The Referta levada walk is an easy stroll through lush countryside to hidden gems that are only accessible by foot. You'll spend the morning following this 5.5km-long levada trail from Referta to Castelejo, winding your way through agricultural terraces and charming villages.

If you're interested in seeing how locals manage to farm the land in Madeira, then this walking tour will give you an insight into the farming lifestyle on the island. You'll join an experienced guide for a walk along the Referta levada past the agricultural terraces cut into the hillsides to grow fruit and vegetables.

You'll see some of the villages in the north-east pop up in the distance as well as the flora and fauna that can be found on the island. Your guide will help to point out endemic species and with only nature around you, you'll be able to enjoy a few hours of peace and tranquillity in Madeira.

Welcoming & helpful guide and driver. Lovely views. Nice to be able to get a coffee and cake at end. Interesting information about the levadas, growing vegetables and wild flowers etc.

Overall was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Nice easy walk and a very knowledgeable guide.

Very good guide, interesting walk, not too difficult. Overall a nice half day.

The pick up and drop off went as planned at the hotel. The driver drove safely. The guide was welcoming ,introduced herself and the driver. The walk was gentle, no steep rises. The views were good, especially of Eagle rock. The guide was knowledgable about the flora and history of the island. Answered all the questions asked. Interestingly most flora in Madeira is not native and introduced by settlers. Some invasive species need to be better controlled. The path needs maintenance in places.

It was a lovely easy walk and even though it rained a bit, we all had a lovely time.

Very interesting and informative. Giorgio was an excellent guide and it was helpful to have a vehicle at the other end of the walk to pick us up

Why you’ll love this…

Half-day guided walk along the Referta levada
See the terraced hillsides and farming lands
Chance to spot plants and animals native to the island
Peaceful walk in nature

Important to know

Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. Wear sports shoes with a good grip or walking boots. Be prepared for all weather conditions due to the changeable weather. Wear sunblock and a hat during summer, and bring a light jacket during other months
Easy flat walk with a duration of +/- 2.5 hours and walking distance of 5.5km
Please note a local Access Fee may be applied, to be paid on the spot
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring suitable footwear
Bring money for extras or gratuities
Food and drinks not included
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

Cancellation policy

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

What’s included

Walking tour
Transport
Guide

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

4.8/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 23 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.8/5

Staff

4.8/5

Value for money

4.7/5

Service

4.8/5

All ratings (23)

5 stars (21)

91%

4 stars (2)

3 stars (0)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

H
Happy levada newbie
Traveled with a group of friends
March 13, 2025
5
United Kingdom
Welcoming & helpful guide and driver. Lovely views. Nice to be able to get a coffee and cake at end. Interesting information about the levadas, growing vegetables and wild flowers etc.
S
Steady
Traveled as a couple
March 8, 2025
5
United States of America
Overall was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Nice easy walk and a very knowledgeable guide.
J
John
Traveled as a couple
September 4, 2024
5
United States of America
Very good guide, interesting walk, not too difficult. Overall a nice half day.
C
Chris
Traveled as a couple
July 13, 2024
5
United States of America
The pick up and drop off went as planned at the hotel. The driver drove safely. The guide was welcoming ,introduced herself and the driver. The walk was gentle, no steep rises. The views were good, especially of Eagle rock. The guide was knowledgable about the flora and history of the island. Answered all the questions asked. Interestingly most flora in Madeira is not native and introduced by settlers. Some invasive species need to be better controlled. The path needs maintenance in places.
Y
Yvette
Traveled as a couple
July 4, 2024
5
United Kingdom
It was a lovely easy walk and even though it rained a bit, we all had a lovely time.
P
Paul
Traveled as a couple
May 6, 2024
3.8
United States of America
Very interesting and informative. Giorgio was an excellent guide and it was helpful to have a vehicle at the other end of the walk to pick us up