Madeira: Levada do Rei Guided Hike with Hotel Pickup

If you’re eyeing a trek through Madeira’s lush landscapes, the Levada do Rei guided hike promises a well-rounded experience of the island’s natural beauty. We’ve seen how this trip offers a peaceful walk through vibrant forests and scenic viewpoints, making it appealing for nature lovers and those looking for a moderate outdoor activity.

What really catches our eye are the spectacular views of the São Jorge and Santana landscapes and the chance to spot native birds like the Firecrest and Chaffinch. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup means you can skip the hassle of organizing transport yourself. That said, it’s worth noting that the trail is of moderate difficulty, and the round trip is about 10 km, so some walking stamina is needed.

One consideration is that this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or vertigo, which might limit some travelers. But if you’re generally comfortable on moderate hikes and want to see the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest firsthand, this experience can be a real treat.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate gentle hikes with rewarding views and a guided touch. If you’re looking for an introduction to Madeira’s evergreen forests or a family-friendly outing (minus the very young or mobility-challenged), it’s a solid pick.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the São Jorge and Santana landscapes.
• UNESCO site: Walk through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with native flora and fauna.
• Educational: Discover herbs and medicinal plants along the trail, with informative insights.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep your eyes and ears open for native birds like the Firecrest and Chaffinch.
• Comfort & convenience: Hotel pickup and a small private group make for a relaxed, personal experience.
• Moderate difficulty: Expect around 10 km of walking over approximately 4 hours, suitable for most hikers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Trail and Its Highlights

Starting with a pickup from your accommodation, the trip begins with a roughly one-hour drive through Madeira’s scenic roads to São Jorge. The journey itself is quite pleasant, and some days there might be a quick stop at a local spot for refreshments, though that isn’t guaranteed. We appreciated how the transportation was smooth and stress-free, letting us focus on enjoying the scenery.

Once at the Water Treatment Station in Quebradas, São Jorge, your actual hiking begins. The trail follows the São Jorge valley—an area that’s especially captivating as it showcases the lush greenery and diverse plant life. Walking along the levada (irrigation canal), you’ll pass through sections of introduced flora and native plants, with your guide pointing out medicinal herbs and explaining their traditional uses. This adds an educational layer to the walk that many travelers find engaging.

The hike itself is balanced—about 10 km with a modest elevation gain of around 50 meters—making it accessible for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. It’s classified as moderate difficulty, which means you’ll be walking steadily but won’t need to be a seasoned hiker. Expect the terrain to be well-maintained but natural, with some uneven patches and possibly muddy spots after rain.

One of the most memorable parts of this trail is entering the pristine Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO site designated since 1999. Here, the atmosphere shifts to a more exotic, almost mystical ambiance. Towering trees, thick canopy, and the sound of birds create a peaceful vibe. As the guide points out native bird species like the Firecrest, you might find yourself eager to spot these tiny, colorful birds flitting through the branches.

Another highlight is the waterfall you encounter along the trail. Water flows over rocks into clear pools, creating a refreshing sight and a perfect spot for photos. As you approach Ribeiro Bonito—an idyllic, quiet spot—you get a real sense of how removed you are from the busy world. It’s the perfect place for a short rest or a moment of quiet appreciation of the surroundings.

The Return Journey

After resting at Ribeiro Bonito, you retrace the same path back. This part of the hike allows you to revisit the views and take in the scenery from a different perspective. Many reviews noted how the return walk offers a chance to really soak in the atmosphere and notice details missed on the way out.

Practicalities & What You Need To Know

• Timing & Duration: The total tour lasts around 4 hours, including transportation. The hike itself is about 4 hours, with time for stops and photos.
• Group Size & Guide: It’s a private group experience, meaning the size is small, and the guide can tailor the commentary to your interests.
• Transportation: The round-trip includes a one-hour drive each way in a Jeep or SUV, which adds comfort and scenic views.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential.
• Restrictions: The hike isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or vertigo, due to terrain and trail conditions.
• Language: The guide speaks multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, French, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviewers appreciated the stunning vistas and the informative guides. One liked how the experience was “more than just a walk,” with insights into local plants and birds. Others appreciated the quiet, serene atmosphere and the fact that the trail felt untouched and authentic.

A few mentioned that the moderate difficulty level was perfect—they felt it was manageable but still satisfying. Conversely, some noted that the terrain could be muddy after rain, so sturdy shoes are a must. The feedback was highly positive, especially regarding the beautiful scenery and the convenience of hotel pickup and small-group attention.

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The Sum Up

This guided Levada do Rei hike offers a genuinely rewarding way to explore Madeira’s famed Laurissilva Forest, combining scenic views, gentle exercise, and a bit of local education. It’s a great option for those who want to experience the island’s verdant landscapes without strenuous trekking or logistical headaches.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic walk that highlights Madeira’s lush greenery and native wildlife, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and appreciate guided insight into nature.

However, if you have mobility challenges or vertigo, this might not be the best choice. And if you’re looking for a more challenging adventure or a full-day experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a balanced, scenic outing in beautiful surroundings, it delivers.

In the end, the combination of stunning landscapes, informative guidance, and convenient logistics makes this a worthwhile activity for many visitors. Just pack your camera, comfortable shoes, and a sense of curiosity—you’re in for a memorable walk through Madeira’s green heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children? The hike is about 10 km with moderate difficulty, so it’s best suited for children who are comfortable walking that distance. Very young kids or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.

What should I bring for the hike? Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. The terrain can be uneven, and weather conditions may vary.

How long is the drive to the trailhead? The journey from your hotel to São Jorge takes approximately one hour by Jeep or SUV.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change.

Are the guides multilingual? Yes, guides speak Portuguese, English, French, German, and Spanish.

Is the experience private? Yes, it’s arranged as a private group, so you’ll have personalized attention from your guide.

Is it safe if I have vertigo? No, the tour isn’t recommended for those with vertigo due to the trail’s terrain and heights.

What is the overall difficulty? It’s considered a moderate hike—manageable for most, but still requiring a reasonable level of fitness and comfort on uneven terrain.

If you’re after a scenic, educational walk through Madeira’s iconic forests, this guided Levada do Rei tour offers a lovely blend of nature, views, and hassle-free logistics. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy the outdoors at a gentle pace, it’s likely to be a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: