Levada Do Rei

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The PR®18 Levado do Rei is an accessible and enjoyable hike, ideal for discovering the beauty of Madeira's levadas in complete tranquillity. Less crowded than the famous PR®9, it offers a shaded route through the heart of a lush primary forest. The trail follows an old irrigation canal, a historical reminder of sugar cane cultivation, built at the time by convicts and slaves. The trail starts from a small car park just after a restaurant (ideal for a break after the walk), passing close to the water treatment plant. After a short climb of about 50 metres, the path becomes flat and easy to follow, with a refreshing passage under a waterfall before arriving at the Bonito water source. This walk is recommended early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Perfect for walkers seeking peace, history and nature.

Elevation gain of only 150 metres.

Details

n°73968236
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.25 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,491 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,468 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,277 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,749 ft
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Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,765 ft - Parking
  2. 1 : mi 3.12 - alt. 2,264 ft - Bonito water source
  3. S/E : mi 6.25 - alt. 1,765 ft - Parking

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
User 21882616

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2026
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, done in the rain – so there was water everywhere – but great fun and very easy.

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MarjolaineHH
MarjolaineHH

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 19, 2025
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike completed during November. We did encounter several other hikers, but there were no major difficulties along the route, which was well marked and maintained. It is a pleasant route with beautiful scenery. I recommend it because it is less crowded than the more well-known routes.

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benjamin.ghedini
benjamin.ghedini

Overall rating : 3.5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2025
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

Not very frequent, but not very interesting either. The arrival at a beautiful river is nice, but the two-hour walk is very uneventful.

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