Our top-5 kids friendly levada walks
We spend most of the year with our family hiking in nature. Though hiking in Madeira is really great, it is not risk-free. Make sure you have the right equipment, as suggested here. Furthermore not all hikes are kids proof. Below you can find our top picks for kids.
5. Funchal-Camara de Lobos Promenade
Highlights: if you start at the Túnel das Poças do Gomes passing the tunnel is already a great adventure!
Kids-proof factor: although it’s not a levada it’s a very nice walk. It’s flat and it’s around 4km. You can take a taxi back to Funchal
Insider tip: you can end with a pizza in the harbour of Camara de Lobos at Anonimo
📍 Location Pin: 32.63579426691476, -16.947704890489494
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J3P2+7V Funchal
4. Levada do Risco (PR6.1)
Highlights: this levada ends with a spectacular waterfall
Kids-proof factor: the hike starts with a big decent and after that it’s pretty flat. It’s 3km out and back
Insider tip: to skip the ascending part back to the parking, you can take a shuttle from the restaurant
📍 Location Pin: 32.755095747549476, -17.133820638383444
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: QV48+2C Calheta
3. Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)
Highlights: this more and less flat hike ends at a viewpoint overseeing the three biggest mountains of the island Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo
Kids-proof factor: no cliffs, 3km out and back
Insider tip: combine your visit with the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, where you will find the Aquaculture Centre, which includes a rainbow trout nursery
📍 Location Pin: 32.73524890398757, -16.887171607683488
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: P4P7+2F Santana
2. Vereda do Chão dos Louros (PR22)
Highlights: this levada is one of the few that is circular and goes through the Laurissilva forrest crossing some small streams and waterfalls
Kids-proof factor: no cliffs, 2km long
Insider tip: you can park your car at the campsite and end with a picnic
📍 Location Pin: 32.76045434329046, -17.0174943858963
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: QX6J+3P Vargem
1. Rota da Banana (RB1,2,3)
Highlights: you walk through a banana plantation and see the banana hanging everywhere!
Kids-proof factor: it’s short, flat and safe
Insider tip: after the walk you can have a drink or lunch at the beach at A Taberna Madalena do Mar. You can complete your trip with a visit to the Banana Museum in Ponta do Sol
📍 Location Pin: 32.646577616578725, -16.84692930495712
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J5W3+H2 Caniço
