There are 168 guided levada walks in Madeira, from guides on Viator and other providers. We went through all of them and picked the 8 most reliable ones. We chose by reviews and by what each trip actually includes. Each has 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews. Here they are. Private tours and other formats are below.
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.
CancellationFree 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
01
The walk that changes each day
Walk with a local
4.95/5 from 66 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.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Details as of .
02
The walk between Madeira's peaks
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.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Details as of .
05
The walk out to São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) - Hiking Tour in Madeira
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.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Details as of .
06
The 25 Fontes walk with Risco
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.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Details as of .
07
The forest walk to Fanal
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.
Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Details as of .
Private charters and other formats
These are priced per boat or work differently, so they don't go in the ranked list.
The private jeep and levada day
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.
Check first. The levada walk is only one stop on a sightseeing day. It depends on the weather. The price is per group. Choose the option for your group size of up to six people. Children must be at least 3. They must be accompanied by an adult. Pickup in Funchal or at its cruise port is included. Pickup outside Funchal costs extra. Lunch and drinks cost extra. Cabo Girão entry costs extra unless you are a resident or aged 12 or under. Bring a jacket for the stops in the mountains. Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury.
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
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.
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
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.
Check first. The price is per person. 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. Children must be at least 6. They must be accompanied by an adult. Food and drinks cost extra. You can add lunch after the walk for a fee. The walk can go ahead in rain. Bring clothes for the weather.
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
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.
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. A guide and pickup are included. Allow time for the drive 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 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. 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.
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 boat 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.
Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Every detail on this page comes from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.
Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 13 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.
