Levada Do Rei

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the stunning Levada do Rei, one of Madeira's most beautiful trails. Enjoy convenient pickup from designated areas in Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau in the morning. Be transported to São Jorge, the starting point of the PR18 hike (approx. 11 km round trip), by a local driver with in-depth knowledge of the area. They will ensure you have all the information you need for a safe and enjoyable self-guided hike. The walk takes about 4 hours (plus transportation, resting time, and potential coordination with other routes), and is considered of moderate difficulty. The starting point of Levada do Rei is located at the Water Treatment Plant of Quebradas, in São Jorge. First, you will cross an exotic forest area where it is possible to observe the typical agricultural landscapes of São Jorge and Santana. Along the way, you will also be able to contemplate the tunnels formed by the diverse vegetation in this area. The green landscape that embellishes Levada do Rei is made possible by the great abundance of water here. However, the most special moment of the walk is saved for the arrival at Ribeiro Bonito, an isolated natural sanctuary covered by the dense vegetation characteristic of the Laurissilva forest. After completing the trail, enjoy a comfortable return to your original pickup location. Please note that return times may vary slightly depending on route coordination and passenger locations. This service is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to explore Madeira's breathtaking landscapes with complete peace of mind.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation. As we drive towards the São Jorge area, we might pause at a quaint local spot for a brief refreshment break, though this stop is not guaranteed. Levada do Rei starts at the Water Treatment Station in Quebradas, São Jorge, guiding you along the stunning São Jorge valley. This trail offers a unique chance to discover a variety of herbs and medicinal plants, accompanied by informative insights. The journey begins in an exotic forest featuring introduced flora, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the agricultural landscapes in São Jorge and Santana. This hike is around 10km, with an elevation gain of around 50 meters, moderate difficulty and typically takes around 4 hours to complete. As the trail continues, you'll venture into one of the most pristine sections of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Here, a diverse array of native plants and bird species, including the "Firecrest" and the friendly Chaffinch, await your discovery. The path also takes you through a waterfall before reaching Ribeiro Bonito, a secluded and serene endpoint where you can immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of nature. After a short rest, the return journey retraces the same path, allowing you to once again take in the enchanting beauty of the forest. This levada walk is a truly memorable experience, offering a window into Madeira's most unspoiled natural wonders.

Embark on an ATV adventure that will be one of the most special experiences you will have. Start from the beginning of the famous Levada do Rei. Ride through a wonderful laurel forest to the very top of the mountain where the highest and most beautiful viewpoint of São Jorge - Boca das Voltas awaits you, which can only be reached only with by 4x4. Feel that the ATV is very big and comfortable for two adults. Put on all the necessary equipment for the quad route. With the helmet on, get some tips for the road, especially in relation to piloting the quad and head towards the forest. Enter the forest through the Nature, piloting and friends, a perfect combination to get to know some of the most beautiful islands.

Start your journey at the beginning of Levada do Rei, where you'll be greeted by lush, green surroundings. As you follow the levada, the trail winds through dense Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with rich biodiversity. Enjoy the sound of flowing water and birdsong as you walk along the well-maintained path. Midway, take a moment to admire the stunning views of the São Jorge Valley. The highlight of the walk is Ribeiro Bonito, a tranquil, picturesque spot with a crystal-clear stream surrounded by vibrant vegetation. Here, you can relax and take in the serene beauty before retracing your steps back through the forest. This peaceful walk offers an immersive experience in Madeira’s natural wonders, enhanced by the knowledge and insights of your expert local guide.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Madeira's breathtaking landscapes with our hiking services. Let us guide you through lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque valleys, uncovering hidden gems and awe-inspiring vistas along the way. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a novice explorer, our customized hikes cater to all skill levels and interests. In this private tour, you can choose the hike you want to do from the Tourism of Madeira's list of recommended hikes (or ask me to send you the list), and depending on the hike and skill level of the participants, we will discuss the possibilities. The biggest advantage of going with a private guide is to use his expertise to help you choose a hike that matches your expectations, needs, and limitations, avoiding all the hassle and time loss collecting participants in different accommodations and the pressure of going on a group with different paces and idioms. The plan is to avoid all that, driving right to the starting point of the hike before the big groups, optimizing your time to spend half of the day hiking and half, exploring the region of the hike (Northwest/Southwest/Northeast/Southeast/Central mountains). Most of the companies will pick up every participant, and drive to the hiking region, spending a lot of time on transfers/hikes, while we'll use it to explore the island. Depending on the hike you choose, it can be fully guided or partially self-guided, as i will explain next. While on some hikes we return to the starting point, on others, to dodge the bigger groups, busy hours, or strenuous parts of the trail, the guide walks back to get the car and drives to the end of the hike, and you walk one way only (E.g. the P.R.1-Pico do Arieiro/Pico Ruivo/Achada do Teixeira hike, one way, is around 11km where the last 3km are easy and descending to the parking spot, doing the round hike Pico do Arieiro/Pico Ruivo/Pico do Arieiro is around 15km where the last 3 km are very demanding, all uphill with many uneven steps). Another valid option is to hire a driver who can pick up the group and guide, but of course, it increases the value of the tour. In this case, please request a quote. The hikes follow different types of paths such as: Levada Trails: Irrigation channels that run alongside the island, offering relatively flat and easier hikes. Coastal Trails: scenic trails winding along cliffs, with stunning views of the Atlantic and rocky shores. Mountain Trails: more challenging trails that lead to peaks over 1800 m. Forest Trails: Meandering through ancient Laurissilva forests, home to a unique flora and fauna. Historical Trails: Discover our rich history and cultural heritage by hiking along paths that pass by historic sites, traditional villages, and agricultural terraces. Depending on the hike you choose, to avoid masses, pick-up should be between 7:00 and 8:30, arranged after booking. Experience the beauty of Madeira like never before – book your Hike & Sights tour today!