Madeira Explorers Levada & Leisure Walks Itinerary

Tuesday and Friday

Tuesday

1 – Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes

The valley of Rabaçal is one of natures greatest exultations. Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse from where we walk to the Risco waterfall. We then descend to the Levada of 25 Fontes and walk along the maintenance path. After a while we reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers above us, from the cliff face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking back to our vehicles we go through a tunnel which takes the water to the south of the island.

Dif.Grade 2 – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4 Hours.
Distance: 11 Km.

2 - “Paradise Valley” ( Half-Day):

A magnificent walk along the levada of Serra do Faial which is over one hundred years old. Starting in Vale do Paraíso and finishing in Rochão. Along the way you’ll see cultivated terraces, spectacular gardens and beautiful views over the village of Camacha. A wonderful stroll that will make worth your holiday on this island!

Dif.Grade 2 – Easy walk.
Walking time: ±2.5 Hours.
Distance: 5.5 Km.

Wednesday

1 – Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira

This is it! This is the walk that will give you a complete perspective of the beauty of the island. Rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. All along this route the views are breathtaking. A profusion of unique plants make this place their natural habitat. In springtime these plants proudly dress themselves in a myriad of colours, displaying their fragile flowers for all to see. Near Pico Ruivo we walk through the oldest heather forest in existence. These ancient trees are many hundreds of years old and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. We soon arrive at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and the views from there are out of this world. Truly and as the saying goes "On a clear day you can see forever".
• Dif. Grade 4 – Difficult walk. • Walking time: 5 Hours. • Distance: 13 Km.

2 - Ribeiro Frio / Portela ( Full-Day)

One of the most beautiful levadas of Madeira. As we walk along the footpath we will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada along side the path, dash for cover as they perceive our approach. As we are near Lamaceiros, the views over Porto da Cruz and Eagle’s rock far below are out of this world. A walk that must not be missed!
• Dif. Grade – Moderate walk. • Walking time: 4.5 Hours. • Distance: 10 Km.

3 – Maroços – Mimosa Valley (Half Day) Morning

Deep down in Machico's Valley, well known as the Mimosa Valley you will walk along the maintenance path of Levada dos Maroços. Six Kilometres of natural beauty!.

Dif. Grade 2 – Easy flat walk.
Walking time: ±2,5 Hours.
Distance: 6 Km.

Thursday

1 – The lakes of Madeira

This is a walk unlike any other. Many of our guest tell us it is the walk they have enjoyed the most. Deep in the valley of western plateau, you will marvel at the rock pools, that over millions of years have been carved out by the waters as they rush towards the sea, forming magnificient waterfalls and cascades. In summertime bring your costume and enjoy a cool crisp swim in these crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters.
You will experience a diversity of walking terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountains tracks, as we make our way up the valley. From forest trekking, along unmarked roots, to scrambling up to the oldest levada in the west of the island. An unforgettable experience.

Dif.Grade 3 – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.
Distance: 10 Km.

2 – Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes

The valley of Rabaçal is one of natures greatest exultations. Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse from where we walk to the Risco waterfall. We then descend to the Levada of 25 Fontes and walk along the maintenance path. After a while we reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers above us, from the cliff face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking back to our vehicles we go through a tunnel which takes the water to the south of the island.

Dif.Grade 2 – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4 Hours.
Distance: 11 Km.

3 - Referta – Castelejo – Half Day (morning)

This is an easy and charming walk, along the paths made by man on this area many years ago. You will be able to admire some of the villages on the North Coast. On this walk make sure you take the time to notice how hard it is for local farmers to get around their crops and lands – wondering how they do it?... Just pay attention and look around.
Dif. Grade 2 – Easy walk
Walking time: 2 Hours.
Distance: 5,5 Km.

Friday

1 – Queimadas / Caldeirão Verde / Santana

Starting at the Queimadas guesthouse and walking along the Levada of Caldeirão Verde, we make our way westwards through an emerald green paradise. Soon after the start we see the most spectacular views of the villages far below. A waterfall comes into view and soon after passing it, we go through some short tunnels and after a while we arrive at Caldeirão Verde majestic waterfall. Following a short rest, during which we have our picnic, we begin the return journey. An highly recommended walk to some of the most remote parts of the island.

