REVIEW · FUNCHAL
Levada & Waterfalls Hike 25 Fountains, Rabaçal, Risco more Challenging Walk
Book on Viator →Operated by Up Mountain Madeira · Bookable on Viator
You get the real Madeira footpath, not the cookie-cutter route. This harder Levada walk heads into the vegetation, with waterfall moments like Lagoa do Vento and time on Levada do Alecrim. It’s the kind of hike that rewards steady steps and good shoes.
I especially like the small group size (max 8), which helps keep things calm on narrower paths. I also like the convenience: hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal and Caniço means you spend your energy on the hike, not on logistics.
The main consideration is that this is a longer, tougher version than the more famous 25 Fountains circuits. Expect a moderate fitness level, possible cold mornings at altitude, and a few harder climbs on steps, so pack smart and pace yourself.
In This Review
- Key points before you lace up
- Why This Levada Route Feels Different Than the Big 25 Fountains Tours
- Meeting at 8:00: Pickup That Actually Saves Time
- The Real Walking Day: How 6–7 Hours Adds Up
- Stop 1: Lagoa do Vento Waterfall Stop with Possible Swimming
- Stop 2: Levada do Alecrim and the Flow of the Watercourse
- What Makes the Hike Work: Guides, Group Size, and the Crowds Factor
- Price and Value: What $95.18 Really Covers (and What Costs Extra)
- What to Pack: Cold, Sun, Steps, and the Picnic Reality
- Fitness Level: Who This Challenging Walk Is For
- Weather: When Plans Change and When They Don’t
- Should You Book This Tougher Levada Hike?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the hike?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How big is the group?
- Is this walk easy?
- What is the minimum age?
- What stops are included?
- Are tickets included for both stops?
- Do I need to bring food and water?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key points before you lace up
- Small group limit of 8 for a more personal pace and fewer crowd vibes
- Hotel pickup in Funchal and Caniço (plus free port-area pickup close to the port)
- Levada walking through vegetation gives you a quieter, more shaded-feeling route
- Stops include Lagoa do Vento with a waterfall and a chance to swim if conditions allow
- Levada do Alecrim is about time on the watercourse, not just a quick photo stop
Why This Levada Route Feels Different Than the Big 25 Fountains Tours
If you’ve heard of the classic 25 Fountains area, you might picture the standard, showy loop that many bigger groups repeat. This hike is not that same easy-going formula.
Instead, it’s built around Levada walking and trail sections through the middle of the vegetation. That matters because levadas are Madeira’s signature water channels—your route often feels greener, cooler, and more “walk-with-purpose” than “stand-and-stare.” You also end up moving farther for the payoff, and that’s why the difficulty level is higher than the big-group versions.
I also like that the route is positioned as more challenging right from the start. That honesty helps you choose the hike that matches your day, instead of booking something that feels like a workout surprise.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Funchal
Meeting at 8:00: Pickup That Actually Saves Time
This hike starts at 8:00 am, which is a smart move on Madeira. Early means you’re more likely to get better trail conditions and less pressure from crowds later in the day.
The tour offers pickup from Caniço and Funchal hotels, with pickup also available close to the port for free. If you’re staying elsewhere or want pickup inside the port area, it’s available for an extra fee. If you’re driving in from outside Funchal, you can use free parking on the day—just ask before booking to check availability.
You’ll want to show up ready to go. The day is long enough (around 6 to 7 hours) that any delay at the start eats into your comfort on the trail.
The Real Walking Day: How 6–7 Hours Adds Up
This is not a quick half-day stroll. Plan for 6–7 hours total, including stops and walking time.
You’re also dealing with Madeira’s mountain reality: sun can be strong, but mornings and higher elevations can feel chilly. Add in steps and uneven footing, and the hike becomes more about steady effort than speed.
Also, the tour advises you to bring water and snacks. That’s not a generic suggestion—it’s a practical one for a route that’s longer and more demanding than the standard circuits. If you treat this like a casual walk, you’ll feel it by the end.
Stop 1: Lagoa do Vento Waterfall Stop with Possible Swimming
The first big highlight is Lagoa do Vento. It’s paired with an amazing waterfall moment, and there’s the possibility of swimming.
You’ll have about 30 minutes here, which is enough for:
- a careful look around (water can make paths slippery)
- photos
- and, if conditions feel safe, cooling off
The time is short enough that you won’t feel stuck waiting for weather or crowds. Still, it’s long enough to enjoy the moment instead of just passing through.
One more practical note: swimming chances depend on how conditions are that day. The tour doesn’t promise it—so keep your focus on the waterfall stop first, and treat swimming as a bonus if it works out.
Stop 2: Levada do Alecrim and the Flow of the Watercourse
After Lagoa do Vento, the route shifts into Levada do Alecrim. This is the “walk the water channel” portion, and it’s where the day really leans into Madeira’s hiking identity.
You get about 1 hour here, and it’s an included stop for admission ticket purposes on this part of the hike. Levada walking has its own rhythm: you’re often moving alongside the channel, watching how the water shapes the surroundings.
