Levada do Alecrim – Rosemary Levada (Full Day Walk)

The most appealing part of this Madeira outing is its route beside the Levada do Alecrim, a narrow irrigation channel leading through mountain scenery to Dª Beja Lagoon and small waterfalls. I like the easy transport from Funchal and the chance to reach the 25 Fountains area without wrestling with maps.

I also like the small-group limit of 14 people, which should make the walk more manageable than a large coach excursion. The main caution is that this is not a gentle stroll: the descent toward Vento Waterfall can be hard, and one guide was criticized for spending too much time on a phone and giving too little information.

Key points to know before booking

• Eight hours on Madeira’s mountain paths: This is a full-day outing, not a quick viewpoint stop.
• Levada do Alecrim and Dª Beja Lagoon: The walk follows the Rosemary Levada through scenic mountain country.
• A shortcut toward the 25 Fountains: The route can save you from figuring out the paths alone.
• Waterfalls and photo stops: Expect small cascades, the lagoon, and the descent toward Vento Waterfall.
• Transport from Funchal included: An air-conditioned vehicle takes you to the walking area and back.
• Bring your own lunch and water: Food and drinks are not included, and mountain temperatures can be low.

Following Madeira’s Rosemary Levada

Madeira’s levadas are irrigation channels built to carry water across the island. Many now double as walking routes, giving you a clear line to follow through steep mountain country. Levada do Alecrim, also called the Rosemary Levada, is the focus here.

The route passes through Dª Beja Lagoon, a scenic pool connected with the levada system. You can expect the appeal to come less from one grand monument and more from the steady change in views: flowing water, forested slopes, rocky sections, and small waterfalls appearing beside or near the path.

I like this kind of walk because the levada provides a natural guide. You are not simply climbing toward a viewpoint, then returning by the same road. Instead, you spend much of the day moving along a waterway, with the scenery unfolding at walking speed.

The guide matters here. Madeira’s mountain paths can branch toward different viewpoints and waterfalls, and the tour is designed to take care of navigation. That is useful if you want to focus on the scenery rather than keep checking a map.

Still, guided does not always mean deeply explained. One account describes a guide who spent a lot of time on a phone, offered little commentary, and did not pay enough attention to the group. I would book this mainly for the route and transport, with the guide’s interpretation treated as a possible bonus rather than the sole reason to go.

The walk to Dª Beja Lagoon

The main stated route follows Levada do Alecrim through the area of Lagoa da Dª Beja, or Dª Beja Lagoon. This is one of the walk’s central sights, so your day is built around reaching and enjoying the water rather than rushing through a list of unrelated stops.

The lagoon gives the route a natural pause. You might find calmer water, rock, and greenery around the channel, along with good places for photographs. Since exact stopping times are not supplied, pack your picnic in a way that makes it easy to eat outdoors when the guide chooses a suitable point.

The scenery is a strong part of the value. You are paying $52.14 for about eight hours, so the price makes more sense if you want a full day outside, not simply a transfer to a trailhead. Air-conditioned transport, route guidance, and a small group are included, while lunch and drinks are not.

The group limit is 14 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large bus tour, though it is not a private hike. If the group is full, your pace may need to match the slowest or least confident person on the path.

Waterfalls, photographs, and the harder descent

Water is the star of this walk. Small waterfalls provide repeated photo opportunities, and the route includes access toward the 25 Fountains area. The tour description presents this as a shortcut to scenic locations, which is helpful if you want to see the sights without planning a complicated route yourself.

The descent toward Vento Waterfall deserves special attention. One account describes this part as particularly demanding, and the walk overall was considered hard. A downhill section can sound easier than an uphill one, but steep or uneven paths put plenty of strain on knees and ankles.

You should arrive with proper walking shoes or boots. Running shoes may be fine for some hiking routes, but the supplied guidance specifically asks for good walking footwear, and that advice is worth taking seriously here.

The scenery can tempt you to stop constantly for photographs. That is part of the fun, but an eight-hour day leaves plenty of time for fatigue if you move slowly at every waterfall. Keep your camera ready, then put it away on steeper sections so you can watch your footing.

What the mountain weather means for your packing

The tour specifically advises bringing a warm coat because temperatures can be low in the mountains. Madeira may feel mild in Funchal, but the walking area can be cooler, especially during extended stops or in damp conditions near water.

Pack layers rather than relying on one heavy item. You can remove a layer while walking and put it back on when the temperature drops. The important point is to prepare for mountain weather, not the conditions you see at sea level when you leave the city.

You also need a picnic and water. Food and drinks are not included, so the $52.14 price is not an all-inclusive day rate. Bring enough water for the walk and a lunch that travels well.

