Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk is a captivating hiking adventure that immerses adventurers in the lush Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trekkers will marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys as they traverse the scenic Paul da Serra plateau. With its alluring natural beauty and engaging guided experience, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Madeira’s enchanting landscapes.

Key Points

• The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk is an 8-hour hike through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest in Madeira, featuring towering laurel trees and scenic vistas.
• The walk starts at the Paul da Serra plateau and ends in the Fanal region, providing a diverse range of landscapes and microclimate conditions.
• The hike is suitable for individuals with hiking experience and a good fitness level, as it involves challenging ascents and descents.
• Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and snacks, and must be prepared to navigate mixed weather conditions during the walk.
• The activity includes hotel pickup and multilingual live tour guides, as well as a full refund policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk is an 8-hour activity that takes participants on a scenic journey through the Laurissilva forest, with stunning views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys.

Priced from $46.79 per person, the walk is led by live tour guides available in multiple languages. Hotel pickup is included, and the cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The experience begins at the Paul da Serra plateau and ends in Fanal, with mixed weather conditions ranging from blue skies to mist encountered along the way.

Scenic Highlights

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk showcases the stunning Laurissilva forest, an ancient and well-preserved ecosystem that’s home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Participants will marvel at the towering laurel trees and lush, verdant foliage that blanket the valleys and ridges. The route offers breathtaking views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, providing a picturesque backdrop to the leisurely hike.

The walk starts at the Paul da Serra plateau and ends in the Fanal region, allowing hikers to enjoy Madeira’s natural wonders.

Starting Point and Route

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk begins at the scenic Paul da Serra plateau, a high-altitude region renowned for its panoramic vistas.

The scenic Paul da Serra plateau, a high-altitude region renowned for its panoramic vistas, marks the starting point of the Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk.

From this starting point, the route winds its way through the lush Laurissilva forest, showcasing the ancient trees and stunning views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys.

Along the way, you will:

• Immerse themselves in the serene and verdant surroundings of the Laurissilva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Witness the breathtaking landscapes that unfold as the trail descends towards the Fanal region.

• Reach the final destination of Fanal, where the walk concludes.

Weather Conditions

Depending on the day, participants can experience a mix of weather conditions along the Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk. The route traverses diverse landscapes, from the exposed Paul da Serra plateau to the lush Laurissilva forest.

Hikers may encounter blue skies and bright sunshine, as well as periods of mist and damp conditions. The variability in weather is due to the region’s microclimate and elevation changes.

Participants should come prepared with layers and weatherproof gear to adapt to the changing conditions. Remaining flexible and embracing the dynamic weather is all part of the unique adventure of this Levada walk.

More Great Tours Nearby

Participant Requirements

Participants must bring their own food and snacks, as no provisions will be available for purchase along the Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk.

The hike is recommended for those with:

• Hiking or hill walking experience

• Good fitness level due to challenging ascents and descents

• Ability to navigate mixed weather conditions, including blue skies and mist

This challenging trek showcases the stunning Laurissilva forest, ancient trees, and breathtaking views.

Participants should be prepared for the physical demands of the 8-hour journey through this remarkable landscape.

Guided Tour Experience

Although the Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk takes participants through the stunning Laurissilva forest and offers breathtaking views, the guided tour experience provides much more than simply a scenic hike.

Knowledgeable local guides lead the way, sharing insights about the region’s history, flora, and fauna. They ensure the group navigates the sometimes-challenging terrain safely and at a comfortable pace.

Participants also benefit from the social aspect, connecting with fellow adventurers from around the world. Whether trekking through mist-shrouded valleys or basking in sunny glades, the guided tour elevates the Levada Walk into an immersive, memorable experience.

Customer Feedback

Customers have widely praised the Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 81 reviews.

The tour guide received an exceptional 4.9/5 rating, while the transportation and value for money were also highly regarded at 4.8/5 and 4.7/5, respectively.

Reviewers highlighted:

• The enjoyment of the hike’s beautiful scenery and minimal crowds, as noted by a guest from Germany.

• The praise for the friendly guide and engaging group experience, as shared by a traveler from Thailand.

• The appreciation for the guide’s friendliness and the stunning hike, though the fitness requirement was mentioned by a reviewer from the United Kingdom.

Booking and Availability

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk offers flexible booking options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Interested participants can check the tour’s availability for different starting times and group sizes. The activity can accommodate a range of group sizes, making it suitable for solo travelers, couples, or larger parties.

Booking in advance is recommended, as spots may fill up, especially during peak season.

With the ability to reserve now and pay later, travelers can conveniently plan their Madeira adventure and secure their place on this scenic Levada walk.

The Sum Up

The Fanal / Whistles – Levada Walk is an 8-hour hiking adventure through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva forest. Participants can expect breathtaking views of valleys and a scenic plateau, though they should come prepared for mixed weather and bring their own food. With a starting price of $46.79 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and multilingual guides, making it an accessible way to explore Madeira’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: