Rabaçal valley sits within a UNESCO-protected area with ancient laurel forest, waterfalls and natural springs that abound. This popular 11km-long levada walk will lead you through Madeira's magical lands along the western plateau for unforgettable views, surrounded by nature.

We'll start in the lush green valleys of Rabaçal Park and work our way up and along mountain tracks and forest paths. Your guide will be with you every step of the way pointing out the flora and fauna that Madeira is well-known for. Marvel at rock pools carved over millions of years of water rushing into the sea.

Afterwards, you'll keep following the levada through beautiful countryside filled with magnificent waterfalls and cascades. Enjoy a short break to soak up the atmosphere and then return to base after a memorable day in the great outdoors.

A lovely walk, not to strenuous. Guide, Margarita was brilliant. We were the only English couple amongst the group but she explained everything. Very knowledgeable. Would thoroughly recommend

Interesting information, knowledgeable guide, gave history of land development as well as nature. The group was too big, with a fast pace, and there was a second group from the same company which meant that both groups mixed. The leader went ahead and was completely out of sight leaving half the group behind on a rough footpath section showing lack of group control. It was only that the second group leader was behind us to know that we were heading in the right direction.

The walk was lovely, sheltered by the tree's which as the day was very hot helped, there were some very steep sections which I wasn't expecting, especially down to the Wind Lagoon Lake, which we then had to climb back up. Given the option I wouldn’t have gone down, the waterfall wasn't amazing. Having said that when we reached the lavarda it was very pleasant. Our guide (sorry forgot her name began with M) was amazing she took great care over everyone and was a pleasure to be around.

A beautiful walk. Needs more information about what to wear - only mentioned a light jacket. For us it was only 3C and wet when we started. Needed much more than a light jacket which luckily we had brought with us.

I am walking-fit and found the first half (the climb) of the walk to be hard work but it was well worth it. The dip in the mountain lagoon was cold and rejuvenating. The guide was both knowledgeable and entertaining and she looked after us all. A memorable experience, thank you!

Why you’ll love this…

Scramble up one of the oldest levada in the west of the island
11km hike to Rabaçal valley, through UNESCO-protected land
See the Laurissilva forest

Important to know

Food and drink not included – bring a packed lunch
Wear sunblock during summer, and bring a light jacket during other months
Be prepared for all weather conditions due to the changeable weather
Moderate walk on uneven terrain with a duration of +/- 4.5 hours and walking distance of 11km
A local Access Fee may be applied, to be paid on the spot until 31.12.2025. From 1.01.2026 is included in the selling price
Bring a hat
Bring suitable footwear
Bring warm clothes
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
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
Guide
Transport

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

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 5 reviews

Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Value for money

4.6/5

All ratings (5)

5 stars (3)

60%

4 stars (1)

20%

3 stars (1)

20%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

M
Mike
Traveled as a couple
April 8, 2025
4.6
United States of America
A lovely walk, not to strenuous. Guide, Margarita was brilliant. We were the only English couple amongst the group but she explained everything. Very knowledgeable. Would thoroughly recommend
H
Helen
Traveled as a couple
October 11, 2023
3.4
United States of America
Interesting information, knowledgeable guide, gave history of land development as well as nature. The group was too big, with a fast pace, and there was a second group from the same company which meant that both groups mixed. The leader went ahead and was completely out of sight leaving half the group behind on a rough footpath section showing lack of group control. It was only that the second group leader was behind us to know that we were heading in the right direction.
D
Dawn
Traveled with family
August 10, 2023
3.8
United States of America
The walk was lovely, sheltered by the tree's which as the day was very hot helped, there were some very steep sections which I wasn't expecting, especially down to the Wind Lagoon Lake, which we then had to climb back up. Given the option I wouldn’t have gone down, the waterfall wasn't amazing. Having said that when we reached the lavarda it was very pleasant. Our guide (sorry forgot her name began with M) was amazing she took great care over everyone and was a pleasure to be around.
T
Tina
Traveled as a couple
January 31, 2023
5
United States of America
A beautiful walk. Needs more information about what to wear - only mentioned a light jacket. For us it was only 3C and wet when we started. Needed much more than a light jacket which luckily we had brought with us.
J
Jana
Solo traveler
September 5, 2022
5
United Kingdom
I am walking-fit and found the first half (the climb) of the walk to be hard work but it was well worth it. The dip in the mountain lagoon was cold and rejuvenating. The guide was both knowledgeable and entertaining and she looked after us all. A memorable experience, thank you!