Walk Levada do Rei

Highlights

On Levada do Rei Walk, enjoy stunning views and feel Nature at its best. The Laurisilva forest – World Nature Heritage of UNESCO will take you back in time to the discovery of the island.

Holiday Type Hiking, Walking & Active
Activity Level Moderate 3/8

What is a levada walk? Do the best levada walks with us. Levada do Rei is one of them, in he mddle of the Laurissilva forest

All about the Levada do Rei Walk

Particularly, great walk in the valley of “50 shades of Green”. On the first stretch, you’ll notice the heady scent of the tall eucalyptus, and then you’ll marvel with the relict species of the dense Laurisilva forest, responsible for producing the water carried by the Levada along which we will walk. What is more, you’ll pass a few waterfalls, and you’ll even walk under one, which will add some thrill to this experience.

Moreover, when you reach the source of the Levada, you’ll meet with beauty and wonder. On Ribeiro Bonito “Pretty Stream” you’ll feel that fairy tales exist… And guess what!? This is where you’ll be able to relax and have a picnic. After this, we’ll go back through the same path.

Levada do Rei walk is one of the best walking holidays in Madeira Portugal

Why Walk Levada do Rei?

To tell the truth, you’ll experience a delightful flat walk with awesome views over the valleys, easy even for non-experienced hikers since it involves none climbing or complicated steps. This Levada will also give you lots of photo opportunities. Book now!

Levada do Rei is one of the best levada walks in Madeira

Other Details on the Walk Levada do Rei

When: Full-day, Saturday

Trip Specifications: Tour starts at 9h and finishes around 16h. Note that, although guide books mention a 3,5-4-hours walk, we will need all day as we do the walk at a reasonable pace, including stopping for lunch and for taking photos. The path is flat, with only a little climbing at the beginning. There are fences to protect you from some steep drops. We will come across one short tunnel. The path itself is easy to walk, except for people with vertigo. This walk offers superb views over the verdant valleys and small villages and the opportunity to observe birds, some of which are endemic to Madeira. Madeira’s Laurel Forest, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, is the rarest in the world.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

Max. Altitude: 710 m (2,329 ft.)

Min. Altitude: 530 m (1,738 ft.)

Departure Point and Time: Please click here for location details and map

Venues: Madeira Natural Park; UNESCO World Heritage Site and other mentioned key sites

Meals: Picnic is optional upon payment when booking this tour (add-ons). Take advantage of the group discount.

Explore Nature Madeira in Levada do Rei Walk.

Requirements

Punctuality, be fit to walk in the mountains and have a head for heights.

What do you need to bring? • A coat/ jumpe because much of the route is in the shade, and sometimes it’s a colder climate up at the top, and the weather can often be unpredictable. • Also, bring in a waterproof jacket because you will get wet from water falling from above one waterfall. • Also, non-slip walking boots and the more waterproof, the better. • Make sure you have your camera either. • If you haven’t purchased a picnic, we remind you to take enough food and water because there is nothing available on the route. • Booking-madeira.com provides torches (free), but if you wish, you can bring your flashlight or head torch. On the other hand, some guests say there is no need to use, as the tunnel is short. • As a final point, take a bag to carry your litter away with you.

Laurisilva Madeira walk in Levada do Rei Walk

Good to Know on Levada do Rei Walk

• This walk is not suitable for people with vertigo problems because some parts of the path are quite narrow with a steep drop on one side but most have a barrier running alongside. • Besides, there are only a few steps to overcome at the start/ end of the walk and a short tunnel. • Also, there are bathrooms at the start/end of the trail.

Security: Considering safety, better to go with a guide and relax, instead of getting lost in the mountains of Madeira. For instance, if you fall or feel unwell, it is reassuring to know that the mountain guide activates the emergency system. Further, he/she sends a warning and the location of the group to the local authorities, enabling a quick rescue. To put it another way, all well worth the money for the hike.

Walterfall in Madeira rainforest on its best on Levada do Rei Walk — Your chance to be in nature

Our Expertise

We pick you up from the place you are staying at and drop you off when finished. In fact, it is an easy and comfortable way to get to the walk. Moreover, it’s easy to book. There are comfort breaks before and after the walk. Our staff are qualified. Our fundamental principles are not only the comfort, but also safety, and flexibility of both our uests and personnel as well.

More importantly, consult our FAQs section, where we have the answers to the most asked questions.

The best app to plan walking route in Madeira is walking com / with a mountain guide that will keep you safe on Madeira hikes

Included in Walk Levada do Rei

Certified Tourist Guide or Mountain Guide
Taxes, Fees as well as Handling Charges
Hotel pickup & drop-off included in the city of Funchal and for private tours only.

However, we can still pick you up upon an extra charge for hotels out of the city (€ per vehicle) or, if you have your car, we can set the time and meeting point in Funchal.

Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees When Mentioned
Insurance (Required by Portuguese law)
First aid kit (basics recommended by ATR)
Torches, but if you prefer, alternatively, you can bring your flashlight or head torch.

Madeira levada do Rei walk is full of beautiful plants

Excluded in Walk Levada do Rei

Please note that there may be an extra charge per reservation for pickups and drop-offs if your accommodation is outside of Funchal (check for prices here)
In addition, picnic lunch is optional upon payment when booking this tour (add-ons)
Also, drinks and food during the comfortable stops

Madeira mountains view at Levada do Rei walk

ITINERARY on Walk Levada do Rei

Hotel Pickup (Departure time)
A member of our staff will pick you up at the indicated place and confirm your voucher identification. You can present either a paper or an electronic ticket for this activity. The Levada do Rei walk tour will begin as soon as we finish collecting tour members. Please click here for location details and map.

Comfort stop
To start with, we will drive to São Jorge village in the north part of the island. Then, we will make a comfort stop for anyone who wants to have a coffee and moreover, use the bathroom because there are no facilities along the way!

São Jorge
Then, we will head to the Forest Park, where we will start our walk going up a few steps.

Path
In fact, you’ll follow the flat Levada, with a few sections of steep steps protected by fences. In addition, we will give you a flashlight, as the walk includes a short hand-carved tunnel.

Ribeiro Bonito
We’ll enjoy our picnic in the source of the Levada in Ribeiro Bonito (Pretty Stream), surrounded by the lush evergreen vegetation, the Laurel Forest (UNESCO World Heritage).

Rei hiking maps are available when booking the Levada do Rei walk

Return

From there, we will walk the same way back, with views from a different perspective.

Comfort stop
Then, there will be a comfort stop on the way back to Funchal for anyone who wants to have a drink and use the bathrooms!

Hotel Drop-off (Return time)

Furthermore, we will take you back to the same spot where we picked you at the start of the Levada do Rei walk tour.