booking.
    • Arrange your pickup point and time before booking.
    • Departure is at 08:30 on Thursdays and Sundays.
    • Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04

    The coast walk to Machico

    Larano Walking Tour

    The old Coastal Walk

    4.96/5 from 46 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You walk from Porto da Cruz to Machico along the Larano path. People once used this footpath to carry crops. Pickup is included.

    I'd pick this for a coast walk with a guide. You need moderate fitness. Look elsewhere if you're prone to dizziness.

    The trade-off. It runs on Thursdays. Government fees cost extra.

    From price
    €45 per adult
    Duration
    4 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:45 (Thu)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Each booking needs someone aged 13 or over. Travellers must be aged 90 or under.
    • Ask how your baby will travel before booking.
    • Arrange your pickup point and time before booking.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  5. 05

    4.94/5 from 33 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You follow the peninsula to Casa do Sardinha with a guide. The return walk uses the same path. Minivan transport from central Funchal and Caniço is included.

    Choose it for a coast walk with sea on both sides. You need moderate fitness. Children under 8 and travellers over 65 need another trip.

    The trade-off. The peninsula can be very windy. Government fees cost extra.

    From price
    €48 per adult
    Duration
    6 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 15 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Tue)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 8 to 65.
    • This walk is not suitable with limited mobility or severe health problems.
    • Check that your hotel is on the pickup route. Be ready at reception 10 minutes before pickup.
    • Eat breakfast before the walk. Don't rely on buying food or water along the way.
    • The guide may use English if your preferred language is unavailable.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  6. 06
    25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

    4.70/5 from 203 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You visit 25 Fontes and Risco with a guide on Fridays or Sundays. The return route goes through a 500-metre tunnel. Minivan transport from central Funchal and Caniço is included.

    Book it for the waterfalls if you have moderate fitness. Travellers must be aged 8 to 65. Look elsewhere if you have limited mobility.

    The trade-off. Bring your own food and water. Government fees cost extra.

    From price
    €48 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 15 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Fri, Sun)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 8 to 65. Each booking needs someone aged 12 or over.
    • You need moderate fitness. This walk is not suitable with limited mobility or severe health problems.
    • Check that your hotel is on the pickup route. Be ready at reception 10 minutes before pickup.
    • The walk can go ahead in rain if it is safe.
    • The guide may use English if your preferred language is unavailable.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  7. 07

    The forest walk to Fanal

    Fanal Assobiadores - Mountain Walk

    Fanal Assobiadores - Mountain Walk

    4.61/5 from 31 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A guide leads you from Paul da Serra to Fanal through areas of Laurissilva forest. Allow 8 hours for the walk and transport. Pickup from selected hotels is included.

    This is for regular walkers who want a day on forest trails. Try Referta if you want a shorter walk.

    The trade-off. You must carry a picnic because there's nowhere to buy food on the walk. Government fees cost extra.

    From price
    €48 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 15 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    08:30 (Thu)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Each booking needs someone aged 12 or over.
    • Bring a picnic. There is nowhere to buy food during the walk.
    • Wear shoes with grip or hiking boots. Bring clothes for changing weather.
    • Ask for pickup from your hotel in Funchal or Caniço. Pickup in Câmara de Lobos is also possible.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  8. 08

    25 Fontes on Tuesdays or Thursdays

    PR6 Levada Wood : Rabaçal - 25 Sources

    Levada do Rabaçal / 25 Fountains

    4.61/5 from 46 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A certified guide leads the walk through forest to 25 Fontes and Risco. The shuttle is included. Departure is at 09:00.

    Book it for a waterfall walk on a Tuesday or Thursday. You need moderate fitness. Children under 12 need another trip.

    The trade-off. From €65 per adult it has the highest starting price among the shared walks here. Bring water for the walk.

    From price
    €65 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    09:00 (Tue, Thu)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Hotel pickup included

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 12 to 99.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Wear walking shoes. Bring water for the walk.
    • Bad weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Private tours and other formats

These are private, priced per vehicle, or work differently from the trips above, so they don't go in the ranked list.

Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours

5.00/5 from 72 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

This private jeep day visits villages and viewpoints with a short walk at Levada do Norte if the weather allows. Prices start at €385 per group for up to four people.

