Levada da Referta Walk with Madeira Happy Tours

Madeira’s rugged north coast near Funchal offers a striking contrast to the island’s southern resorts, with deeper green valleys and waves crashing against volcanic cliffs. Here, Madeira Happy Tours guides travelers along the Levada da Referta, a 3.5-hour walk tracing an irrigation channel that has long nurtured farmland in Porto da Cruz. This easy trail unwinds through sugarcane fields and terraced vineyards, revealing an agricultural heritage that still shapes local life. Unlike high-mountain levadas, the Referta path clings close to the coastline, where the Atlantic’s roar punctuates the quiet rhythm of the trail.

One of the walk’s centerpiece views is Penha d'Águia, a jagged rock formation rising sharply from the sea—a striking geological landmark that looms over the landscape like a natural fortress. The track’s low elevation and gentle slopes make it accessible for most fitness levels, while its open stretches frame panoramic glimpses of the fertile northern coastline.

Madeira Happy Tours stands out by weaving cultural insights into every step, introducing visitors to local farming practices and the island’s volcanic origins. Porto da Cruz is not just a backdrop but a living community where history, nature, and daily life intersect. Between the levada’s quiet flow and the sea’s steady pulse, the walk balances peaceful immersion with scenic drama.

For those craving a manageable yet rewarding hike outside of Funchal’s urban bustle, Levada da Referta offers a uniquely authentic slice of Madeira’s north shore. Its blend of agricultural landscapes, geological features, and ocean views ensures a memorable experience for anyone curious about this Atlantic island’s lesser-known terrain.