Are you ready for one of the most relaxing and beautiful hikes on Madeira island? Levada do Rei isn’t as gruelling as some of the other hikes on the island. It’s a more relaxed and chill Levada walk and that is one of the reasons we love it! 

Of course, it’s fun getting a good workout like hiking Pico do Arieiro or sunrise at Pico Ruivo. But sometimes it’s nice to just go on a beautiful and easy walk in the mountains and breathe in the fresh nature.

If you’ve hiked on Madeira already you’ll know Levadas are everywhere around the island. And if you’re new to hiking in Madeira, you’ll quickly learn this too.

One of many reasons why hiking in Madeira is so popular is of course because of the beautiful landscape, but another reason is because of how easy and accessible it is.

A lot of the official hikes around the island follow Levadas which are man-made irrigation systems that help water flow from up in the mountains to the rest of the island.

When you hike a Levada you’ll always have a clear path without too much incline so you know pretty much what to expect before you go.

Enjoy the sound of free-flowing water in Levada do Rei and even a few waterfalls later on in the hike!

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What to expect when hiking PR18 Levada do Rei

Like most Levada hikes on the island, Levada do Rei doesn’t have a crazy amount of incline. The trail itself is relatively flat, easy to follow, and not too long. It’s the perfect trail if you want to spend a few hours inside the forest walking between the trees and listening to the sound of the free-flowing water coming from Levada do Rei.

Since Levada do Rei is higher up in the mountains and covered by the trees for some parts it can definitely get a little chilly between the trees so that’s one thing to take into consideration. You’re definitely not exposed to the sun for the whole hike like on Ponta de São Lourenço where there’s no cover from the sun. 

You can expect a nice shaded trail that shouldn’t be too dirty or muddy unless there have been crazy rains in the previous days.

There are a few small waterfalls that do offer a bit of an adrenaline rush as you have to walk next to them or even under one which is quite fun. So even on a sunny day, you may get a little wet! 😉

Practical information about hiking the Levada do Rei trail (PR18)

Official trail name: PR18 – Levada do Rei
Distance: 9.2 km return / 5.71 miles return
Elevation: Roughly 504 m / 1653 ft. elevation gain
Type: In and out
Length: 2.5-3 hours total (includes time for pictures and a snack/lunch break)
Difficulty: Easy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Click here to see a map of the beginning of the Levada do Rei trail

Here’s a picture of the beginning of the Levada do Rei hike:

Starting at Quinta Levada do Rei

This is another hike where you can find a restaurant at the trailhead! There’s something nice about being able to have a coffee, cake, or lunch before or after the hike. The easiest way to find the trailhead is to put Quinta Levada do Rei into your maps and from there the trailhead is just up the street.

You can either park your car next to the cafe or drive a little further up the street and park right next to the trailhead. There will most likely be a few other cars parked there as it is one of Madeira’s easier and more popular Levada trails. 

You’ll see the sign for PR18 Levada do Rei and you’ll follow that towards a water treatment plant. Once you see that you’ll for sure be on the right track! 😉

From the water treatment plant towards the Levada 

From the water treatment plant, there’s a very slight uphill that brings you to the main Levada do Rei trail which you’ll follow all the way to the end of the trail and back. 

One thing that we love about Levada do Rei is the amount of opportunities you have to look out and enjoy the views. Some of the trails around the island are very much covered by trees which makes it hard to get good views but throughout Levada do Rei you’ll have tons of amazing opportunities.

On a sunny day, you’ll have great views of the Madeira mountains in this specific region of the island.

Waterfall after waterfall towards Madre Levada Do Rei

Out of nowhere somewhere near the middle of the hike waterfalls start popping up. Some far in the distance and some that literally come out of nowhere directly onto the trail. At one point you’ll even have to walk under a waterfall that can be a little slippery (so be careful)!

There’s a very good chance you’re going to get wet walking under the few waterfalls in the middle section of the hike. So either run through them quickly and have a little shower or bring a rain jacket for this section! 

We hiked the Levada do Rei on a sunny and dry day so the waterfalls weren’t that strong but on a rainy day, we bet you they’re probably quite powerful. 

Right before the turning back point of the hike, you’ll see what would be a huge waterfall during the rainy season! But because we went on a super sunny day we didn’t really see it. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough and go when the waterfall is really flowing.

Lunch break at Madre Levada Do Rei

Once you get to the end of the trail, you’ll find another small little (unofficial) trail along the rocks in between the trees that leads you up the stream a bit further. You’ll find a big opening in between all the trees with lots of room to sit and enjoy some lunch or snacks if you brought some. 

We also ended up doing a little photoshoot on a few of the rocks. The combination of the running water, humongous rocks, and the crazy dense forest made for some crazy cool photos. 

So if you’re into taking some Instagrammable pictures or if you just want to get a little bit away from the crowds, this is the spot! If you’re lucky, there won’t be many people there with you so you’ll have it all to yourself. 

Most people end up turning around where the official trail ends. But of course, if you’re curious like us and see another trail you always want to see what’s around the next corner – in this case, a beautiful stream and big cool rocks (rocks are pretty cool, right?).

Hiking back to Quinta Levada do Rei

Since it’s an in-and-out trail you’ll just walk/hike the same way back you came from. It’s not as exciting as loop trails or one-way hikes where you get to see different landscapes but the walk back is super relaxing and enjoyable. 

Fun fact: When we do in-and-out trails we like running or jogging on the way back. It’s fun and gets your heart pumping!

Also, the hiking here is so lush and green and you really feel like you’re in the middle of this super dense forest in the middle of this beautiful island. 

As you make your way out of the forest you’ll have the last stretch of the PR18 and end up on the road where the cafe awaits! 😉 If you like treating yourself after a hike or workout then go have a coffee and some cake. Quinta Levada do Rei has a nice variety of cakes and sweets that will hit the spot!

And that’s Levada do Rei! Roughly 10 kilometers, it’s not the hardest and most diverse trail but you will be welcomed with waterfalls and some cool views!

What to bring on the Levada do Rei trail

Bring something to protect you from the water! Even on a sunny day, it’s not a bad idea to pack a rain jacket. The few waterfalls you do have to walk under can get you a little wet and you don’t want to risk getting soaked by them.

It’s not a challenging hike but it still is a 2-3 hour walk so come prepared with food and water. Hiking shoes are also really nice to have as the trail can get quite muddy and wet depending on how the weather’s been lately.

You can see the weather for Sao Jorge here which is near the trail to give you an idea of the weather beforehand.

Packing list for Levada do Rei:

  • Water! We always fill up our LifeStraw bottles before hikes and even during them when we can. If you ask nicely the staff will fill it up for you at the Quinta Levada do Rei cafe.
  • Sunscreen is highly recommended when hiking in Madeira. Most hikes in Madeira you’ll be exposed to the sun for good sections of them so it’s good to always have some handy. Even on this particular trail that’s shaded it’s worth putting some on.
  • A power bank is always nice to bring. Especially if you end up taking public transport to and from the hike it’s nice to know when the bus is coming.
  • Bring some lunch for a nice picnic at the end of the trail. Levada do Rei has that spot at the end of the trail that’s perfect for a little picnic!
  • If you have weak knees, you might want to bring hiking poles! The incline and decline isn’t crazy but the hike still ends up being 10 kilometers total so it’s definitely not a bad idea to bring hiking poles.
  • A rain jacket to protect you from the waterfalls.
  • If you’re going by public transport, make sure to bring some cash for the bus ticket.

You can check out this great list of hiking gear to get some more inspiration!

Before you hike Levada Do Rei

Check the weather

No matter where you hike, you should always check the weather before you go. Madeira has a micro-climate so the weather is always changing everywhere around the island.

You can check the weather for Sao Jorge which is a small town near where the hike starts. This will give you a good idea of the weather in the area.

We’d recommend going on a nice sunny day. Because of all the waterfalls, the trail can get quite muddy and slick so it’s good to be prepared for that if you go a day after it’s rained.

As long as you’re prepared for the hike you’ll be just fine. Remember you’ll probably get a little wet!

Wear hiking shoes

We did this hike in our hiking shoes and we totally made the right call. The trail is really well maintained but over 10 km on a hard surface you can really start to feel it.

Plus we don’t mind getting our boots a little dirty as they’re waterproof! It’s one of the reasons we love our hiking shoes so much and take them literally everywhere!

Check the bus schedule 

If you’re planning to take public transport, which we recommend, it’s not a bad idea to at least try and have a rough idea of what time you’ll take the bus there and back.

Bus 103 stops in Sao Jorge which is roughly 1 kilometer from the PR 18 Levada do Rei trailhead. 

You can find the bus schedule on Google Maps from Funchal to Sao Jorge here (you can always change it if you’re not starting from Funchal).

*Note that the schedule varies depending on the day of the week, so just make sure you’re looking at the right day.

Load the trail map

We usually load the trail map on our phone or take a picture of it so we have an idea of where to go in case we get lost. Thankfully it’s quite hard to get lost on trails in Madeira, especially on trails like Levada do Rei. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared!

We either use Alltrails or MapyCZ to help guide us during our hikes.  You can find the information for Levada do Rei on Alltrails here and then you can find it also on MapyCZ here.

Hiking Tip: Look up the trail on AllTrails before starting your hike 🗺️. You can find important trail information such as recent wildlife sights and trail closures. Check out the free version here or get a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Pro here.

How to get to the Levada do Rei trailhead 

Levada do Rei isn’t the easiest hike to access by public transport since it doesn’t drop you right at the trailhead like for example on Vereda do Larano or Levada do Furado. That doesn’t mean it’s not doable though. You just have to walk an extra 1 kilometer each way.

If you do have a car though, you’ll be able to drive straight through Sao Jorge to the trailhead and park your car next to it. Levada do Rei isn’t the most popular hike on the island so there’s no official parking lot. But there will most likely still be a few other cars parked there.

It may not be one of the most popular but it’s one of the more hidden gem hikes on the island! 😉

Taking the bus from Funchal to Levada do Rei

You can see the bus schedule for bus 103 here. Just make sure to look at the right day of the week. You can click on the map and find the most convenient stop for you. The 103 is one of the main buses so it is usually on time but you never really know here on Madeira.

