From Funchal: Wet your hair in the amazing Moinhos Levada

Travelers looking for a peaceful escape into Madeira’s lush landscape will find this levada walk a perfect choice. This tour offers a relaxed, scenic trek through one of the island’s most beautiful water channels, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning vistas and fresh mountain air.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the flexibility to walk at your own pace allows you to truly soak in your surroundings without feeling rushed. Second, the chance to wet your hair in a waterfall adds a fun and refreshing element, perfect after a good hike. Lastly, the local guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, making the journey all the more enjoyable.

That said, it’s not suited for everyone—those with mobility issues or a fear of heights might want to consider other options. But if you’re generally comfortable on uneven terrain and enjoy nature, this tour offers exceptional value at a reasonable price of $38. It’s especially ideal for travelers who prefer a gentle, scenic adventure rather than strenuous hikes.

Good To Know

• Flexible walking pace allows you to enjoy the scenery without pressure
• Stunning views and waterfalls provide perfect photo opportunities and refreshment
• Expert guides enhance the experience with local insights and helpful tips
• Affordable price offers great value for a full day of scenic adventure
• Includes pickup and transfer from key locations around Funchal and Caniço
• Not suitable for children under 10 or those with certain health issues such as mobility problems or fear of heights

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Madeira’s Moinhos Levada

Madeira is famous for its levadas—narrow channels carved into the landscape centuries ago to carry water from mountain sources to farmland and villages. The Moinhos Levada is among the most beautiful, winding through lush greenery, crossing stone bridges, and cascading past waterfalls. For many, these levadas are the backbone of the island’s natural beauty and serve as the backdrop for this walk.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour starts from convenient pickup points in Câmara De Lobos, Ribeira Brava, or Funchal. From there, a brief 30-minute drive takes you to the first stop—a local supermarket-cafe where you can grab coffee, water, or snacks and get to know your fellow travelers. The relaxed start helps set a friendly tone before you hit the trails.

Next, you’ll be transported to the trailhead of the Moinhos Levada. This walk typically lasts around 3-4 hours, but the pace is leisurely, giving you time to pause and appreciate each view. You’ll walk along the old water channels, crossing stone bridges, and passing through areas bursting with vibrant flora. Reviewers highlight how peaceful and unhurried the walk feels—perfect for soaking in the scenery.

What Makes the Levada Special?

What sets this levada apart is its combination of natural beauty and historical charm. The waterfalls are a highlight, especially one where you can wet your hair after you’ve worked up a bit of a sweat. The waterfalls gather from high peaks, and their icy waters are a welcome surprise on a warm day. Multiple reviewers mention how the views of mountains shrouded in mist are breathtaking, often feeling like scenes from a postcard.

Guides and Personal Touches

Guides like Nelio and Emilio are frequently praised for their friendliness and local insights. One reviewer mentions Nelio’s excellent communication, from providing detailed instructions to helping with photos during the walk. Emilio was noted for his punctuality and his willingness to walk back to check on participants. Their knowledge and approachable manners make a significant difference, especially if you’re new to levada hikes.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Post-Hike Relaxation and Scenic Stops

Once the walk is complete, you’ll be picked up again and taken to the charming seaside village of Ponta do Sol. Here, you can relax by the water, explore the quaint streets, or have a leisurely lunch. Reviewers love spending time in this peaceful spot, with some staying for a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere.

On the way back, the tour includes scenic viewpoints and stops at other lookout points, giving you a chance to capture different perspectives of the island. The return journey is smooth, with convenient drop-off options in Câmara De Lobos, Ribeira Brava, or Funchal.

Practical Details and Value

This tour is priced at $38 per person, which offers good value considering the included pickup, transport, and guided support. Although lunch isn’t included, the opportunity to explore Ponta do Sol and have a meal at your own pace adds to the overall experience.

The 7-hour duration is ideal for those who want a full day out without feeling overly rushed. The walking itself isn’t physically demanding—many reviews describe it as flat with only a few stairs—making it accessible for those with moderate fitness levels. However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, people with mobility issues, or anyone afraid of heights, as some parts of the walk run along mountain edges without sturdy railings.

What About the Weather?

Madeira’s weather can vary, especially in higher altitudes. It’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes, bring layers, and have waterproof gear on hand, particularly if rain is forecast. The lush landscape and waterfalls are most impressive in moist conditions, so don’t shy away if the sky isn’t clear.

Booking and Cancellation Flexibility

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you peace of mind. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, making it easier to plan your trip flexibly.

Authentic Experiences and Why You’ll Love It

Reading reviews reveals a lot about the personal touches that make this tour special. Guides like Nelio are described as helpful and flexible, even taking time to stop at local stores or provide additional sightseeing options. Many guests appreciated how the guides shared interesting tidbits about the island’s water system, flora, and history.

The stunning vistas, coupled with the tranquility of the walk, provide a break from crowded tourist spots. People loved the chance to take photos of waterfalls, mountains, and the lush scenery, often remarking that the walk felt more like a gentle adventure than a strenuous hike.

The Experience’s Best Aspects

• The relaxing pace means you can truly enjoy the natural beauty without feeling exhausted.
• The waterfalls and mountain views are postcard-perfect, making for memorable photos.
• Guides’ local knowledge adds depth and comfort, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
• The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, as highlighted by reviewers who mention how enjoyable it was to share the day with just a few others.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This levada walk is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back, scenic day in Madeira, especially those who enjoy gentle hikes and stunning vistas. It’s perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting to experience Madeira’s landscape without strenuous effort.

If you’re comfortable walking on uneven terrain, this tour will suit you well. However, it’s not suitable for small children under 10, or for guests with mobility, heart, or vertigo issues, given the mountain edges and lack of railings at some points.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an affordable, authentic, and scenic way to experience Madeira’s famous levadas. The combination of a peaceful walk, spectacular waterfalls, and the charming Ponta do Sol makes it a memorable day out. Knowledgeable guides and thoughtful organization elevate the experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for most.

For those wanting a gentle immersion into Madeira’s lush landscape, this walk hits all the right notes. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and see some of the most beautiful scenery the island has to offer—all for a very reasonable price.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from Caniço, Funchal, Ribeira Brava, and nearby locations is included, as well as transfer services during the day.

How long does the walk last?
The walking part typically lasts 3-4 hours, with the entire day including stops and transfer time totaling about 7 hours.

What should I bring for the walk?
Comfortable walking shoes, waterproof clothing, water, snacks, and possibly a camera for photos.

Can children join this tour?
No, it is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Is the walk physically demanding?
The walk is described as flat with only a few stairs, making it accessible for most moderate fitness levels.

Are there any health restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, mobility impairments, heart issues, vertigo, or height fears.

What makes the waterfalls special?
The waterfalls gather from high peaks and flow over sheer rock faces, creating refreshing cascades where you can cool off or wet your hair.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe; waterproof gear is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What’s the best season to do this walk?
While the tour runs year-round, the lush scenery and waterfalls are most impressive in moist or rainy conditions, typically in cooler months.

This guided levada walk in Madeira offers an authentic glimpse of the island’s natural beauty, perfect for those who appreciate gentle, scenic adventures with a personal touch.

You can check if your dates are available here: