moderate
3–4 hours
Moderate fitness is required; hikers should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and maintaining steady effort over a few hours.
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.
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.
The trail surfaces include uneven stone paths and natural terrain—footwear with good grip is essential.
There are no shops along the route, so pack enough hydration and light refreshments for the hike.
Sections near the levadas can be wet and slippery, especially after rain—move carefully.
Parts of the trail skirt agricultural areas and small villages—stay on paths and respect local property.
Levadas date back to the 16th century and remain a critical irrigation network supporting Madeira’s unique terraced agriculture.
Maintaining trail integrity and respecting agricultural lands help preserve this landscape and the island’s delicate ecosystem.
Provide traction and ankle support for uneven, sometimes slippery levada paths.
Useful for protection against brief showers common in Madeira’s wetter seasons.
spring|fall|winter specific
Carry water, snacks, and extra layers comfortably throughout the hike.
Protects skin during exposed sections under Madeira’s intense sun.
summer specific