Wet your hair in the amazing Moinhos/Nova Levada

Explore Madeira’s Iconic Moinhos/Nova Levada at Your Own Pace

This tour costs $45.15 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours, offering a relaxed way to enjoy one of Madeira’s most celebrated Levadas. The self-guided walk takes you through lush landscapes, waterfalls, and a hand-built tunnel, all at a comfortable pace suitable for most travelers. The tour begins with a convenient pickup and includes transport to the start point, making logistics straightforward.

What makes this experience appealing is its no-stress approach—you explore independently while receiving support from friendly guides. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty without rigorous hiking or complicated planning. The tour is especially suited for those comfortable with heights, as some exposed sections are part of the walk.

A visit to the charming village of Ponta do Sol at the end provides a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a seaside beer, and even take a refreshing swim. The total cost includes transport, a coffee stop, and the flexibility to walk at your own pace, making it a laid-back yet memorable activity.

Key Points

• Price: $45.15 per person, including transfer and support
• Duration: Around 5 hours from pickup to return
• Location: Madeira’s celebrated Moinhos/Nova Levada
• Experience: Easy, self-guided walk with scenic waterfalls, tunnels, and stone bridges
• Highlights: Lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and historic water channels
• Visit: The quaint village of Ponta do Sol for relaxing by the sea

Starting Point and Pickup Details in Funchal

The tour departs from the well-known Pestana CR7 FunchalPraça CR7 at 9:00 am. Guests are picked up from their preferred location, and the journey begins with a stop at a supermarket café, where travelers can meet fellow participants over coffee and purchase water or snacks. This setup helps everyone get acquainted and prepare for the walk ahead.

The pickup arrangement offers comfort and simplicity, ensuring you start your day with ease. The transport is air-conditioned and designed to make the transfer to the levada trail smooth and enjoyable.

Walking Through Madeira’s Moinhos – The Heart of the Water System

The Levada walk itself is about 3 hours long and is designed to be easy and no-stress. You follow the ancient water channels that stretch across Madeira’s terrain, winding past stone bridges, waterfalls, and flowering plants. The trail leads through lush greenery and offers magnificent views of cascading waterfalls that plunge down the rocks.

One of the highlights is the hand-built tunnel where you get the chance to go through a historic passage carved into the mountain. During the walk, you might also get your hair wet in the waterfalls, adding a fun and refreshing touch. The water from high peaks feeds into the levada, and you enjoy seeing how this system keeps Madeira lush and vibrant year-round.

The water channels are called the Moinhos, or “mills,” and they played a vital role in Madeira’s water supply. The walk is suitable for most, but some sections may feel exposed, so a head for heights is recommended.

The Scenic Route and Waterfalls of the Levada

As you follow the trail, expect to see waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces, creating a misty, cool environment. The vibrant floral displays along the route add bursts of color against the green backdrop. The trail is well-maintained, with old stone bridges providing picturesque crossing points over the water.

The water from the high mountains is channeled through these Levada channels, making the scenery both functional and breathtaking. The walk is an excellent way to witness the diverse landscapes of Madeira, from mountain peaks to lush valleys.

Visiting the Hand-Built Tunnel and Waterfall Area

A memorable part of this tour is passing through a hand-built tunnel that’s carved into the terrain. The tunnel adds a sense of adventure and history to the walk. Nearby, waterfalls plunge down the rocks, and visitors may even get a little wet from the spray—an enjoyable reminder of Madeira’s abundant water sources.

The waterfalls are especially lush at certain times of year, providing excellent photo opportunities. The area is peaceful, allowing you to enjoy the sounds of rushing water and birdsong.

Post-Walk Relaxation in Ponta do Sol

After completing the levada walk, a driver picks you up to take you to Ponta do Sol, a charming seaside village. Here, you have time to relax, enjoy a beer by the beach, or have lunch. Some visitors choose to take a swim in the sea or explore the quaint streets lined with colorful houses.

Ponta do Sol offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding after the walk. The village’s scenic setting and peaceful vibe make it an ideal spot to extend your day and soak in Madeira’s coastal charm.

Convenient Transport and Support from GiraffeMirror

The transport included in this tour is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort throughout the day. Pickup is available from your chosen location, and the entire transfer process is straightforward, with a friendly driver ready to assist.

While the walk itself is self-guided, the support from guides and the initial coffee stop help make the experience relaxed. If conditions change, such as nearby fires affecting the trail, guides may suggest alternative routes, like the Levada do Norte, which was mentioned as a suitable option during recent fire disruptions.

Accessibility, Physical Requirements, and Best Suitability

This tour is designed for most travelers who are comfortable walking at their own pace. It’s not recommended for those with mobility problems, babies, or very young children. Plus, fear of heights could be a concern since some sections are exposed and may feel vertiginous.

The walk involves some exposed areas but is generally easy, with little elevation gain. Travelers should be prepared for a few moments of getting hair wet in waterfalls, which adds to the fun but may not be suitable for everyone.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

The tour requires good weather for the best experience. If canceled due to poor weather conditions, participants are offered an alternative date or a full refund. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing plans.

Why Choose This Levada Experience?

This self-guided Levada walk combines the joy of exploring Madeira’s iconic water channels with the convenience of included transport and support. The 5-hour duration and easy terrain make it accessible yet engaging, especially with highlights like waterfalls, tunnels, and stone bridges.

The visit to Ponta do Sol adds a relaxing seaside element, perfect for finishing the day. The small group size (up to 6 travelers) ensures personalized support, and the positive reviews underscore the experience’s safety, beauty, and overall value.

Final Thoughts on the Madeira Levada Tour by GiraffeMirror

For those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and well-supported way to see Madeira’s famous Levada system, this tour offers a clear balance of independence and assistance. The $45.15 price covers transport, support, and a memorable walk through lush landscapes, waterfalls, and historic tunnels.

While not suitable for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or a fear of heights—the experience is perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy Madeira’s beautiful scenery without strenuous effort. The inclusion of a seaside village at the end provides a lovely way to unwind and soak up local charm.

This tour is a reliable choice for a peaceful, scenic day exploring Madeira’s water channels and mountain scenery, especially for travelers who appreciate flexibility and a small-group setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes air-conditioned transport to and from your pickup location, as well as to the start of the Levada walk and the village of Ponta do Sol.

What is the starting point and time?
The tour departs from Pestana CR7 FunchalPraça CR7 at 9:00 am.

Can I walk at my own pace?
Absolutely. The walk is self-guided, allowing you to move as slowly or quickly as you like, within the approximate 3-hour walking duration.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for babies, toddlers, or travelers with mobility problems. It’s best suited for those comfortable with heights and walking on uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
It’s advised to bring water, snacks, and suitable walking shoes. The tour includes a stop at a supermarket café for supplies before starting.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, participants receive a full refund or an alternative date.

Are there any safety concerns?
The walk involves some exposed sections, so a head for heights is recommended. The guide’s support at critical points helps ensure safety.

How long is the entire experience?
From pickup to return, the tour lasts about 5 hours, including the walk, transfer, and time in Ponta do Sol.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of scenic waterfalls, historic tunnels, and a peaceful seaside village makes this experience stand out. The small group size ensures personalized attention.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made 9 days in advance on average, and the tour includes a mobile ticket, making it easy to plan ahead.