There are few coastal walks in Europe that are as diverse as Larano. Hundreds of years ago this path was created for trade to get from Porto da Cruz to Machico. Nowadays, this walking route enchants us with beautiful views, whether in the Machico valley, in the cliff over the sea to our neighboring Island of Porto Santo or in the fishing village of Santa Cruz. Larano makes every hiker’s heartbeat faster!
Tour Details
- Tour Location: Northeast of Madeira
- Special feature: Terraced fields & cliff walks
Levada do Rei — Walking Through Madeira’s Royal Laurel Forest
The Levada do Rei — the King’s Levada — is one of Madeira’s most beautiful and least crowded walking routes. Running through the heart of the São Jorge laurel forest in the island’s north, this levada trail follows an ancient irrigation channel through a pristine section of UNESCO World Heritage laurisilva forest. The name comes from the fact that the channel was built to supply water to the royal estate below.
Unlike the more famous Rabaçal and 25 Fountains walk, Levada do Rei remains relatively quiet — which makes for a more authentic and peaceful experience. The forest here is genuinely wild: enormous tree heathers draped in moss, endemic orchids, and the sound of running water throughout. Wildlife is abundant, including the Madeira Laurel Pigeon and numerous endemic bird species.
Route Details
- Location: São Jorge, north coast of Madeira
- Distance: Approximately 9 km round trip
- Duration: Full day, 4–5 hours walking
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly flat along the levada channel
- Forest type: UNESCO laurisilva laurel forest
This walk is suitable for families with children who are comfortable walking for several hours, as well as older visitors who want to experience authentic Madeiran forest without the vertigo-inducing cliff sections of some other levada routes. Our guide joins you throughout, with transport from Funchal included.
Planning a levada walking holiday in Madeira? Read our complete guide to levada walks in Madeira — covering the best routes, what to bring, difficulty levels and the best time to visit.
