32° 48′ N, 16° 55′ W
Overview
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PR18 Levada do Rei hike overview
5,1 km one way, 10,2 km in total
72 m
72 m
2 to 3 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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About PR18 Levada do Rei
The PR18 Levada do Rei is one of the classic Levada hikes on Madeira. It is an easy, scenic walk along the levada, with great views and small waterfalls, that ends at the beautiful Ribeiro Bonito stream.
What do PR and levada hike mean: PR stands for ‘Pequena Rota’ or ‘small routes’ in English. These are routes that the Regional Government of Madeira recommends and there are 25 of them of which 9 are levada hikes.
Levadas are irrigation channels that were originally built to carry water from the lush, wet parts of Madeira to the drier agricultural areas. Over the years, these channels have become awesome walking paths, letting you explore the island in a unique way. A levada hike basically means you’re walking alongside one of these water channels, following its winding path through forests, mountains, and valleys. It’s usually a pretty relaxed hike since the levadas are mostly flat, and it gives you a chance to really enjoy Madeira’s stunning nature without too much uphill struggle.
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The route
The PR18 Levada do Rei hike is super easy to navigate as you just have to follow the Levada through the Laurissilva forest until you reach the natural area of Ribeiro Bonito. Along the way, you will see the path split a few times, but just keep walking right next to the canal at all times. The trail starts at 500 meters above sea level, near São Jorge, at the junction of Caminho da Corrida and Estrada da Achada do Vigario in Quebradas.
You’ll begin with a short climb (about 50 meters) and pass a small water treatment plant before you dive into nature. At first, you’ll walk through a forest with lots of eucalyptus trees, which may not be as lush at the beginning, but the further you get, the more beautiful the scenery gets.
As you keep walking, the forest becomes greener, as you enter the Laurissilva forest, with native laurels, ferns, and mosses creating that cool, misty vibe. Along the way, you’ll see a few small waterfalls and streams, and there are some great spots to stop and take in the amazing views of the São Jorge Valley below.
After a few kilometers, you’ll come across a short tunnel carved through the rock. It’s only a few meters long, so you won’t need a flashlight. Further down the trail, you’ll pass a waterfall that pours down straight on that path, adding some adventure to the trail. Expect a little shower, perfect for some refreshment on a hot day.
The trail ends at Ribeiro Bonito, a super peaceful spot with little waterfalls and a natural gorge. It’s the perfect place to chill out and enjoy the beauty before you turn around and head back the same way!
How to get there
To get to the trailhead of PR18 Levada do Rei, head towards São Jorge on the northern side of Madeira. The trail starts in the area called Quebradas, just outside of São Jorge. Specifically, the trailhead is at the junction of Caminho da Corrida and Estrada da Achada do Vigario.
Once you’re there, it’s easy to find the starting point. Just look for the signs that mark the beginning of the hike.
By car
If you’re exploring Madeira by rental car, there’s enough space to park your car close to the trailhead. From Funchal, It’s around a 50km drive that takes you around 50 min to 1 hour. You can just navigate to this pin PR18 Levada do Rei on Google Maps.
By bus
By organized tour
If you’d rather skip the hassle of planning, you can do the PR18 Levada do Rei hike with an organized tour. You’ll get a guide who knows the area, round-trip transportation, and sometimes even extras like snacks or lunch. It’s perfect if you want a stress-free experience, and you’ll also get some interesting facts about the Laurissilva forest along the way! Just make sure to check what’s included before booking.
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Why hike Levada do Rei
If you’re into nature and are looking for a chill, scenic hike, Levada do Rei is perfect. This easy walk along the Levada is popular for good reason: it takes you through the lush Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical green world. On top of that, it is very accessible to many people. While it may not have the massive waterfalls of Caldeirão Verde or 25 Fontes, it’s definitely worth it. Plus, it’s less crowded than some of Madeira’s other famous hikes, so you can really soak up the peaceful vibes.
When to hike
The best time to hike the PR18 Levada do Rei is during spring and summer, from April to September. The weather is warm and dry, and the forest is lush and vibrant. Spring is especially lovely when flowers are in bloom. Autumn is also nice, with pleasant temperatures and still green foliage, but expect a bit more rain as the season progresses. Winter can be okay, too, but it tends to be wetter and cooler, and you’ll encounter fewer hikers.
For the time of day, we recommend you start early in the morning. This way, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people on the trail. The afternoon tends to be less crowded too.
Where to stay
If you’re planning to hike the PR18 Levada do Rei, you can stay in or near São Jorge. It’s a charming village close to the trailhead where you can find several guesthouses, small hotels, and apartments.
Funchal is also a good option to stay, especially if you want to visit other parts of the island. It has a wider range of accommodations with a bit more comfort, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Plus, Funchal is a great base for exploring the island, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions to enjoy after your hike.
Hotels
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Tips & Safety
Allow enough time
Although it may be an easy hike, allow enough time. The path is narrow so you will have to let other hikers pass regularly. This way, you will also have enough time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Wear proper shoes
Make sure you wear sturdy and comfortable shoes as you'll have to hike for quite a distance and you'll have to pass some slippery and muddy parts.
Bring drinks and snacks
There are no facilities along the way, so bring enough food and water with you. Ribeiro Bonito is a great place to enjoy a peaceful pic-nic. At the trailhead you find a little café called Quinta Levada do Rei, where you can enjoy a drink or a snack before or after your hike.
Sun protection
Even though most parts of the hike are shaded, it is recommended to protect yourself against the sun.
Weather forecast
The weather in the mountains of Madeira can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start hiking and bring a raincoat just in case.
Leave nothing but footprints
Please, don't litter, not along the trail, nor somewhere else.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
