Madeira: Levada Nova Hike & Waterfall Trail with Picnic

The Levada Nova Trail: Narrow Paths Above Ponta do Sol Valley

You hike the Levada Nova through Madeira's south, walking narrow ridge paths above the Ponta do Sol valley and passing small waterfalls along the way. The route includes a picnic with local snacks mid-hike, a local coffee and poncha drink at the end, plus pickup and drop-off from Funchal or nearby hotels. The hike runs five to six hours and requires no special climbing skill, though the narrow sections and altitude mean you need to be comfortable with exposure and in good fitness shape.

Step-by-step itinerary

Levada Nova Moinhos hike and picnic

• Start Levada Nova Moinhos hike
• Walk through dense greenery
• Pass small waterfalls
• Traverse narrow high paths
• Enjoy picnic with local snacks
• Toast with Poncha or craft beer

The experience

The first thing that catches you off guard is how close the edge gets. You're walking along the Levada Nova in Madeira's warmest corner, and the path narrows to maybe a meter wide, with the valley dropping away on one side and the water channel on the other. It's not a scramble or a technical climb (just a levada walk, the kind locals have done for centuries), but the altitude and the exposure make your body sit up and pay attention. Your guide points out the small waterfalls ahead, and you realize this isn't a gentle stroll through gardens. It's a hike that demands focus, which is exactly why the views stick with you.

The route follows the Levada Nova and Moinhos channels through dense green growth, and the landscape shifts as you move. Waterfalls appear around corners, the valley opens up below, and the narrow sections alternate with wider stretches where you can breathe and look around properly. Transportation from your hotel in Funchal, Lido or Caniço gets you to the meeting point, and your local driver and guide handle the logistics. You just show up with a backpack (they specify the size: 11 by 12 by 20 centimeters) and ready legs. The hike takes around five to six hours depending on pace and weather, and somewhere in the middle you stop for a picnic with local snacks. It's not fancy, but eating on the trail in that subtropical air, with the valley in front of you, feels like the right kind of simple.

Weather in Madeira changes fast (the guide will tell you this on the call the day before), and if conditions turn unsafe, they'll swap the route or pick an alternative hike instead. That flexibility matters because the island's climate is unpredictable, and the local authorities close paths when they need to. By the end of the day, after the hike, you get a local coffee and a glass of poncha (the traditional sugar cane drink), or you can try one of the craft beers the spot is known for. It's the kind of detail that makes the finish feel earned.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Funchal Center, Lido or Caniço.
• local guide and driver for the full hike.
• picnic with local snacks eaten on the trail.
• one local coffee and one local drink (poncha or craft beer).
• flashlight.
• and insurance as required by local law.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (16 to 86 years) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Heartbeat Madeira

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a levada hike with real exposure and valley views but don't want to arrange transport, a guide or timing yourself. The narrow sections and waterfalls are what make the route memorable, and the fixed schedule fits it all into one afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is a levada and why is this hike different from other trails in Madeira?

A levada is a water channel built centuries ago to carry water across the island. The Levada Nova hike follows one of these channels through dense vegetation and past waterfalls, but includes narrow sections high above the valley, which is what makes it stand out from easier levada walks.

How long does the hike take and what's the fitness level needed?

The hike takes around five to six hours total, including the picnic stop. You need to be in good fitness level and comfortable with narrow paths and heights, but no climbing experience or special gear is required beyond a backpack and hiking boots.

What's included in the tour price?

Pickup and drop-off from Funchal Center, Lido or Caniço; a local guide and driver; a picnic with local snacks; one local coffee and one local drink (poncha or craft beer); a flashlight; and insurance required by local law.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the hike?

The guide will contact you the day before to confirm the start time. If weather conditions are unsafe on the day, they'll either change the route or offer an alternative hike instead. Safety is the priority, so flexibility is built in.

Are there age or health restrictions for this hike?

The tour is not suitable for children under 16. You should not have vertigo or a fear of heights, as the narrow sections sit high above the valley. Service animals are allowed.

What should I bring and what size backpack do I need?

Bring a backpack with measurements of 11 by 12 by 20 centimeters to carry your picnic lunch and water. Wear hiking boots and bring layers, as weather can change during the day.

What time does the hike start?

The start time is an estimate. The guide will contact you one day before via email, WhatsApp or iMessage to confirm the exact pickup time for your chosen location.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

The hike is suitable for all fitness levels as long as you're in good shape and comfortable with narrow paths and heights. No climbing or technical skills are needed, but the exposure and altitude mean it's not a beginner-friendly walk.