Kings Levada

Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Madeira, the historic Kings Levada system offers a truly captivating hiking experience. Winding through the island’s volcanic terrain, these levadas – originally constructed to transport water – now provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. As hikers traverse the levada trails, they’ll be treated to breathtaking views of diverse flora and fauna, charming villages, and the island’s natural beauty. It’s an adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression – one that begs the question, what secrets might these ancient waterways hold?

About Your Stay

• Kings Levada is an ancient irrigation system that crisscrosses the island of Madeira, providing water for agriculture and hydroelectric power.
• The guided hike along the Kings Levada allows visitors to enjoy Madeira’s lush landscapes and learn about the island’s rich agricultural heritage.
• Experienced local guides share insights into the unique flora and fauna found along the levada trails, enhancing the cultural and educational aspects of the tour.
• The Kings Levada tour includes a delicious local lunch, providing an opportunity to enjoy Madeira’s culinary delights and further explore the island’s traditional way of life.
• The levada hike is a moderate-difficulty activity, requiring a certain level of physical fitness, and is not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or mobility issues.

Tour Overview

On this Kings Levada tour, visitors embark on an immersive journey through the lush landscapes of Madeira.

Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes guests along the historic Kings Levada, a network of irrigation channels that were built centuries ago.

Throughout the experience, travelers are treated to stunning vistas of the island’s verdant mountains, tranquil streams, and charming villages.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and ample opportunities to learn about the region’s rich culture and history.

With a maximum of 16 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience for all participants.

Included Experiences

The Kings Levada tour provides guests with a comprehensive experience that immerses them in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Madeira. The tour includes a driver/guide and a local guide who share their deep knowledge of the region. Guests can expect hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, and complimentary food and drinks throughout the day.

Experience	Details
Guided Hike	Explore the Kings Levada, a historic irrigation system that offers stunning views of Madeira’s lush landscapes.
Cultural Immersion	Discover the island’s traditional way of life and learn about its unique flora and fauna from expert guides.
Gourmet Dining	Savor a locally-sourced lunch that showcases the flavors of Madeira’s renowned cuisine.

Meeting and Pickup

The Kings Levada tour kicks off with a convenient hotel pickup from Funchal Lido Caniço, where guests will be greeted by their knowledgeable driver and guide.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM, ensuring an early start to make the most of the day.

After pickup, guests will be transported to the levada trail, where a local guide will lead the way through the stunning Madeira landscape.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, the group will be dropped off back at their hotels, having experienced the best of Madeira’s natural beauty.

Booking Information

Confirmation of the Kings Levada tour booking is received at the time of booking, unless the experience is scheduled within 5 days of travel, in which case it’s provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later for this tour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start of the experience in local time.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 16 travelers, making it an intimate and personalized experience.

Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical concerns. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Health and Safety

You’re trained on data up to October 2023.

The Kings Levada tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and children under 4 aren’t recommended.

Pregnant women should check with their doctor before booking the tour, as it may depend on the stage of pregnancy. The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers.

Appropriate smart casual attire is required. Participants should be aware of the physical demands of the levada hike and ensure they’re prepared for the activity level.

Traveler Considerations

Travelers interested in the Kings Levada tour should consider their physical capabilities carefully. The tour requires a moderate fitness level, and it’s not recommended for those with back problems, heart conditions, or other serious medical issues.

Children under 4 are also not recommended, and pregnant women should consult their doctor before booking. The tour involves walking along levada paths, which can be uneven and challenging at times. Participants must be able to navigate these paths safely.

Plus, the tour has a maximum group size of 16, so travelers should book early to secure their spot. Appropriate attire, such as smart casual wear, is also required.

Ratings and Reviews

The Kings Levada tour boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating based on 2 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor.

Travelers praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who provide a wealth of information about Madeira’s levadas, or irrigation canals. Reviewers highlight the breathtaking natural scenery along the hike and the delicious included lunch.

One reviewer described the experience as "a must-do in Madeira." Another noted the tour’s excellent value, stating it exceeded their expectations.

Tour Itinerary

The Kings Levada tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Madeira’s lush landscapes and historic irrigation systems.

The tour includes:

• Guided hike along ancient levadas (water channels) that crisscross the island
• Opportunity to learn about the island’s rich agricultural heritage and the critical role levadas played in water distribution
• Stopover at scenic viewpoints to admire the island’s dramatic volcanic terrain
• Delicious local lunch to refuel and savor Madeira’s gastronomic delights

Throughout the experience, knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into Madeira’s unique history and ecology, making this tour a must-do for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Questions About Staying Here

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. It’s recommended for guests with moderate physical fitness levels and is not suitable for travelers with certain medical conditions or young children under 4 years old. The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is generally mild and pleasant. Temperatures typically range from 60-70°F (15-21°C). Light layers are recommended, as the terrain can be cooler and wetter in some areas along the levada.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour information does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly as they may offer special rates or promotions that aren’t listed on the overview.

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

The hiking difficulty on this tour is moderately challenging, ranking around a 6 out of 10. The trails involve some uneven terrain and inclines, but are generally well-maintained and suitable for active travelers in good physical condition.

Can I Take a Break During the Tour if Needed?

Yes, guests can take breaks during the tour if needed. The tour has a moderate difficulty level, and the guides are accommodating to participants’ needs and abilities. However, it’s recommended that guests have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Worth The Stay

The Kings Levada hiking trail is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts in Madeira. This historic irrigation system offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and charming villages. Hikers are treated to breathtaking views of volcanic terrain, diverse flora and fauna, making it a truly unforgettable experience. With its well-maintained trails and informative tour guides, the Kings Levada is a perfect way to take in the natural beauty and history of Madeira.