PR18 Levada do Rei on Madeira in 2024 - Everything you need to know
The PR18 Levada do Rei, or King's Levada, is one of the top picks for Madeira visitors. It’s long enough to get a nice workout, filled with lush greenery, has a fun waterfall, and won’t leave your legs feeling wrecked. It’s a great choice for hikers of all levels.
Is PR18 Levada do Rei good for kids?
Levada do Rei is an ideal warm-up before diving into Madeira's more intense hikes, or for those wanting a relaxed trail with beautiful scenery. As for safety, remember you're responsible for both your own and your companions’ well-being. While it’s generally a good option for trekking with kids, there are a few exposed areas with handrails, so it’s best to keep an eye on where everyone steps.
READ MORE: Madeira Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
What is a Levada on Madeira
Levada Walks are the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Levadas are irrigation canals which transport water to the drier parts of the island. Along the canals you'll find hiking paths which can take you on adventure through a dense forest, long dark tunnels or even waterfalls which are often being the source of the water in levadas. Levada Walks are real adventure!
Pros and Cons of Hiking Levadas on Madeira
Hiking the levadas on Madeira is a must-do experience that gives you a unique way to explore the island. These trails are built alongside Madeira's iconic water channels, meaning they’re generally less steep and challenging than mountain hikes. You’ll follow a path that winds through lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and even tunnels, making the journey scenic and adventurous without being too exhausting.
One of the exciting features of the levadas is the tunnels, some stretching up to a kilometre. While they add to the adventure, they can be a bit tricky to navigate—you might need to hunch down and squeeze by others on the narrow paths. In some sections of the levada, you can easily step aside to let people pass, but in tighter spots, like tunnels or narrow ledges, it takes a bit more patience.
Most levadas are out-and-back trails, so you'll need to walk to the end and then return the same way. This can be a bit repetitive, but the reward is often worth it—the trail might lead to a stunning waterfall or a scenic view, making the effort feel like a rewarding adventure. And, of course, you can turn back at any point if you're ready to wrap up your hike.
How to get to PR18 Levada do Rei
Levada do Rei starts at the Water Treatment Plant of Quebradas in São Jorge, on Madeira’s northern coast, roughly a 60-minute drive from Funchal. Although there’s no designated parking lot, you can easily park along the roadside near the trailhead. Conveniently, there’s a cozy restaurant right by the trailhead—perfect for a post-hike lunch or coffee break.
Planning a trip?
Looking to book an activity or hire a guide? After spending two years on Madeira, we’ve gathered our top recommendations for local travel services, which you can find in our Madeira E-Book. But when we’re exploring new places, we always turn to GetYourGuide. They offer a huge selection of activities from trusted providers, all with upfront pricing and reviews from real customers, so you can book with confidence. Check out the activities below and find your next adventure with GetYourGuide!
PR18 Levada do Rei basic info
Check the official website to see if this trail is currently open and safe to hike.
Distance: 5.3 KM (point to point)
Incline: 100M
Duration: 2-3 hours (out and back)
Online Payment: €3 for all visitors over 12 years old.
Levada do Rei Payment
To pay for Madeira's walking trails online, just go to the official SIMplifica website and click the "Request" button on the left (labeled "Solicitar" in Portuguese). You’ll fill out a quick form—choose your trail, select your hike date, and enter your email and country of origin. For payment, just enter your bank card info. You can complete this payment anytime before your hike, even right before starting. Just keep in mind that phone signal can be weak in some areas, so it’s best to handle it ahead of time.
Hiking the PR18 Levada do Rei
This fun and scenic hike starts at the Water Treatment Plant in Quebradas, São Jorge, and winds along to Ribeiro Bonito deep into the lush Laurissilva forest. You’ll kick off the adventure near the Quinta Levada do Rei restaurant—ideal if you want to grab breakfast before the hike or relax with lunch afterward. Right at the start, you'll get through most of the initial incline within the first few hundred meters as you climb up to meet the levada.
One thing that really stands out on this trail is the abundance of birds—it’s like they’re everywhere, making the hike feel extra lively! The first kilometre leads you along the winding levada, shaded by eucalyptus trees with their refreshing scent filling the air. After a kilometre, the trees open up, revealing incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
As you keep following the trail, you’ll come to a short tunnel. It’s a quick pass-through, so no headlamp needed—perfect practice for some of the longer tunnels Madeira’s hikes are known for. At around 4.7 kilometres, you’ll hit one of the highlights: a waterfall that flows right onto the path. There’s no dodging this one; you’re definitely getting wet! When we hiked Levada do Rei after a few rainy days, the trail was extra muddy with plenty of puddles, and the waterfall was in full force—making it fun to walk under.
About 500 meters after the waterfall, the levada ends in a beautiful gorge with plenty of space to rest or even have a picnic. From here, it’s a simple return along the same path.
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Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
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