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 availabilityLevada dos Balcões
Thirty flat minutes through laurel forest to a balcony over the Ribeira da Metade.
The best short walk on the island. From Ribeiro Frio a level levada path runs 1.5 km through mossy forest to a railed viewpoint looking at the central peaks. Chaffinches land on your hand at the end.
Why it suits everyone
There is almost no ascent, the path is wide by levada standards, and the whole thing takes about an hour return at a gentle pace. Children and older walkers manage it comfortably.
The viewpoint frames Pico do Arieiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo across the Metade valley — the same peaks as the high hikes, from a bench.
Combine it with Ribeiro Frio
The trailhead sits in Ribeiro Frio village, where there is a trout farm, a small botanical garden and two restaurants. It makes an easy half-day from Funchal.
Local tips
- — Don't feed the birds — they will land on you regardless.
- — One of the few walks that still works in light rain, thanks to the forest cover.
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 Madeira 5.0(30)Private Full-Day - Comfort 4x4 Tour - NorthWest
The West tour takes you to the lush northwest, full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls and cows! So many experiences, in just one day: Ancient roads, Levada or walk at Fanal Forest, Swimming and Incredible landscap…
from €425
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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(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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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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