Madeira is a nature lover's paradise, and with levadas criss-crossing the countryside, you can easily explore its natural beauty. This easy 11km walk takes you to the hidden corners of the island through the mystical Laurisilva forest from São Jorge in the north of the Madeira.

Once you've joined up with your guide in São Jorge, you'll set off on a four-and-a-half-hour walk along the levada trail. You'll get an insight into the native herbal and medicinal plants of the country as well as the chance to spot all kinds of flora and fauna as you go such as laurel, heather, chaffinches and many more.

We'll walk through the unique ancient laurel forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – within the Madeira Natural Park. Soak up its beauty and cooling atmosphere, and enjoy exploring the north of the island as well as its villages before heading back to your hotel with your camera filled with breathtaking landscapes.

Informative guide and driver. Gorgeous views and lovely forest walk. We liked that the walk was guided on the way there but then after our picnic lunch you could make your own way back. The area where you have your picnic is not the best - was expecting a nice view. Some litter at the picnic site which is obviously not the fault of the provider. Big queue for toilets both before and after the walk. Would still recommend though.

Enjoyed the walk generally - easy spec as described. Nice intro to levada Halfway point for lunch - too many people Nice to have cafe stop at start and end ( but only one toilet working so spent all time quint for loo ) Guide ( George) pleasant and happy to answer questions.

Elton, our guide was superb- very knowledgeable and safety was paramount on a very slippery path

Great walk. Really enjoyed it. Good length and reasonable paced walk. Guide Elton was great lovely scenery.

Heavy rain meant almost all the levada path was muddy. The guide, Jorge was excellent. He explained plants, their uses and ones local to Madeira. Not explained that there were no loos at the halfway turning place, so wife was unhappy.

Quiter walk than some of the others, not as many people and more peaceful. Would have preferred an earlier start by just picking people up in Funchal. Cafe at start of walk was very busy and more so at the end.

Why you’ll love this…

Walk from São Jorge in the north of Madeira
Explore the ancient laurel forest
See a profusion of herbs and medicinal plants, and learn about their healing properties
Walk through or behind a waterfall

Important to know

Food and drink not included – bring a packed lunch
Wear sunblock and a hat during summer, and bring a light jacket during other months
Be prepared for all weather conditions due to the changeable weather
Easy moderate walk with a duration of +/- 4.5 hours and walking distance of 11km
You'll need to pay a local access fee until 31 December 2025. After 1 January 2026, it's already included
Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
Bring suitable footwear
Bring insect repellent
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring money for extras or gratuities

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide
Walking tour

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI PORTUGAL

What people say about this experience

4.5/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 10 reviews

Review categories

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

All ratings (10)

5 stars (6)

60%

4 stars (4)

40%

3 stars (0)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

S
Sarah
Traveled with family
August 22, 2025
4.6
United Kingdom
Informative guide and driver. Gorgeous views and lovely forest walk. We liked that the walk was guided on the way there but then after our picnic lunch you could make your own way back. The area where you have your picnic is not the best - was expecting a nice view. Some litter at the picnic site which is obviously not the fault of the provider. Big queue for toilets both before and after the walk. Would still recommend though.
G
Gale H
Traveled as a couple
June 16, 2025
4.2
United States of America
Enjoyed the walk generally - easy spec as described. Nice intro to levada Halfway point for lunch - too many people Nice to have cafe stop at start and end ( but only one toilet working so spent all time quint for loo ) Guide ( George) pleasant and happy to answer questions.
K
Kate
Traveled as a couple
May 25, 2025
5
United Kingdom
Elton, our guide was superb- very knowledgeable and safety was paramount on a very slippery path
K
Kate
Traveled with family
February 9, 2025
4.2
United Kingdom
Great walk. Really enjoyed it. Good length and reasonable paced walk. Guide Elton was great lovely scenery.
C
Colin T
Traveled as a couple
September 16, 2024
4.6
United States of America
Heavy rain meant almost all the levada path was muddy. The guide, Jorge was excellent. He explained plants, their uses and ones local to Madeira. Not explained that there were no loos at the halfway turning place, so wife was unhappy.
J
Jane
Traveled as a couple
May 14, 2024
4.2
United States of America
Quiter walk than some of the others, not as many people and more peaceful. Would have preferred an earlier start by just picking people up in Funchal. Cafe at start of walk was very busy and more so at the end.