For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Easy Levada Biking Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes. This 4.5-hour adventure takes participants through UNESCO-listed laurel forests, showcasing scenic ocean views along the way. With high-quality bikes and safety gear provided, the tour promises a safe and enjoyable experience for participants of all skill levels. Discover the Levada da Serra route, encounter local wildlife, and enjoy refreshing breaks – all while capturing the picturesque scenery through your camera lens.
Key Points
- A 4.5-hour guided bike tour exploring the UNESCO-listed laurel forest and scenic landscapes of Madeira, with stops for local refreshments.
- Provides high-quality full-suspension bicycles, protective gear, and insurance coverage for a secure and enjoyable experience.
- Offers various language options, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish, to cater to different travelers.
- Allows encounters with local wildlife, such as chickens, cats, sheep, and dogs, adding to the authentic cultural experience.
- Includes free photos taken by the guides, capturing the highlights of the tour for participants to cherish.
Tour Overview
This easy Levada Biking Tour lasts 4.5 hours and costs from $76.62 per person.
It’s limited to 10 participants and offered in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Riders will explore the UNESCO-listed laurel forest and impressive levadas, taking in scenic ocean views and local wildlife.
Explore the UNESCO-listed laurel forest and impressive levadas, taking in scenic ocean views and local wildlife.
Breaks include refreshments like coffee, soda, and homemade cake.
Free photos taken by guides are provided after the tour.
A certain level of fitness is required, and the tour isn’t suitable for those under 4’6".
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Highlights of the Tour
Riders on this tour will enjoy a range of captivating highlights.
They’ll bike through the UNESCO-listed laurel forest, taking in scenic ocean vistas and lush landscapes. Along the way, they’ll encounter local wildlife like chickens, cats, sheep, and friendly dogs.
Breaks offer a chance to refuel with local refreshments like coffee, soda, or homemade cake. Guides will provide free photos to commemorate the experience.
The route showcases a variety of crops, from sugarcane to bananas, and explores idyllic forest sections filled with old laurel, tree heath, and giant ferns perfumed by eucalyptus and herbs.
Exploring the Levada Route
As riders embark on the levada cycling tour, they’ll find themselves immersed in a picturesque landscape that showcases the diverse agricultural heritage of the region.
The path follows the Levada da Serra, winding through abandoned and cultivated terrace fields. Along the way, they’ll observe a variety of crops, including sugarcane, bananas, wine, sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and beans.
The route also features idyllic forest sections with old laurel, tree heath, and giant ferns, scented by the fragrance of eucalyptus and herbs like oregano, wild fennel, sorrel, and valerian.
Encountering Local Wildlife
While traversing the levada route, participants can expect to encounter a variety of local wildlife.
Participants can expect to encounter a variety of local wildlife while traversing the levada route.
The surrounding forest and fields are home to:
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Chickens freely roaming the countryside
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Friendly neighborhood cats curiously observing the cyclists
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Sheep and goats grazing peacefully on the hillsides
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Curious dogs eager to join the group for a stretch of the ride
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Birds flitting among the lush vegetation, providing a melodic soundtrack
These charming animal encounters add to the authentic, rustic experience of the levada bike tour, offering a glimpse into the vibrant ecosystem of Madeira’s rural landscapes.
More Great Tours NearbyBreaks and Refreshments
Throughout the levada biking tour, the guides thoughtfully schedule breaks for participants to enjoy local refreshments.
Riders can indulge in a cup of traditional Portuguese coffee, a refreshing Brisa (local soda), or a slice of homemade cake. These breaks provide a chance to recharge and savor the flavors of Madeira.
The guides ensure that the stops are strategically placed, allowing everyone to rest and refuel before continuing the scenic journey.
The local treats not only energize the group but also offer an opportunity to take in the island’s culture and traditions.
Photographic Opportunities
The levada biking tour also provides ample opportunities for capturing memorable photographs.
Along the scenic route, riders can expect to encounter:
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Lush, verdant landscapes dotted with vibrant flora
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Towering laurel trees and enchanting forest sections
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Quaint rural settings with traditional farming activities
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Friendly local wildlife, including chickens, cats, and dogs
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Breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean
Guides are even on hand to provide free photos after the tour, ensuring participants can return home with stunning visual keepsakes of their levada biking adventure.
Bicycle and Gear Provided
Participants are provided with high-quality, full-suspension Radon Slide bicycles and all necessary protective gear for the levada biking tour.
The bikes have SPD pedals available on request, allowing for a secure and efficient ride. Along with the bicycles, the tour includes helmets, gloves, and any other safety equipment needed for the journey.
Bikes come equipped with SPD pedals, and the tour provides necessary safety gear for a secure and efficient ride.
The gear is in excellent condition and ensures a comfortable, secure experience as participants explore the stunning levada trails.
Thoughtful inclusions like these make the tour both enjoyable and worry-free for adventurous cyclists.
Preparation and Requirements
To participate in the Levada Biking Tour, guests will need to meet at the designated starting point, the Lokoloko shop, whose location is provided.
Bringing the following items is recommended:
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Comfortable shoes
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Windbreaker
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Comfortable clothes
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Cash
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A certain level of fitness, as the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm).
Guests will ride full-suspension Radon Slide bicycles and wear protective gear provided by the certified guide, who’ll also handle hotel transfers from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, and Machico.
SPD pedals are available on request, and insurance coverage is included.
Since You Asked
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour is not suitable for individuals under 4 ft 6 in (140 cm) in height. There is no explicitly stated minimum age requirement, but the physical restrictions suggest the tour may not be appropriate for young children.
Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead of Using the Provided One?
Participants must use the full-suspension Radon Slide bicycles provided by the tour. Bringing one’s own bike isn’t allowed, as the tour includes safety equipment and insurance coverage for the provided bikes.
Do I Need to Have Prior Levada Biking Experience to Participate?
No prior levada biking experience is required for this tour. The provided bicycles and guided instruction ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants of all skill levels who meet the minimum height requirement.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to an E-Bike?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to an e-bike for this tour. The e-bike upgrade costs an additional fee and allows riders to experience the levada trails with less physical effort.
Can I Request a Specific Type of Bicycle (E.G., Mountain Bike, Hybrid)?
Participants can request a specific type of bicycle, such as a mountain bike or hybrid, when booking the tour. The tour provider offers full-suspension Radon Slide bicycles, but accommodations can be made for guests’ preferences if requested in advance.
The Sum Up
The Easy Levada Biking Tour offers an engaging 4.5-hour adventure through Madeira’s stunning landscapes. With high-quality bikes, protective gear, and small group sizes, this tour provides a safe and memorable outdoor experience. Participants can explore the UNESCO-listed laurel forests, witness local wildlife, and enjoy refreshment breaks, all while capturing picturesque ocean views. It’s an accessible and flexible tour, making it an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts.
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