Wet your hair in the amazing Moinhos/Nova Levada

Wet your hair in the amazing Moinhos/Nova Levada offers a charming way to explore Madeira’s iconic water channels at a relaxed pace. For just over $45, you’ll enjoy a 5-hour adventure that combines stunning scenery, a touch of adventure, and seaside leisure. This guided or self-guided experience delivers a peaceful escape into Madeira’s lush landscape, perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty without strenuous exertion.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the easy, no-stress nature of the walk makes it accessible for most travelers. Second, the chance to wet your hair in waterfalls and walk through a hand-built tunnel adds a memorable, interactive element. Third, the combination of scenic levada walking and relaxing time in Ponta do Sol—complete with a beachside drink or a swim—provides a well-rounded day.

A possible consideration? The tour is not suited for those with fear of heights, mobility issues, or very young children, as parts of the trail have exposed sections and require some balance and comfort with heights. This experience is best suited for travelers seeking gentle walks, beautiful scenery, and a taste of authentic Madeira life.

Good To Know

• Accessible and no-stress: Designed for relaxed enjoyment, not strenuous hiking
• Stunning scenery: Lush landscapes, waterfalls, tunnels, and old stone bridges
• Authentic experience: Walk along the historic levada system that feeds Madeira’s water mills
• Flexible timing: Approximately 5 hours, including transfer, walk, and relaxation time
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicle transfers with pickup and drop-off included
• Limited group size: Max 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility

Introduction to the Tour: A Scenic Madeira Experience

This levada walk review is based on a highly-rated tour that promises a gentle stroll into nature’s best. While we haven’t personally trekked the trail, the glowing reviews highlight its appeal as a relaxed, scenic adventure. The tour’s core is an easy self-guided walk through the lush Moinhos/Nova Levada, renowned for its waterfalls and historic water system, making it a perfect outing for those who want to take in Madeira’s beauty without the physical strain of intense hikes.

Three aspects stand out as especially appealing: the stunning views of waterfalls and the mountains, the chance to walk through a hand-carved tunnel, and the opportunity to enjoy seaside relaxation in Ponta do Sol afterward. The tour’s price point—around $45—offers excellent value considering the included transfers, support, and the unique experience of walking along historic levadas.

One thing to keep in mind is that the trail includes exposed sections and some heights, so it’s not ideal if you experience vertigo or have mobility challenges. But for most travelers, this tour offers a gentle and scenic way to connect with Madeira’s iconic landscape. It’s perfect for those who love nature, beautiful views, and a laid-back atmosphere.

What to Expect on Your Madeira Levada Walk

Starting with Convenience and Connection

The journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation or a designated meeting point, typically the Pestana CR7 in Funchal. Before setting off, you’ll stop at a supermarket café where you can meet your fellow travelers, enjoy a cup of coffee, and purchase water or snacks. This small social moment helps set a relaxed tone and ensures you’re well-prepared for the walk ahead.

The Self-Guided Walk: An Easy, Scenic Stroll

Once on the trail, you’ll walk at your own pace along the historic levada. The guide mentions the walk is about 3 hours long, but the entire experience, including transfers and breaks, totals around 5 hours. This allows plenty of time to savor the scenery without feeling rushed.

Expect to see old stone bridges that span the levada, vibrant flora blooming along the trail, and waterfalls cascading down steep rocks—some plunging directly into the levada water. The highlight for many is the chance to get close enough to the waterfalls to wet your hair, adding a playful and memorable touch. The trail also passes a tunnel that is hand-built, giving you a peek into the historical water management practices of Madeira.

The Waterfalls and the Tunnel Experience

One of the most praised features of this walk is the waterfalls—bursting from the high peaks and fed by the island’s frequent rains. Reviewer Maurice_F describes the water as “lush and green at the moment,” emphasizing the freshness and vibrancy of the scenery. As you walk, you might find yourself stopping frequently to admire the tumbling water or snap photos.

The tunnel, which you pass through along the levada, offers a fun, slightly adventurous element. Expect a short, manageable walk through this hand-cut feature, which adds a bit of variety and history to your walk.