Dif.Grade 3 – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.
Distance: 13 Km.

2 -“Paradise Valley” ( Half-Day):

A magnificent walk along the levada of Serra do Faial which is over one hundred years old. Starting in Vale do Paraíso and finishing in Rochão. Along the way you’ll see cultivated terraces, spectacular gardens and beautiful views over the village of Camacha. A wonderful stroll that will make worth your holiday on this island!

Dif.Grade 2 – Easy walk.
Walking time: ±2.5 Hours.
Distance: 5.5 Km.

3 - “Fanal – Assobiadores" ( Full-Day):

A very special foot expedition for regular walkers! Starting at Paúl da Serra and finishing in Fanal, this breathtaking walk is one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurissilva vegetation at its best! Along the way you will certainly stop to admire the ancient trees, birds and the stunning views over the valleys of Ribeira da janela and Chão da Ribeira.

Dif.Grade – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4.5 Hours.
Distance: 11.5 Km.

Saturday

1 – Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira

This is it! This is the walk that will give you a complete perspective of the beauty of the island. Rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. All along this route the views are breathtaking. A profusion of unique plants make this place their natural habitat. In springtime these plants proudly dress themselves in a myriad of colours, displaying their fragile flowers for all to see. Near Pico Ruivo we walk through the oldest heather forest in existence. These ancient trees are many hundreds of years old and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. We soon arrive at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and the views from there are out of this world. Truly and as the saying goes "On a clear day you can see forever".
• Dif. Grade 4 – Difficult walk. • Walking time: 5 Hours. • Distance: 13 Km.

2 - Baía D’Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço ( Full-day)

This is truly a wilderness walk where we come face to face with na arid but beautiful landscape. Unique plants, such as the ice plant, and many other such unusual plants, exist only in this part of the island. The colours of the sea and the rocks are dazzling. Enjoy your picnic break by a small dock and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic before the return trip.
• Dif.Grade – Moderate walk. • Walking time: 4 Hours. • Distance: 8Km.

3 – Hidden Corners
(Herbal and Medicinal Plants)

This walk situated in the beautifull valleys of São Jorge will take you into the lushest places to be found on the island. Walk through Madeira’s rain forest and experience the profusion of herbs and medicinal plants that abound in these valleys and at the same time learn about the healing properties of these ancient remedies. Walk through or behind a waterfall and arrive at a true paradise on earth. The sheer beauty of this place where the silence reign supreme, will take your breath away. A place that you will want to come back to again and again. Not to be missed.

Dif. Grade 2 –Easy walk.
Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.
Distance: 11 Km.

Sunday

1 - Referta – Castelejo – Half Day (morning)

This is an easy and charming walk, along the paths made by man on this area many years ago. You will be able to admire some of the villages on the North Coast. On this walk make sure you take the time to notice how hard it is for local farmers to get around their crops and lands – wondering how they do it?... Just pay attention and look around.
Dif. Grade 2 – Easy walk
Walking time: 2 Hours.
Distance: 5,5 Km.

2 - The lakes of Madeira

This is a walk unlike any other. Many of our guest tell us it is the walk they have enjoyed the most. Deep in the valley of western plateau, you will marvel at the rock pools, that over millions of years have been carved out by the waters as they rush towards the sea, forming magnificient waterfalls and cascades. In summertime bring your costume and enjoy a cool crisp swim in these crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters.
You will experience a diversity of walking terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountains tracks, as we make our way up the valley. From forest trekking, along unmarked roots, to scrambling up to the oldest levada in the west of the island. An unforgettable experience.

Dif.Grade 3 – Moderate walk.
Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.
Distance: 10 Km.

For your safety, Madeira Explorers may change, postpone or cancel walks at short notice due to adverse weather conditions, landslides, etc.
As some of the walks are slippery at times, good footwear is essential.
Should you wish to cancel a booking, refunds can only be considered, if such cancelations are received at Madeira Explorers office not later than 4pm, on the day prior to the walk taking place.