Once you hop on the bus in Funchal, you will basically ride the bus all the way to the final stop! You can double-check by asking the bus driver about “Levada do Rei” and he may let you know the right stop to get off at. If not, once you’re in Sao Jorge you can just get off the bus and start hiking to the trailhead. Use your maps or ask the locals for directions.

When you take the bus back you can look at the same bus schedule but the opposite way. You can even go back to the same bus stop and the 103 will stop by and go to Funchal.

The bus should cost €3.7 each way and you can pay in cash.

Tip: Once you get on the bus in Funchal, ask the driver to buy a return ticket. This way you get a small discount.

Going on a guided tour

Levada do Rei can also be done as a guided tour from Funchal.

We’ve done two guided tours on the island and they’ve been exceptional. We did Levada 25 Fontes and Pico do Arieiro – and we’ve loved both!

We went with Lido tours and they also offer a guided tour of Levada do Rei.

Going on a guided tour is usually the most convenient option since you have someone planning everything out for you and you just have to follow along. This is also a great way to meet other travellers as well as get some local insights from your guide.

We didn’t do this specific hike as a guided tour but if you’re interested, you can book one here for €39 per person.

Getting to Levada do Rei by car

Here are the distances and time frames between Ponta do Sol and Funchal to the start of the hike:

From Funchal to start of Levada do Rei trail:

From Ponta do Sol to Levada do Rei trail:

Renting a car in Madeira

For this specific hike in Madeira, renting a car is probably the better option. Especially if there are a few of you doing the hike as it makes it more affordable.

Honestly, driving in Madeira is a lot of fun and actually quite safe. The tunnel system in Madeira is excellent and it’s super easy get around Madeira by driving.

You’ll also get to the trailhead much quicker, you’ll save a lot of time, plus you won’t have to be so dependent on the bus schedule and making it back to the bus stop by a certain time. It’s doable by bus, just better by car! 

If you do book a car it’s best to book it in advance (if you can) and pick up the car at the Madeira airport if you’re keeping the car for a while. This is definitely the cheapest option.

You can look on Discover Cars to find the best deals and compare prices.

However, If you’re already in Funchal we’d recommend 7M in downtown Funchal and, hopefully, Bruno will be there to help you out. He’s super friendly and will do his best to hook you up with the best deal.

Prices do change all the time based on supply and demand so if you really know you’ll be driving a lot and exploring the island it’s best to book your car in advance.

Picture of a car rental from Madeira Airport in Portugal.

Best time to hike Levada do Rei

There’s no bad time to hike the PR18 Levada do Rei! Honestly, if you’re looking for a relaxing and easy hike to do on a weekday or weekend then Levada do Rei is the one. This hike is beautiful, not too busy, and offers stunning views with minimal effort. 

On a sunny day, it would be best but even with a bit of rain, you’ll enjoy some beautiful waterfalls. Levada do Rei never really gets overrun (although a few tours do go on this trail) so you’ll always see a few people but not too many.

As for the best time of the year, it doesn’t really matter. Madeira is always beautiful and the seasons don’t change that much. You will find that in the summer it’s a lot hotter and there will likely be more people but this hike can be done year-round.

Other related questions about Levada do Rei in Madeira

What is Levada in Portuguese?

Levada comes from the word “levar” in Portuguese which translates “to carry” in English. The levadas around Madeira are basically like irrigation systems and “carry” the water around the island. So the word is very fitting for the actual purpose of the levadas.

What do you wear on a levada walk?

The weather in Madeira can change quite frequently because of all the micro climates. It’s good to wear hiking shoes and a backpack with different layers of clothes for a levada walk. You can start the walk in a t-shirt and shorts and always add layers as you go if it gets colder.

You can start the hike in sunshine and finish in a rain storm even though the levada walk may only be 5-6 km long. It’s always best to be over prepared for levada walks in Madeira. The levada walks that are closer to sea level will usually be warmer than the ones high up on the island.

Is it safe to hike in Madeira alone?

It is safe to hike in Madeira alone. You’re never far from a town, city, or even road in Madeira. There’s also cell signal on almost every hike in Madeira and you’re usually never going to be alone on a hiking trail around the island.

There are also no dangerous animals in Madeira and the island as a whole is very safe. You should have no fear in hiking by yourself in Madeira. Especially if you’ve hiked before the trails and hikes here aren’t that challenging.

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Recap of hiking Levada Do Rei 

If you want to see some waterfalls and enjoy a nice peaceful walk in one of Madeira’s most beautiful parts, you’ll love this Levada trail. Walking through the dense Madeiran forest with the sound of running water never gets old. 

Levada do Rei isn’t the trail that’s going to offer the most mind-blowing views of the island but it does have this peacefulness to it that we loved. It’s away from all the main trails and a more local trail where fewer tourists visit. 

We love to switch it up and do some easier trails after some of the harder ones. Get ready to enjoy yourself on this awesome walk and explore the area a little. As we said, there’s more to see after the trail ends! 😉

Have fun!

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