This is also where the hike’s harder character shows up. You’re not just strolling through a viewpoint area—you’re traveling through terrain that demands attention underfoot. If you’re comfortable with steps and uneven trails, this part will feel like the payoff portion of the day.
If you’re not, don’t panic. Just go slow, use steady footing, and let the guide set the pace.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Funchal
What Makes the Hike Work: Guides, Group Size, and the Crowds Factor
One of the strongest selling points is the maximum of 8 travelers. On Madeira, that size change is a big deal. Narrower trails, stops at waterfalls, and step sections feel smoother with fewer people in your space.
You also have a certified mountain guide plus professional and local guidance. In this setup, you’re not just buying a route—you’re buying decision-making support: where to slow down, how to handle footing, and when to move so you spend time hiking instead of waiting.
The review feedback I’d weigh most is how the guide approach helps avoid the worst crowd pressure. I see why that matters: on famous areas, the difference between enjoying scenery and feeling stuck in a bottleneck is often just route timing and group size.
If you’re picky about getting photos without standing shoulder-to-shoulder, this format tends to be a better match than the big buses.
Price and Value: What $95.18 Really Covers (and What Costs Extra)
The price is $95.18 per person, and it’s easiest to understand the value if you break out the included and excluded items.
What you get included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Funchal and Caniço area
- Certified mountain guide and additional guiding support
- A small group experience (max 8)
- A private tour setup for your booking group
- Mobile ticket access
What costs extra:
- Government fees: €4.50 per person (not included)
- Food and drinks (not included)
- Some admission/ticket pieces by stop:
- Lagoa do Vento admission ticket is not included
- Levada do Alecrim admission ticket is included
So the real money math is: you’re paying for transportation + expert leadership + a structured route, with only some local fees and stop admissions extra. For a harder walk that lasts most of the day, that’s often fair value—especially if you’d otherwise have to rent a car and figure out timing.
What to Pack: Cold, Sun, Steps, and the Picnic Reality
The tour basically tells you what you need to know: bring comfortable clothes and shoes, pack water, and plan for some cold and sun at altitude.
Since food and drinks aren’t included, you should bring a picnic-style plan. The guidance recommends packing water and food for your picnic, which fits how the day works: you’ll be hiking and stopping, and you don’t want to gamble on finding snacks on the spot.
My practical packing list for this kind of Madeira levada hike:
- water bottles you can actually carry comfortably
- a light snack for the trail rhythm
- a small picnic if you like having food ready
- layers (mountain cold can be real even when the city feels warm)
- grip-first shoes (steps and uneven ground are part of the deal)
Also, the tour says it operates in all weather conditions. That doesn’t mean you’ll be dry and happy. It means you should dress for rain, mist, or cooler air if it shows up.
Fitness Level: Who This Challenging Walk Is For
This hike is described as requiring a moderate physical fitness level. Minimum age is 10 years, and service animals are allowed.
Based on the route profile you should expect:
- a longer-than-standard walk for the area
- a harder level than the big-group versions
- some harder climbs on steps
That doesn’t automatically rule out less-experienced hikers. It does mean you should be ready to slow down and treat the hike like training, not like a casual stroll. If you tend to do well on stair sections and uneven paths, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you prefer flat boardwalks, you might find this one more intense.
One more useful fit-check: because the group is small, you can usually move at your pace while still staying part of the group. That matters if you like structure but want a bit of flexibility.
Weather: When Plans Change and When They Don’t
The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it also notes that it requires good weather. If poor weather forces a change, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
That’s a good balance. It means they won’t automatically cancel at the first cloud, but they also recognize that levada hikes and waterfall areas can turn unsafe in the wrong conditions.
My advice is simple: dress for changing conditions, and bring gear you’d feel comfortable hiking in even if it’s cooler than the forecast.
Should You Book This Tougher Levada Hike?
Book it if you want:
- a smaller-group Madeira hiking day (max 8)
- a route that goes beyond the standard, more crowded 25 Fountains feel
- waterfall time plus real levada trail walking
- a guided experience with certified mountain leadership
Skip it if:
- you want an easy walk with minimal steps
- you don’t enjoy uneven footing or steady climbs
- you’re not ready to bring your own water/snacks and handle a long day
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes trails that feel local and guided rather than staged, this one is a strong choice—especially because it’s structured for a longer, harder day without the big-tour chaos.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 8:00 am.
How long is the hike?
Plan on about 6 to 7 hours.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in the Funchal and Caniço area, with pickup for free close to the port.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers per booking.
Is this walk easy?
No, it’s described as more challenging than the standard lakes or 25 Fountains routes. It suits travelers with moderate physical fitness.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 10 years.
What stops are included?
You’ll stop at Lagoa do Vento and Levada do Alecrim.
Are tickets included for both stops?
Lagoa do Vento admission ticket is not included. Levada do Alecrim admission ticket is included. Government fees of €4.50 per person are also not included.
Do I need to bring food and water?
Yes. Food and drinks are not included, and you should bring water and snacks (and you’re recommended to pack a picnic).
What happens if weather is bad?
The hike operates in all weather conditions, but it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