Post-Walk Relaxation in Ponta do Sol

After completing the levada, your driver will transport you to the charming village of Ponta do Sol. Here, you can take advantage of the beachside setting—enjoy a cold beer, have lunch with fresh seafood or local tapas, or even take a quick swim. Reviewers highlight the relaxed atmosphere of Ponta do Sol, making it a perfect spot to unwind after your scenic walk.

Return and Flexibility

The tour concludes with the driver dropping you off at your hotel or other convenient location, making the entire experience seamless and straightforward. The entire day is designed to be comfortable, enjoyable, and well-paced, with a maximum of six travelers ensuring personalized attention.

The Practicalities: Is This Tour Right for You?

Transportation and Group Size

The use of an air-conditioned vehicle means you’re traveling in comfort, with pickup and drop-off included. Small group sizes, capped at six participants, are ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience, with more flexibility and less crowding.

Duration and Booking

At around 5 hours, this tour strikes a balance between getting real scenery and not overextending your day. It’s popular enough to be booked about nine days in advance, indicating good planning.

Price and Value

At $45.15 per person, this experience offers great value, especially considering the included transfers, support, and access to scenic spots. The reviews affirm that the walk is worth the price, with many praising the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful views.

Accessibility and Considerations

While most travelers can participate, it’s not recommended for babies, toddlers, or those with mobility issues. The trail includes some exposed sections, so a head for heights is advised—though no technical hiking skills are necessary.

The Authentic Touch: Reviews and Real Experiences

Multiple reviews praise the guides like Nelio, highlighting their punctuality and helpfulness. One reviewer appreciated their flexibility, noting that the guide chose to explore Levada do Norte instead due to fires, and still provided excellent support.

Maurice_F described the walk as “an amazing Levada,” enjoying the views, the water, and the sense of safety thanks to knowledgeable guidance. Another traveler, Mo_Y, called the walk “an easy walk with little elevation gain,” emphasizing the comfort and the stunning scenery—making it clear that this tour is more about appreciation than challenging exertion.

Importantly, the waterfalls and lush surroundings are often described as being in peak condition, with “green throughout the year,” so even visiting outside the peak season, you’ll likely enjoy vibrant scenery.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

For travelers seeking a gentle, scenic walk through Madeira’s famous levadas, this tour hits the sweet spot of comfort, beauty, and authenticity. It’s especially great for nature lovers, small groups, or those with limited mobility who still want to experience Madeira’s natural charm without strenuous effort.

If you love waterfalls, old stone bridges, and lush greenery, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. The included transfer, flexibility, and relaxed pace make it a stress-free way to see some of Madeira’s best scenery.

While not suited for those with fear of heights or very young children, it offers a genuine taste of Madeira’s water system and landscape—making it an ideal day trip for most curious, nature-minded travelers.

In short, this levada walk provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and seaside relaxation for a memorable Madeira experience.

FAQ

Is the walk suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for babies or toddlers, and those with mobility problems might find some sections challenging, especially exposed or heights-leaning parts.

How long does the entire tour last?
The whole experience, including transfer, walk, and time in Ponta do Sol, takes about 5 hours. The walk itself is about 3 hours, giving plenty of room for breaks and photos.

Are the transfers comfortable?
Yes, the transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey between locations pleasant and cool.

Can I go at my own pace on the walk?
Absolutely. It’s a self-guided walk, so you can take your time, stop for photos, or linger at waterfalls or bridges.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the scenery is lush year-round, the tour is most enjoyable when the waterfalls are flowing well, and the weather is mild—most likely in spring or fall.

What should I bring?
Water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast. A camera or phone for photos is also highly recommended.

To sum it up, this Madeira levada walk offers a superb combination of scenic tranquility, historical charm, and seaside relaxation. Perfect for those who prefer a laid-back, authentic experience, it promises memorable views, playful waterfalls, and a taste of local life in Ponta do Sol. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this tour will leave you with plenty of stories—and maybe a wet hair or two!