Levada do Norte – Walking Tour

Exploring Madeira’s Levada do Norte: A Guided Walk with Stunning Views and Authentic Flavors

This guided walking tour of Madeira’s famous Levada do Norte offers a chance to see some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes without the hassle of navigating on your own. Starting from the iconic Cabo Girão, the trail winds through lush fields, plantations, and overlooks that promise picture-perfect vistas of the Quinta Grande valley and beyond. The tour is designed to hit the highlights, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into the landscape, history, and local flora along the way.

What I appreciate most about this experience is its balance of ease and authenticity. The included pickup in Funchal means you won’t need to worry about transportation logistics, and the guided element ensures you won’t get lost or miss key viewpoints. Plus, the walk itself, about 6 km and lasting roughly 2 hours, is a manageable length for most travelers wanting a taste of Madeira’s natural beauty without a strenuous full-day commitment.

One potential consideration: some reviews mention that the walk is not as “easy” as the name suggests, citing narrow paths less than a meter wide. If you’re not comfortable with tight spaces or walking on narrow trails, it’s worth keeping in mind. The tour’s popularity and timing—booking on average 97 days in advance—indicate it’s well-loved but also in demand, so planning ahead helps.

Key points / Takeaways

• Hassle-Free Start: The included pickup from Funchal makes logistics simple, especially if you’re staying in the city.
• Spectacular Views: The tour’s highlight is the views from Cabo Girão and along the levada, offering unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Guided Insights: A guide enriches the walk with commentary about Madeira’s landscape, agriculture, and natural features.
• Accessible but Not Easy: While marketed as a short, gentle walk, some reviews note narrow and potentially challenging paths.
• Authentic Experience: Walking past fields, plantations, and viewpoints provides a genuine glimpse into Madeira’s rural life.
• Value for Money: At $38.40 per person, including all fees and taxes, it’s a reasonable price for a guided outdoor experience.

Starting the Day with Ease: The Pickup and Logistics

One of the biggest perks of booking this tour through Lido Tours is the door-to-door pickup from Funchal. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate not having to negotiate public transportation or rent a car just to access the trail. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, and the morning start time at 8:30 am means you’re out early enough to beat the larger crowds and enjoy cooler weather.

The meeting point is straightforward, and since the tour ends back at the same spot, it’s simple to plan the rest of your day. The logistics are well-organized and the small group size—max 16 travelers—keeps things intimate and manageable.

The Trail: Levada do Norte and Its Unique Charm

Levada do Norte is renowned as one of the island’s longest and most famous water channels, stretching across the landscape with a history rooted in irrigation. The walk is roughly 6 km long, which translates into about 2 hours of steady strolling. But don’t mistake “short” for “easy”—some reviews, including from an experienced hiker, mention narrow paths less than a meter wide, which can be tricky if you’re wary of tight spaces.

What makes this trail special are the unbeatable views and the diversity of scenery. Starting at Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the valley of Quinta Grande and the coastal cliffs. The walk continues through lush plantations—think banana and sugarcane fields—and offers plenty of opportunities to pause and take photos of the landscape.

Enriching Commentary: Guided Tour Benefits

Having a guide like Sara, praised for her wit and knowledge, adds a layer of richness to the experience. She shares botanic details, pointing out local plants and explaining their uses or significance, which elevates a simple walk into an educational outing. According to reviews, her enthusiasm and friendliness make the hike more enjoyable, especially for those interested in natural history.

On top of that, the guide keeps the group moving efficiently so you can appreciate the scenery without feeling rushed. If you’re curious about Madeira’s rural life or agricultural practices, this extra commentary is a real plus.

The Viewpoints: Cabo Girão and Beyond

Cabo Girão deserves its reputation as a thrilling lookout point—the glass skywalk here offers dizzying views down to the sea below. You’ll also pass through other scenic spots where the landscape opens up, revealing the deep valleys and terraced hillsides that define Madeira’s terrain.

One reviewer noted that the landscape is amazing regardless of weather, which speaks to the versatility of the scenery. Whether sunny or cloudy, the views are striking, though clear days will obviously give you the best photos.

The Walk: What to Expect

The trail is scenic but can be narrow and uneven in places. Several travelers found the walk beautiful but not “easy”, especially due to the narrow paths, some less than a meter wide. If you’re uncomfortable with tight spaces or walking on uneven terrain, consider your comfort level before signing up.

The tour’s duration—about 2 hours—is enough to enjoy the landscape without fatigue. However, be prepared for a fair amount of standing and walking on natural trails rather than paved paths. No strenuous uphill climbs are involved, but the trail’s natural terrain can be uneven.

The Experience: Authentic and Educational

Walking past fields, plantations, and viewpoints gives you a taste of Madeira’s rural character. It’s not just about the views; it’s about seeing and understanding the land that sustains the island. The guide’s botanic insights add depth, and you might find yourself appreciating local crops and the island’s history of irrigation.

An interesting aspect from reviews is the half-day description—many thought it would be a longer walk but found it to be about 2 hours of solid walking, with extra time spent on pick-up, drop-off, and a leisurely coffee break. This makes it a good option if you want a taste of Madeira’s natural beauty without a full-day commitment.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $38.40 per person, this guided tour offers good value. It includes all fees and taxes, plus the convenience of transport. For the price of a modest meal, you get an educational, scenic walk with expert commentary. The added benefit of small group sizes enhances the experience, making it more personalized than a large bus tour.

If you’re a lover of nature, scenic viewpoints, and authentic rural scenes, this tour is well worth considering. Keep in mind that snacks aren’t included, so bringing some water or small snacks could enhance your experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour suits travelers who enjoy moderate outdoor activity and are interested in scenic landscapes and local culture. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning logistics but are comfortable with uneven, narrow paths.

While it’s accessible for most, those with mobility issues or discomfort with narrow or unpaved trails might find it less suitable. The guide’s engaging commentary makes it perfect for curious travelers who like learning about local flora and landscape features.

The Levada do Norte walk offers an excellent snapshot of Madeira’s stunning scenery and rural charm. You’ll love the views from Cabo Girão and along the levada, the opportunity to learn from a knowledgeable guide—Sara gets special mention—and the simplicity of logistics with an included pickup.

While the walk isn’t overly strenuous, it isn’t entirely easy either—narrow paths and natural terrain mean you should be comfortable with uneven surfaces. The price offers fair value, especially considering the guided nature and included transportation.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a manageable, scenic outdoor outing that combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and some adventure, all with a small-group feel. If you’re after a memorable, authentic taste of Madeira’s landscapes, this guided Levada do Norte walk could be just what you’re seeking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware that some parts of the trail are narrow and uneven. If you’re comfortable walking on natural paths and don’t mind tight spaces, it’s a good fit.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in Funchal, so you won’t need to arrange your own transport.

How long does the walk last?
The actual walking portion takes around 2 hours covering about 6 km. Rest of the time is spent on transportation and breaks.

Is the walk considered easy?
Not necessarily. While it’s not a strenuous hike, some reviews note narrow paths less than a meter wide, which can be challenging for some.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, and perhaps a light snack. The tour doesn’t include snacks, but the scenery makes up for it.

Are the viewpoints accessible during bad weather?
Yes, the scenery is impressive in most weather, but keep an eye on the forecast as tours require good weather. Canceled tours are fully refundable or rescheduled.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. This flexibility helps if weather or other plans change unexpectedly.

This guided Levada do Norte walk offers a well-rounded experience for those eager to see Madeira’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It’s perfect for curious travelers who value authentic scenery, expert insights, and the simplicity of organized logistics.