A compact bag is best. You need room for food, water, a coat, and personal items, but a large or poorly fitted pack can become irritating over eight hours. The provided information does not specify whether snacks or water can be purchased during the route, so plan as if you must carry what you need from the start.

Leaving Funchal at 9:00 am

The day begins at 9:00 am from Pelitrade Investimentos Sgps, Unipessoal, Lda, Avenida Arriaga, 77, Edifício Marina Fórum, 6.º Sala 605, Funchal, São Martinho, 9000-064 Funchal, Portugal.

That address is the stated meeting point, so check it carefully before departure. Pickup is offered, but the information also gives this Funchal location as the start point. If you are relying on pickup, confirm the arrangement when booking rather than assuming your accommodation is automatically included.

The air-conditioned vehicle is a useful part of the package. Madeira’s walking areas are in the mountains, and arranging your own transport can add time, cost, and stress. Here, the vehicle takes you to the route and brings you back to the same meeting point at the end.

There is one practical wrinkle: the vehicle was described as showing its age. That does not change the walking route, but it may affect your comfort during the drive. I would see the transport as functional rather than a luxury feature.

The tour is generally scheduled for about eight hours. That includes the transport and the walk, although the exact division of time is not provided. Plan your day around a full morning and afternoon commitment, with no tight evening booking immediately afterward.

How the guide changes the experience

A guide can make a levada walk much easier. You do not need to navigate every junction, work out which turn leads to the lagoon, or calculate how to reach the 25 Fountains area. For anyone who prefers to keep their eyes on the path and the scenery, that convenience has real value.

A guide can also help the group stay together on a route with a demanding descent. That matters more here because one account specifically raised concerns about the guide paying limited attention to the group. The maximum group size of 14 helps, but you should still stay alert and not assume the guide will watch every step for you.

The amount of commentary may vary. The tour promises local information about the scenery, but no guide names are supplied, and there is no guarantee of a highly detailed nature talk. If you want a structured lesson about Madeira’s plants, engineering, or local history, ask what level of guiding is planned before booking.

I would choose this tour for route support first. If the guide is engaged and informative on your departure, that improves the day. If not, the levada, lagoon, waterfalls, and included transport still form the core of the outing.

Is $52.14 a fair price?

At $52.14 per person, the cost is reasonable for an eight-hour guided mountain day if you value transport and route support. You are not only paying for access to a trail. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, and a small-group format capped at 14 people.

The value is weaker if you already know Madeira’s levada routes, have your own car, and are comfortable navigating alone. In that case, you may prefer to arrange a self-guided walk and spend the saved money on food or another activity.

The missing items are clear: food and drinks are not included. Add the cost of your picnic, water, and any equipment you need before comparing this with other outings.

The average booking lead time is nine days. That suggests you should not leave this until the last minute if the date matters to you, especially since the tour requires a minimum number of people and good weather.

Who will enjoy this walk most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day of mountain walking but do not want to manage Madeira’s route planning yourself. It suits hikers who enjoy changing scenery, flowing water, waterfalls, and a steady day outdoors.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Funchal and prefer not to arrange mountain transport. The included vehicle removes one of the more awkward parts of planning a levada walk.

You should think twice if you want a very easy path. The descent toward Vento Waterfall can be demanding, and the overall walk has been described as hard. Good shoes, a warm coat, water, and a picnic are not optional extras here. They are basic preparation.

I would also hesitate if your main goal is a polished, information-heavy guided tour. The route itself is the safest reason to book. Guide quality may affect how much you learn along the way.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and most people can take part according to the supplied information. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not accepted for a refund.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached, with the choice of another date or activity, or a full refund.

Should you book Levada do Alecrim?

Book this if you want a practical full-day route into Madeira’s mountain scenery, with transport and navigation handled for you. The Rosemary Levada, Dª Beja Lagoon, small waterfalls, and access toward the 25 Fountains area give the day plenty of visual interest.

At $52.14, the package is best value for visitors without a car or strong hiking-navigation skills. Bring sturdy footwear, warm layers, water, and a picnic, and prepare for a real walk rather than a relaxed sightseeing stop.

Skip it if you need an easy path, guaranteed expert commentary, or a newer, more comfortable vehicle. For everyone else, this is a sensible way to reach a scenic levada route without spending the day studying maps.

FAQ

How long does the Levada do Alecrim walk take?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including the outing from Funchal and the return to the meeting point.

What time and where does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am from Pelitrade Investimentos Sgps, Unipessoal, Lda, Avenida Arriaga, 77, Edifício Marina Fórum, 6.º Sala 605, Funchal, São Martinho, 9000-064 Funchal, Portugal.

Is transportation included?

Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, and the activity ends back at the stated meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring good walking shoes or boots, a warm coat for possible low mountain temperatures, a picnic, and water.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of people may also lead to a different date or a full refund.