From price
€385 per group
Duration
6 hours
Listed group limit
private
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Listed departure times
times shown at booking (Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

Before you book

  • The base option covers up to four people. Choose a larger option for five or six.
  • Children must be at least 3. They must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Pickup outside Funchal costs extra.
  • Bring a jacket for the stops in the mountains.
  • Request a vegetarian lunch when you book if you need one.
  • Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

The private walk to 25 Fontes

Private Guided Walk Levada 25 Fontes

Private Guided Walk Levada 25 Fontes

4.84/5 from 37 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

This private guided walk takes your group from Rabaçal to 25 Fontes with pickup across Madeira. Prices start at €45 per adult with the Funchal and Caniço pickup option.

From price
€45 per adult
Duration
5 hours
Listed group limit
private
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Listed departure times
09:00, 10:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup included

Before you book

  • Choose the pickup option for where you are staying.
  • The North/South East Pick Up option takes 6 hours. The other options take 5 hours.
  • Travellers must be aged 6 to 99. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Food and drinks cost extra.
  • The walk can go ahead in rain. Bring your own clothes for the weather.
  • The walk runs Monday to Friday at 09:00 or 10:00.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Back to the comparison table

Guided levada walks in Madeira: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Which walk would you choose for a first levada trip?

I'd start with the Referta walk if you'd like about 2 hours on foot. It follows farm terraces above Porto da Cruz. The Serra de Água walk is a 5 km alternative for an easy levada day. Both include a guide and pickup. Allow time for the drive on Referta too.

What do these walks cost?

Starting prices for shared walks range from €35 to €65 per adult. The private 25 Fontes walk starts at €45 per adult. Its price depends on your pickup area. The private jeep and levada day starts at €385 per group for up to four people. Its levada walk lasts about 30 minutes when weather allows.

How long should I allow?

The Referta walk has about 2 hours on foot. Allow time for pickup and driving too. The Serra de Água trip takes about 4 hours with a 5 km walk. The peaks walk is an 8-hour outing with transport. The Fanal walk also takes about 8 hours including transport.

Can I join without hiring a car?

You can join without a car. The 25 Fontes and Risco walk includes transport from central Funchal and Caniço. Pickup is from selected hotels. With a hire car you can meet the Serra de Água group outside the main entrance of Marina Shopping in Funchal. The private 25 Fontes walk has pickup options across the island.

What is included in the price?

These trips include a guide and transport. The Referta walk also includes the forest fee. On the 25 Fontes and Risco walk government fees cost extra. Bring your own food and water for that walk. The private 25 Fontes walk offers lunch after the walk for an extra charge.

Can children join?

Yes. Age limits depend on the walk. Children from 6 can join the private 25 Fontes walk with an adult. The shared 25 Fontes and Risco walk accepts travellers aged 8 to 65. Walk with a local accepts ages 12 to 75. Check the age limit for everyone in your party.

How fit do I need to be?

Most of the longer walks need moderate fitness. The peaks walk requires a high level of fitness. It isn't for you if you get vertigo or have limited mobility. Give it a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition. The Larano walk may cause dizziness.

What should I bring?

For the Fanal walk wear shoes with good grip or hiking boots. Bring clothes for changing weather. You must carry a picnic because there's nowhere to buy food along the walk. On the São Lourenço walk bring your own food and water. Be ready for strong winds on that peninsula.

What happens if it rains or the walk is cancelled?

Rain doesn't always cancel a walk. The 25 Fontes and Risco walk can go ahead if it is safe. If bad weather cancels the Fanal walk you can choose another date or a full refund. If you cancel at least 24 hours before departure you get a full refund.

When do the walks leave?

The São Lourenço walk leaves at 08:30 on Tuesdays. The 25 Fontes walk leaves at 09:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With Walk with a local the route depends on the day. Monday is 25 Fontes and Risco. Wednesday is Caldeirão Verde. Send your address to arrange your pickup time.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 168 guided levada walks in Madeira that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 150 of the 168 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same trip is sold under two names, we show it once. 8 more trips passed the review bar but stayed out for those reasons.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how good your day will be. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.

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Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 21 September 2026. We last went through this list on 13 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.