Madeira Lakes – Levada do Alecrim

Madeira’s Lagoa do Vento is the star of this outing, a high valley pool shaped by rushing water, with waterfalls and rock shelves folding around it. I like that the route gives you more than a single viewpoint: you move from forest paths and rough roots to the neat, level line of a levada, then into a wilder valley.

I also like the small-group format, capped at 15 people, and the included ride from central Funchal. The catch is that this is not a gentle stroll. You need moderate fitness for steep ground, scrambling, and many steps, and pickup reliability has not always been perfect.

Key points to know before you book

• Lagoa do Vento brings the big scenery: Expect waterfalls, rock pools, cascades, and views into a forested valley.
• The trail changes character often: You will walk on levada paths, mountain tracks, forest roots, and less-defined sections.
• The Alecrim Levada is more than a canal: It is part of Madeira’s long water-management tradition and leads through the western plateau.
• A small group helps on rough ground: With no more than 15 people, the guide can give closer attention than on a large coach excursion.
• Guide Emilke receives especially strong praise: One detailed account credits Emilke with making the hike superb.
• Plan for a full morning and afternoon: The start is 8:30 a.m., and the entire outing takes about 6 to 7 hours, including transfers and walking.

Why this hike feels different from a standard Madeira walk

Madeira’s levadas are famous because they turn practical engineering into a walking route. These narrow channels carry water across the island, often tracing slopes where ordinary roads could not go. On this excursion, the levada is not just a photo stop. It is part of a route that connects the forest, the plateau, and the valley below.

The walk also passes through a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. That designation matters here because the setting is not one isolated waterfall with a crowded viewing platform. You spend hours among native plant life, old trees, wet rock, and changing elevations.

I like the variety. A flat levada section lets you settle into a steady rhythm, while the mountain paths demand more care. Some stretches run over exposed roots. Other parts are described as paths nearly swallowed by the forest. Near the older levada, you may need to scramble rather than simply walk along a paved trail.

That variety is also the main warning. If you want a smooth, easy route with frequent benches and clear paving, choose something gentler. This outing is for you if the rougher side of Madeira sounds appealing.

Lagoa do Vento and the first 30 minutes

The first named stop is Lagoa do Vento, located in a valley below the Paúl da Serra plateau. Water has cut into the rock over a very long period, creating pools, drops, and cascades. The result is a natural setting shaped by moving water rather than by a single dramatic lookout.

The route to the lake includes more than one type of walking. You may move through forest, cross sections covered with roots, and handle gradients as the path rises and falls. The description of the route includes scrambling toward the oldest levada in the western part of Madeira, so do not treat the 30-minute stop label as an indication of an easy 30-minute stroll.

The waterfall setting is likely to be the most memorable part for many people. Lagoa do Vento has the ingredients that make Madeira walks so appealing: wet stone, falling water, forest, and a sense of being away from the city.

Still, the pool and cascades are only one piece of the day. The best reason to book is the whole sequence of terrain, not just the lake. If you are hoping for a long stop with plenty of time to sit beside the water, check with the guide on the day because the exact pace can depend on conditions and the group.

Four hours along the Alecrim Levada

The longer section follows the Alecrim Levadas through the valley. This part takes about four hours, making it the main walking commitment of the excursion.

The word levada can make a route sound flat and easy. Here, that would be misleading. You do get level stretches beside the channel, but the route also includes mountain gradients, forest paths, roots, and rough areas. One account describes many steps, with most of them going downhill. The route information also describes movement up the valley, so prepare for both climbing and descending rather than expecting one steady direction.

The older levada on the western side of the island gives the walk a strong sense of place. You are seeing a working feature of Madeira’s past and present, not simply walking through scenery. The channel helps explain why water is such a central part of life on an island with steep slopes and high rainfall in some areas.

The valley contains lagoons and rock formations shaped by water over thousands of years. You will also pass through sections where the forest has almost hidden the path. That can make the route feel more natural and less groomed, but it also means footing deserves attention.

I would wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip. That recommendation is a practical response to the stated roots, scrambling, gradients, and steps, not a promise about a particular trail surface. The provided information does not specify equipment, so ask the operator if you need a full packing list before departure.

Forest plants, animals, and the UNESCO setting

The route gives you a chance to watch for Madeira’s plant and animal life. The experience specifically encourages you to keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, but it does not promise sightings of a particular species. Go with curiosity rather than a checklist.

The forest is part of what gives this hike its character. You may find the path changing from open levada walking to darker, more enclosed sections under the trees. High heath trees were singled out in one account as part of the scenery, and they help explain why the route feels more distinctive than a basic walk along a water channel.

