Levada do Furado
Levada do Furado
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Levada do Furado and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
23 within 3 miles
Attractions
66 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
69 reviews
Excellent
44
Very good
23
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,982 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is a pretty easy and mainly flat 11km walk between Ribiera Frio and Portela that is suitable for most people, including kids from say around 7+ if they like walking.
There are numerous points where you are walking along the narrow levada path and there is a steep drop to the side but it is fenced at these points and feels very safe.
There are some nice viewpoints down to the coast en route, as well as the added interest of a few pools and short tunnels.
We drove to Ribiera Frio and planned to get a taxi back when we reached Portela. However, it transpired that some of the roads were closed due to a rally car race the day we visited so didn't want to take the chance of having difficulty in getting back. We therefore walked as far as the forestry house, where there are some nice log tables and seats for a picnic and then walked back again. Total walking time was around 4 hours and I think it was 17km.
Although Ribiero Frio was full of people when we arrived mid morning with lots of coaches, we didn't have a problem parking along the roadside and the trail wasn't actually that busy as many visitors just did the short 'balcoes' hike. (Highly recommended for amazing views).
There are several eateries in both Ribiero Frio and Portela.
There are numerous points where you are walking along the narrow levada path and there is a steep drop to the side but it is fenced at these points and feels very safe.
There are some nice viewpoints down to the coast en route, as well as the added interest of a few pools and short tunnels.
We drove to Ribiera Frio and planned to get a taxi back when we reached Portela. However, it transpired that some of the roads were closed due to a rally car race the day we visited so didn't want to take the chance of having difficulty in getting back. We therefore walked as far as the forestry house, where there are some nice log tables and seats for a picnic and then walked back again. Total walking time was around 4 hours and I think it was 17km.
Although Ribiero Frio was full of people when we arrived mid morning with lots of coaches, we didn't have a problem parking along the roadside and the trail wasn't actually that busy as many visitors just did the short 'balcoes' hike. (Highly recommended for amazing views).
There are several eateries in both Ribiero Frio and Portela.
Written October 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean M
Oxted, UK24 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We set off from Funchal on the 10am bus to Ribiero Frio, with the intention of doing a Levada walk on our last day in Madeira. We thought we’d just do the Balcoes one, have a drink in the bar, and go back to Funchal on the bus. However, I was really disappointed in that Lavada as it was just a short stroll, with lots of people around, and no view at the end because of the mist! So we thought we’d fill in some time by going a little way along this Levada and then returning for the 13.15 bus.
However, we were enjoying it so much we carried on and did the full 11km to Portelo! It was so beautiful, much less crowded and level, until you start your descent at the end. The final 2km weren’t pretty as you were going down a steep track to the village, but otherwise it was great. There’s a fabulous view of the coast and mountains at Portelo and a bar /restaurant. It probably took us 3.5 hours, including a brief lunch stop.
We caught the 4pm bus back to Funchal for just 4 euros, but taxis were also available and willing to take six people for 5 euros each. A fabulous (cheap) day out!
However, we were enjoying it so much we carried on and did the full 11km to Portelo! It was so beautiful, much less crowded and level, until you start your descent at the end. The final 2km weren’t pretty as you were going down a steep track to the village, but otherwise it was great. There’s a fabulous view of the coast and mountains at Portelo and a bar /restaurant. It probably took us 3.5 hours, including a brief lunch stop.
We caught the 4pm bus back to Funchal for just 4 euros, but taxis were also available and willing to take six people for 5 euros each. A fabulous (cheap) day out!
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane C
United Kingdom184 contributions
May 2023
As previous reviewer said, took number 56 bus from telepheric station at 10am, arrived about an hour later at start of walk. There are toilets at the start and a café. The walk is really well sign posted the whole way. The flowers and ferns along the way are beautiful. It’s an easy walk, not very busy. There were a few taxis waiting at the end - starting price 45€, came down to 35€ for the run back to Funchal. Took us two and a half hours and it is just under 12km.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
35 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
My partner and I walked this route from Ribeiro Frio after catching the 58 bus from Funchal at 10.00am. The drive is there was amazing gaining over 1000m in elevation.
The walk is a perfect mix of forest train with views out to the sea. The walk to portela is 13km but very doable as the majority of this follows the flat levada and descends for the last 2km to the end point.
We shared a taxi back to Funchal with a lovely German family which cost €45 euro between 5 of us as there was no bus heading back.
The walk is a perfect mix of forest train with views out to the sea. The walk to portela is 13km but very doable as the majority of this follows the flat levada and descends for the last 2km to the end point.
