Kings Levada

One day, one trail, big nature payback. Kings Levada is a guided levada walk from Funchal that trades steep climbs for waterfalls, cool spray, and steady scenery. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off, so you spend your energy walking, not figuring out transport.

What I really like about this outing is the mix of easy terrain and real Madeira character. The route is completely flat, and it follows the levada closely, so you are constantly in the middle of the island’s water world.

The one drawback to plan for is that the trail can still feel intense for some people. There are a few spots with a bit of vertigo due to sheer drops, even though the path is secured with fences and it is recommended for children from age 6.

Kings Levada in Madeira: the quick picture before you go

Kings Levada is a round-walk format levada experience. You drive from Funchal to Sao Jorge, then follow the same path out and back. Expect steady walking, waterfall moments, and railings where the views drop away.

Timing is straightforward. You start walking around 9:10, depending on your hotel pickup time. The return back to your hotel is around 16h. Even though the route is not steep, the full hike is around 12 km total, so this is an all-day walk for comfort, snacks, and good footwear.

You also get help from real guides, not just a handout. The group size tops out at 16 travelers, which matters on a trail with tight sections and a few duck-under waterfall spots.

Key things that make this levada walk worth it

• Flat, rail-secured walking with a few vertigo spots, so the effort stays manageable
• Waterfall beats along the levada, including a duck-under section
• Seasonal plant details, like agapanthus that can be magical in Aug or Sept
• About 12 km total with a simple out-and-back route
• Small group touring, max 16 travelers, with hotel pickup and drop-off

From Funchal to Sao Jorge: where the day really begins

Most of the work is done for you at the start. Pickup is from the Funchal area, including places like Funchal (Lido and Caniço), and the drive to Sao Jorge takes about 45 minutes. That is a good length of transfer because you are not stuck on a bus all morning, yet you still get to swap city vibes for mountain greenery.

This leg matters because it sets the pace. You are not hiking right away. You arrive, get oriented, and then you can focus on the levada walk itself.

Dress smart casual. You can treat this like a day out, not a hardcore sport session. Still, bring your “walk day” gear, because comfortable shoes are the difference between enjoying the scenery and concentrating on your feet.

The Kings Levada trail: flat footing, waterfall moments, and railings

Once you start, the trail follows the levada for a walk that is described as completely flat. That is huge on Madeira, where you often see cliffs, tight switchbacks, and stairs that sneak up on you. Here, the difficulty is more about distance and conditions than steepness.

The format is simple:

• You walk about 2 hours out
• Then you turn back and walk about 2 hours in the opposite direction
• Since it is the same route both ways, you always know what is coming next

You also pass waterfalls along the way. In real terms, that means you may get hit with mist, especially if you are close enough to see the water run down the rock. One of the most memorable practical moments is a waterfall section you duck under. In cooler or wetter months, a waterproof jacket can help you stay comfortable.

Now for the part to respect: there are areas that can trigger a bit of vertigo because of sheer drops beside the path. The good news is that the route is secured with fences for most of it, so you are not exposed in the scary, unprotected way you might fear. If you are fine with heights in general, you will likely feel okay. If heights make you anxious, go slowly and keep your focus on your footing and the handrails.

How long is the walk, and what it feels like underfoot

This is not a short stroll. The total distance is about 12 km for the full walk. Another way people describe it is around 5.4 km one way, then the same distance back. Either way, you should treat it as a solid hike day.

Because the walk is flat, you might think it will feel easy. It is mostly that. Your main physical demands are:

• Distance over time (plan for steady pacing)
• Mud and slick patches, depending on conditions
• Keeping your footing around wetter parts of the trail

One key tip from real-world experience on this route: it can be muddy in places. If you show up in shoes that are only okay for dry pavement, you can end up thinking about traction instead of scenery. Proper footwear makes the difference, especially after rainfall or if you are walking through mossy, shaded stretches.

If you like photography, this is a good trail for it. The waterfalls and the levada channel give you lots of angles without needing to climb for viewpoints.

Waterfalls and the duck-under moment: stay dry without ruining the fun

Waterfalls are the star here, but they also shape your comfort level. Expect some sections where you get damp, especially near where water spills across the path edge.

That duck-under waterfall section is the moment to plan for. If you want to stay more comfortable:

• Bring a small waterproof layer or rain jacket if the weather looks unstable
• Keep your bag closed and protected, because spray can reach farther than you think
• Move with confidence, not speed, so you do not rush into an awkward stance

Also, if you brought a small picnic, save it for after the walk or at a calmer stop. The walk is about the trail experience, not a long sit-down lunch.

There is also a café on the return side, where you can park and grab snacks. Think of it as your safety net for calories and coffee when you are done walking.

The plant details you might notice along the levada

One of the fun things about a levada walk is that you do not just see water, you see how water shapes life around it. Along this route, there are agapanthus plants lined up near the levada.

Timing affects how dramatic that looks. Agapanthus may not be in bloom at certain times of year, but when they are, you can get that classic Madeira feel, rows of color tracking the water path. Even when they are not flowering, you still get the sense of a cared-for route with plants that thrive in these conditions.

If you are into nature details, this is one of those trails where you naturally slow down. The route is easy enough to let you look around.

What to bring: water, picnic, and the small gear that saves the day

You will be happier if you pack like this is a real half-to-full day outdoors. The basics are simple:

• Water (bring enough for the full walk)
• A small picnic and any snacks you want
• Comfortable shoes with grip
• A hat for sun and for reducing glare off wet rock

Weather matters. This activity requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or refunded, but either way, you do not want to be underprepared for mist or mud.

Also, wear clothes you do not mind getting a little wet. Even if you stay dry, you are near moving water for hours. Plan for damp socks energy.

Guide quality and group size: how the day stays organized

This is not a big-coach free-for-all. The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers, which is a sweet spot for a narrow levada route. You get a guide who can keep the group together when the path gets tight or when you need a quick stop for orientation.

You also get multiple layers of guiding: a driver and a local guide plus a professional guide. In plain terms, that usually means smoother timing and better explanations on what to watch for.

One guide name you may hear is Elio, also known as Elvis. People describe him as very helpful, including suggesting a smart move to head back toward the café area without waiting for the rest of the group, so you could enjoy poncha while still soaking up the sun. That is exactly the kind of practical flexibility you want on a long walk.

Food, cafés, and your best plan for lunch

Lunch is not included. Food and drinks are on you, and that matters for budget and comfort. Since the walk is long, do not rely on being able to buy everything at the last second.

Here is the simple strategy:

• Bring a small picnic if you like having control over your meal
• Treat the café on the return as your bonus stop for coffee, ice cream, and quick snacks

The return café area is also convenient because it is easy to regroup, stretch legs, and dry off a little before you head back to your hotel.

Price and value: what $38.77 really buys you

At $38.77 per person, Kings Levada sits in the “good value if you use the included perks” category. The price is not just for a walk. It includes:

• Driver/guide and a local guide plus a professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

That matters because levada walks are often hard to reach on your own, especially if you are staying in or near Funchal and want a worry-free day. You are paying for coordination, guidance, and safe route context, not just a pair of legs and a trail map.

You also get a max group size of 16, which usually improves the experience. On longer trails, that extra organization can save you from feeling lost, rushed, or stuck behind the slowest pace in a crowd.

Who Kings Levada is best for, and who should think twice

This tour fits people with moderate physical fitness. The good part is that the route is flat. The real work is the distance of around 12 km and managing mud if it is wet.

It is especially well suited for:

• Families with children age 6 and up
• Travelers who want nature time without a steep climb
• Anyone who enjoys waterfalls and guided route support

It is not ideal if you:

• Have concerns about heights or vertigo, even with fences
• Are very sensitive to getting damp, since the waterfalls can spray
• Are pregnant, since it is not recommended and depends on how far along you are

Children must be accompanied by an adult. And it is not recommended for children aged 4 and under.

Booking smart: weather, timing, and what to watch on the day

Since the activity requires good weather, plan to stay flexible. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. That is important on Madeira, where cloud and rain can change trail comfort quickly.

On the day:

• Aim to be ready for pickup early enough for a 9:10 start
• Bring the hat and water even if the morning looks calm
• Treat the duck-under section as normal trail behavior, not a surprise

Also, remember the schedule rhythm. You start walking late morning, then you are back around 16h. That is a full day you can build the rest of your itinerary around.

Should you book Kings Levada with Pride of Madeira?

If you want a guided Madeira day that focuses on waterfalls, levada walking, and a mostly flat route, Kings Levada is a strong pick. I like that it is organized with hotel pickup, a small group size, and professional guidance, so you can focus on the experience instead of logistics.

You should book if you:

• Want an easy-to-follow walk with real scenery
• Prefer walking to steep climbing
• Like the idea of rail-secured sections with a few height-adjacent moments

You might skip or choose a different option if:

• Heights and vertigo stress you out
• You are worried about mud and wet conditions
• You need a shorter outing, since this one is about 12 km total

Overall, it is a practical, nature-forward day in Madeira that feels like money well spent when you use the included hotel transfer and let the guides handle the route and pacing.

FAQ

Where does Kings Levada start?

The meeting point is in Funchal, Madeira, with pickup options in the Funchal area including Lido and Caniço.

What time does the walking start?

The walk typically starts around 9:10, depending on your hotel pickup timing.

How long is the Kings Levada walk?

It is an out-and-back walk, about 2 hours one way and 2 hours back, with a total walking distance around 12 km.

Is the trail steep?

The walk is described as completely flat, though there are a few places that can bring a bit of vertigo due to sheer drops, with fences to secure the route.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and lunch is not included either.

What should I bring?

Bring water, a small picnic, comfortable shoes, and a hat. Dress for the outdoors since parts of the route can get wet.

Is it suitable for children?

It is recommended for children from age 6, with an adult accompanying them. It is not recommended for child aged 4 and under.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 16 travelers.

What is included in the price?

Included items are driver/guide, local guide, professional guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. The experience also requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.