Hidden Corners: Levada Walk From Funchal

Exploring the hidden corners of Madeira’s breathtaking landscape is a captivating experience. The Levada Walk from Funchal immerses adventurers in a world of lush native flora, cascading waterfalls, and towering laurel trees. This moderate-level hike through the serene São Jorge Valley promises an unforgettable day of connecting with nature and discovering the island’s natural wonders. With expert guidance and round-trip transportation, participants embark on a journey that unveils the true essence of Madeira’s enchanting wilderness.

Key Points

• This full-day levada hiking tour covers 8 miles (13 km) in the scenic São Jorge Valley, known for its lush native plants and tranquil waterfall.
• The tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and includes round-trip transport from select Funchal hotels, with a maximum group size of 16.
• Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness and wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the hike is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour features the services of a professional guide and allows for easy cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
• Highlights of the tour include the valley’s diverse native flora, towering laurel trees, and the peaceful meandering levada waterways.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day levada hiking tour from Funchal allows visitors to explore the scenic São Jorge Valley, covering a distance of 8 miles (13 km).

The tour promises an immersive experience in lush plants and thriving forests. Recommended by 100% of travelers, the tour includes round-trip transport from select hotels in Funchal.

With a maximum group size of 16 travelers, the moderate-level activity requires sturdy hiking shoes and a packed lunch, as no food is available during the walk.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Tour Details

The tour lasts 8 hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. The group size is limited to 16 travelers maximum.

The tour highlights include:

1. Scenic São Jorge Valley
2. Lush native plants and thriving forests
3. A peaceful waterfall
4. Round-trip transport from select Funchal hotels

This levada hiking experience is not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are required, and participants must bring their own packed lunch, as no food is available during the walk.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.

What’s Included

All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included in the price of the Levada Walk From Funchal tour.

Travelers will have the services of a professional guide to lead them through the scenic São Jorge Valley. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Funchal hotels are provided.

The tour can be easily canceled up to 24 hours before the experience starts with no penalties. Guests should come prepared with sturdy shoes or hiking boots, as the activity level is moderate and a packed lunch, as no food is available during the walk.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Preparation and Requirements

Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are required for the Levada Walk From Funchal tour. Participants should also bring a packed lunch, as no food is available during the 8-hour walk.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for individuals with:

1. Back problems
2. Pregnancy
3. Serious medical conditions

Service animals are allowed.

Travelers should be aware of the moderate physical fitness required for the 8-mile hike through the lush São Jorge Valley. Preparing adequately will help ensure an enjoyable and safe experience on this scenic levada walk.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Departure for the Levada Walk From Funchal tour is scheduled for 9 AM from select hotels in Funchal.

Travelers can be picked up from their accommodations, with alternative pickup arrangements available for those staying at other locations for an additional cost.

The tour ends at the original meeting point, ensuring a convenient return trip.

Confirmation of the booking and tour details is provided at the time of reservation.

Travelers are advised to be ready and waiting at their pickup location, as the tour departs promptly at the scheduled time to make the most of the full-day experience.

The Scenic Valley

The scenic São Jorge Valley stretches out before hikers, offering a lush and verdant landscape to explore.

The valley is home to a diverse array of native plants and thriving forests. Hikers can expect to encounter:

1. Towering laurel trees, a hallmark of Madeira’s laurissilva forests.
2. Vibrant wildflowers and plants adapted to the valley’s microclimate.
3. Tranquil levada waterways that meander through the landscape.
4. A peaceful waterfall, a highlight of the journey.

This scenic valley provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for the levada walk, showcasing the natural beauty of Madeira.

Discovering Native Plants

What makes the levada walk from Funchal so captivating is the opportunity to discover the diverse native plants that thrive in the lush São Jorge Valley. Along the trail, hikers can spot towering laurel trees, endemic to the Madeira archipelago, as well as the spiky leaves of the Madeira mahogany fern. The region’s microclimate supports a rich tapestry of greenery, from the vibrant Madeira honeysuckle to the delicate snapdragon-like blooms of the Madeiran foxglove. As you learn about this verdant oasis, keep an eye out for the unique flora that calls this valley home.

Plant Name	Description	Significance
Laurel Tree	Towering endemic tree	Important part of Madeira’s laurel forest ecosystem
Madeira Mahogany Fern	Spiky, distinctive leaves	Adapted to the valley’s humid microclimate
Madeira Honeysuckle	Vibrant flowering vine	Adds pops of color to the lush vegetation
Madeiran Foxglove	Delicate, snapdragon-like blooms	Endemic wildflower found in the valley
Madeira Mahogany	Valuable, reddish-brown timber	Historically used for construction and furniture

Peaceful Waterfall

As the levada trail winds its way through the lush São Jorge Valley, hikers are rewarded with the serene sight of a peaceful waterfall.

The waterfall cascades over mossy rocks, creating a soothing melody that echoes through the surrounding forest.

Visitors can:

1. Sit on the nearby boulders and enjoy the tranquil ambiance.
2. Snap photographs of the waterfall’s natural beauty.
3. Dip their feet in the cool, refreshing pool at the base of the falls.
4. Listen to the calming sound of the water as it flows over the edge.

This peaceful respite provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and recharge during the hiking tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?

According to the tour details, service animals are allowed on the hike. However, the tour is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions, so bringing a pet that is not a service animal may not be permitted.

Is the Tour Available in Different Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Languages provided are based on the guide’s linguistic abilities and the needs of the group. Participants should inquire about language options when booking the tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

The tour description does not mention an option for a private tour. It indicates the maximum group size is 16 travelers, suggesting this is a shared group tour rather than a private experience.

How Difficult Is the Hike on a Scale of 1-10?

The hike is considered moderately difficult, with a difficulty level of 6 out of 10. It requires a moderate level of physical fitness and involves an 8-mile (13 km) walk along the levada trail through the scenic São Jorge Valley.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers flexibility to reschedule if needed. Cancellation policies may vary, so it’s best to check the details when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The "Hidden Corners: Levada Walk From Funchal" offers an immersive hiking experience through Madeira’s stunning landscape. This moderate-level tour showcases the lush native flora and culminates in a serene waterfall, providing participants with an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature. With round-trip transport, guided expertise, and essential provisions, this adventure promises an enriching exploration of the island’s hidden corners.