4.5 hours Rabaçal
Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk
The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.
from €45
Check availabilityLaurisilva of Madeira
A UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest that predates the last ice age.
Around 15,000 hectares of primary laurel forest cover the island's north-facing slopes — the largest surviving remnant of a forest type that once blanketed southern Europe. Almost every levada walk in the north passes through it.
What makes it special
Til, vinhático, barbusano and Madeira laurel grow here alongside tree heath and giant ferns, with mosses and lichens covering everything. It has been UNESCO-listed since 1999 and is the reason the island stays green.
The forest also makes the water: mist condenses on the leaves and feeds the springs that fill the levadas.
Where to walk in it
Queimadas and Caldeirão Verde, the Balcões path at Ribeiro Frio, Rabaçal in the west and the Levada do Rei above São Jorge all run through mature laurisilva. Fanal shows its oldest, most weathered trees.
Local tips
- — Stay on marked paths — the undergrowth is protected and the ground drops away fast.
Guided trips here
Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.
Full day Island-wide pickupWest Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari
Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.
from €55
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8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco
Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.
from €69
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5 hours Machico 5.0(15)Madeira Porto da Cruz to Machico Self Hiking Tour with Transfer
Embark on a self-guided hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Enjoy a scenic hike through the northeast coast of Madeira and admire the different vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.
from €33
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7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups
Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.
from €35
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8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(13)Shore Excursion Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces 4x4 tour
This is a shore excursion with pick up / drop off at the cruise terminal (pick up at the harbour €5.00 extra or free pick up at CR7 statue / museum) Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in…
from €69
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Stay nearby
Where to base yourself for this part of the island.
Avenida do Infante, Funchal
Palace Vista · Luxury 2BR opposite Savoy Palace
Three private balconies, steps from the seafront
4 guests 2 bedrooms
€275 / night
View stay
Santa Luzia, Funchal
Funchal modern 3 bedroom bay view apartment
Large balcony with a full Funchal bay view
6 guests 3 bedrooms
€125 / night
View stayNearby
Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.
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