Levada Vale Serra D'Água Hike with Madeira Happy Tours - Funchal

Levada Vale Serra D'Água Hike with Madeira Happy Tours

Funchalmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness is required; hikers should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and maintaining steady effort over a few hours.

Overview

Journey with Madeira Happy Tours along Levada Vale Serra D'Água for a refreshing 3.5-hour hike through eucalyptus forests and terraced farmland, capped by coastal views and a visit to a remote village.

Details

Madeira’s dramatic island terrain invites adventurers to hike along some of its most captivating trails, with the Levada Vale Serra D'Água standing out for its lush diversity and coastal panoramas. Located near Funchal, this 3.5-hour trek curated by Madeira Happy Tours offers a climb through verdant eucalypt forests, past rugged agricultural terraces, and toward the tranquil village of Eira do Mourão. These stone-lined levadas, traditional irrigation channels unique to Madeira, thread through the landscape, guiding hikers gently through steep valleys and offering glimpses of the island’s rich endemic flora.

Unlike typical crowded paths, this route grants access to a lesser-visited corner of Madeira’s southern coast, where spring flowers bloom vividly against the misty backdrop of the cliffs. The walk blends natural beauty with cultural resonance: you’ll pass terraces shaped by generations of farmers, their intricate systems still in use today, reflecting the island’s heritage of sustainable agriculture.

The trail’s setting—a mix of eucalyptus groves and cultivated slopes—creates a sensory experience of scent and sound, especially as you near Eira do Mourão, a remote village where time feels slowed. This blend of nature and culture puts Madeira Happy Tours on the map as a company deeply connected to island life, offering authentic encounters with the island’s landscape beyond the typical tourist route.

Hikers on this trail can expect varied terrain, requiring moderate fitness but rewarding with sweeping views of Funchal’s coast and a quiet, immersive atmosphere. The company's small-group approach enhances the intimacy of the outing, making this more than a hike but a chance to connect with Madeira’s enduring outdoor spirit.

Adventure Tips

Bring sturdy shoes

The trail surfaces include uneven stone paths and natural terrain—footwear with good grip is essential.

Carry water and snacks

There are no shops along the route, so pack enough hydration and light refreshments for the hike.

Watch for slippery sections

Sections near the levadas can be wet and slippery, especially after rain—move carefully.

Respect private lands

Parts of the trail skirt agricultural areas and small villages—stay on paths and respect local property.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The isolated village of Eira do Mourão with its quiet charm
  • Spring wildflower patches along the levada banks

Wildlife

  • Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
  • Berthelot's pipit

History

Levadas date back to the 16th century and remain a critical irrigation network supporting Madeira’s unique terraced agriculture.

Conservation

Maintaining trail integrity and respecting agricultural lands help preserve this landscape and the island’s delicate ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Early morning for soft light
Golden hour before sunset

Best Viewpoints

  • Overlook near Eira do Mourão village
  • Alongside the levada with coastal vistas

What to Photograph

Coastal cliffs and ocean views
Terraced farmland patterns
Springtime wildflowers

Recommended Gear

Hiking boots

Essential

Provide traction and ankle support for uneven, sometimes slippery levada paths.

Light rain jacket

Essential

Useful for protection against brief showers common in Madeira’s wetter seasons.

spring|fall|winter specific

Daypack

Essential

Carry water, snacks, and extra layers comfortably throughout the hike.

Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)

Essential

Protects skin during exposed sections under Madeira’s intense sun.

summer specific

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