Because this is a protected natural setting, your enjoyment depends partly on patience. Stop to study the rock formations, listen for falling water, and notice how the channel cuts across the slope. The guide’s live commentary should add context as you go, though the supplied details do not specify exactly which subjects the guide covers.

What the small group changes

The group limit is 15 people. That is small enough to make questions and brief conversations with the guide realistic, while still large enough that the outing does not feel like a private hike.

This matters most on uneven ground. A guide can help keep the group together, explain where the route changes, and point out features you might otherwise pass. The quality of that guidance can shape the day, especially when the path includes roots, steps, and less visible sections.

Emilke is the guide name connected with the strongest specific praise in the available feedback. One detailed account says Emilke was superb during a guided hike. You cannot guarantee that Emilke will lead your departure, but the name is worth asking about when you book or confirm.

The company, Madeira Happy Tours, has also received positive comments for helping with last-minute arrangements and handling unexpected cancellations. That is useful if your plans change, though it does not erase the need to confirm pickup details.

Pickup from Funchal and the day’s timing

The advertised start time is 8:30 a.m. at Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, São Martinho, Funchal. Round-trip transfers from central Funchal meeting points are offered, and the activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

A 6 to 7-hour schedule makes this a substantial part of your day. You should not pair it with another fixed-time excursion afterward. The walking itself accounts for the main portion, with transport and the change between the Lagoa do Vento and Alecrim sections filling out the rest.

Pickup deserves careful attention. One departure had a 30-minute delay, which forced the first part of the walk to move too quickly. Another booking had a serious problem: the bus did not arrive, phone calls went unanswered, and the provider later apologized and refunded the payment.

That is a real drawback, not a minor footnote. I would confirm the exact meeting point and pickup time shortly before the walk, keep the provider’s contact details handy, and avoid scheduling anything important immediately afterward. The positive service comments suggest the company can be helpful, but the mixed pickup record means you should leave room for delay.

Is the $52.09 price good value?

At $52.09 per person, the outing offers several useful inclusions: round-trip transport from a central Funchal point, a live guide, insurance, and a full day in one of Madeira’s major natural areas.

The price is strongest if you do not have a rental car. One person was able to arrange a place on the hike after canceling a car rental at the last minute, which shows why the included transport can matter. Getting to remote trailheads independently may require more planning than this price suggests.

Lunch and bottled water are not included. Bring your own provisions, since the tour lasts much of the day. The exact amount of food and water you need is personal, but you should not assume either will be supplied.

The value is weaker if you already have easy access to the trailhead and prefer to walk alone at your own speed. In that case, you are mainly paying for the guide, group structure, insurance, and transport convenience. For a first Madeira visit, though, those pieces can be worthwhile.

Who should book this walk

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a guided route with real changes in terrain and scenery. It suits people who enjoy waterfalls, forest paths, historic water channels, and a little roughness underfoot.

It is also a good match if you are staying in Funchal and do not want to organize transport to the western plateau. The small group and live commentary give the day more structure than simply following a trail on your own.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike steep steps, or need a predictable pace. The stated fitness requirement is moderate, and the route includes roots, gradients, scrambling, and many downhill steps. One delayed pickup also led to a rushed first section, which would be especially frustrating if you need to walk slowly.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. The experience requires suitable weather, and it may be canceled if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In either case, a different date or experience, or a full refund, is offered.

My booking advice for this Madeira hike

I would book the Alecrim Levada walk if the appeal of Madeira for you is its wet forests, falling water, and old irrigation routes rather than easy sightseeing from a vehicle. The combination of Lagoa do Vento, the Alecrim channel, and the changing trail surfaces gives you a fuller day than a short waterfall stop.

I would not book it simply because it is inexpensive or because the word levada sounds easy. Bring water and lunch, expect a demanding walk, and confirm the pickup details. If Emilke is leading your group, that is a welcome bonus, but the tour should make sense for you even without a particular guide.

The final call is simple: choose it for natural scenery and varied walking, skip it if you need a gentle, tightly timed outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m. at Monumental Experience, Estrada Monumental 284, São Martinho, 9000-096 Funchal, Portugal.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the Madeira Lakes hike last?

The full experience takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

What are the main stops?

The route includes Lagoa do Vento and the Alecrim Levadas.

Is transportation included?

Round-trip transfers from central Funchal meeting points are offered.

How difficult is the walk?

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. The route includes levada paths, mountain gradients, roots, scrambling, and many steps.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included, so you should arrange your own supply.

What happens if bad weather cancels the hike?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.