We shared a taxi back to Funchal with a lovely German family which cost €45 euro between 5 of us as there was no bus heading back.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jrdh
638 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Easy to access by bus. It is worth taking a slight detour ag the start of the walk about a km to the view point which has some great views. The walk along the levada is relatively straightforward and goes through woodland with views over the valley and out to sea (just be careful not to trip over the tree roots). The walk end up in Portela where one can catch a bus back to funchal. This is love walk with great views.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alex4777
Purmerend, The Netherlands1,129 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Nice hike.
a taxi dropped us at Ribeiro frio and picked up at Portello. Cost eu90, but luxury simply costs something. (the bus goes every few hours). Nicely maintained paths with occasionally beautiful views. At the end there is a steep descent, but "stairs" have been built. Perhaps because of corona time, but we only met a few other people. A guide is really not necessary. Including 2 pauses and many photo opportunities, we took 4.5hrs, I estimate that it is 3.5 hours of walking. Highly recommend. High shoes are recommended, but we did it with low walking shoes. Watch out for tree roots and boulders. Bring your own food and drinks for picknick.
a taxi dropped us at Ribeiro frio and picked up at Portello. Cost eu90, but luxury simply costs something. (the bus goes every few hours). Nicely maintained paths with occasionally beautiful views. At the end there is a steep descent, but "stairs" have been built. Perhaps because of corona time, but we only met a few other people. A guide is really not necessary. Including 2 pauses and many photo opportunities, we took 4.5hrs, I estimate that it is 3.5 hours of walking. Highly recommend. High shoes are recommended, but we did it with low walking shoes. Watch out for tree roots and boulders. Bring your own food and drinks for picknick.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration565564
6 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We really enjoyed this walk. We are two fairly fit adults, 9year old and 5 year old. Fairly nervy with the 5 year old at times so constant reminders to look where he was going!! We all really enjoyed it. Walked about 1/4 before having a picnic and walking back.
Parking is on the roadside. Ribeiro was busy with coaches so we walked further up which meant a ‘fun’ steep walk back up at the end. Our calves are grateful for the extra exercise!!
Exciting trail and areas of lovely scenery.
We had a bright sunny day which helped
Parking is on the roadside. Ribeiro was busy with coaches so we walked further up which meant a ‘fun’ steep walk back up at the end. Our calves are grateful for the extra exercise!!
Exciting trail and areas of lovely scenery.
We had a bright sunny day which helped
Written May 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iaink2001
Southend-on-Sea, UK517 contributions
Feb 2023
This was the second trail I walked in Madeira, the PR10 walk is situated on the other side of the road to the PR11 Balcoes trail.
It's an 11km walk that remains pretty flat all the way and is suitable for most people, there's lots of Levadas along the way and many waterfalls to see, the views are a bit limited as you're in the forest, I walked for a good couple of hours until you get to a junction where you can carry on to Portela if you wish, I headed back the way I came as I had the car parked there. Not many people on this trail and there's some great little points along the way, path does get narrow in places, so take some food and drink along with you and enjoy the walk.
It's an 11km walk that remains pretty flat all the way and is suitable for most people, there's lots of Levadas along the way and many waterfalls to see, the views are a bit limited as you're in the forest, I walked for a good couple of hours until you get to a junction where you can carry on to Portela if you wish, I headed back the way I came as I had the car parked there. Not many people on this trail and there's some great little points along the way, path does get narrow in places, so take some food and drink along with you and enjoy the walk.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kristofkesteloot
Zottegem, Belgium191 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
I started by putting my car at the end point in Portela and took a cab to Ribeiro Frio. The walk starts in the forest, and goes on to some breathtaking viewpoints. The last 2 km were a little dissappointment for me, dirt road and lots of stairs . But that is because I have done some walks that are 5+
If this is one of your first walks in Madeira, you will love it
If this is one of your first walks in Madeira, you will love it
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammam A
Geneva, Switzerland95 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
This is one of the famous Levada walks in Madeira. It is breathtakingly beautiful with many scenes to take in.
We didn't want to take a guided tour and found this online. Drove there and parked our car in Ribero Frio and did the walk to Portila (11 km took us near 3 hours of brisk walking with a stop for lunch, officially estimated in the signs to need 5 hours).
We took a taxi from a line standing on the end to go back to our car and it cost us 28 Euros.
The walk was easy and flat. Many people came with proper hiking gear, walking sticks, and alpine boots but we did it with shorts and sneakers.
It can be cold up there even when it is warm in Funchal.
We didn't want to take a guided tour and found this online. Drove there and parked our car in Ribero Frio and did the walk to Portila (11 km took us near 3 hours of brisk walking with a stop for lunch, officially estimated in the signs to need 5 hours).
We took a taxi from a line standing on the end to go back to our car and it cost us 28 Euros.
The walk was easy and flat. Many people came with proper hiking gear, walking sticks, and alpine boots but we did it with shorts and sneakers.
It can be cold up there even when it is warm in Funchal.
Written June 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing