Levadas in Madeira with Kids

:What Are Levadas?

Levadas are a unique network of irrigation channels built across Madeira Island centuries ago to carry water from the mountains to the fields. Alongside these channels run walking paths, which have now become some of the most popular hiking trails on the island. Walking a levada trail is one of the best ways to introduce kids to Madeira’s nature — lush forests, hidden waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views, often with an easy, mostly flat path that’s manageable even for little legs.

Important: Booking & Tickets

 Heads up! Some of the most popular levadas now require advance booking of time slots. This system was introduced to manage visitor numbers and help preserve the trails.

What you need to know:

  •  Book your time slot in advance — don’t risk arriving at the levada only to find there are no spots left for that day

  •  Booking is done online through the official website: simplifica.madeira.gov.pt

  •  Ticket prices:

    •  Adults – €4.50

    • Children under 12 – free

Tip for Parents

Try to book your levada visit a few days ahead, especially during holiday season or weekends — slots tend to sell out quickly!

Discover the 10 best kid-friendly levadas (mountain hikes along the irrigation channels) on Madeira Island, offering incredible nature experiences for the whole family:

Caminho para todos is the easiest levada, 2 KM one way, circular, 1:5 h total.
Queimadas – Caminho para Todos

Caminho para Todos the most accessible levada, 2KM, 45 mins one way, circular. [...]

Vereda dos Balcões

Embark on a relatively easy and short hike along the Levada [...]

Levada do Rei

Levada do Rei is a circular levada, 5.3 KM one way, 3:30 H long. Moderate [...]

Levada do Alecrim

Levada do Alecrim, 3.5 KM one way, 3.5 hours, easy levada. [...]

Vereda da Ponta do São Lourenço

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, 3 KM one way, 2:30 hours, moderate, circular. [...]

Vereda do Chão dos Louros (PR22)

A short and easy circular walk through Madeira’s magical laurisilva forest (a UNESCO World Heritage site), perfect [...]

Levada dos Cedros (PR14)

This linear trail leads through peaceful forest down toward the beautiful Foz do Cedro waterfall. The [...]

Vereda das Funduras (PR5)

A scenic forest trail leading to the historic Casa do Guarda das Funduras (forest ranger’s house), surrounded [...]

Chão da Lagoa Forest Park

A hidden gem for families — this circular trail winds gently uphill through a peaceful [...]

Montado do Pereiro Forest Park

This forest park offers a network of gentle trails that can be combined into circular [...]

Some of the walks on Madeira Island may be too long for young children to complete on foot. To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for your family, we recommend renting a mountain carrier. Our partners in Madeira offer mountain carriers for rent, allowing you to comfortably transport your child during the hikes. To rent a mountain carrier in Madeira, please follow the provided link: https://agumadeira.com/product/deuter-backpack/

Enjoy exploring the island with your little ones without worrying about the distance

Embark on these captivating levada adventures with your children and create unforgettable memories in the natural wonders of Madeira Island. Please note that the durations and difficulty levels mentioned are approximate and can vary based on individual fitness and hiking speed.