PR 18 – Levada do Rei
The King’s Jungle Path
Afstand
10.6 km (Return)
Duur
3,5u - 4u
Moeilijkheid
Matig
Status
OPEN
Beste tijd voor een bezoek
Pro Tip: This levada is in São Jorge (North Coast). It is incredibly lush because it rains a lot here. Don’t be afraid of a little rain; it makes the greens pop and the waterfalls flow stronger.
⚠️ Technische moeilijkheidsgraad
Why Hike Levada do Rei?
De PR 18 – Levada do Rei is one of the best examples of Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest (UNESCO World Heritage). The vegetation here is denser, greener, and more tropical than almost anywhere else.
The trail is flat and relaxing, leading you to the magical Ribeiro Bonito, a secluded river gorge where birdsong echoes off the canyon walls.
Parcours Kaart
From ETAR São Jorge (Water Plant) to Ribeiro Bonito.
Stap-voor-stap handleiding
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1
ETAR (Start)
Start at the Water Treatment Plant (ETAR) in Quebradas, São Jorge. The path begins wide and passes through exotic eucalyptus forest.
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2
The Native Zone
As you go deeper, the exotic trees disappear, replaced by native Laurel, Til, and Vinhatico trees dripping with moss.
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3
De watervaltunnel
You will encounter a small waterfall that spills directly over the path. You might have to run through it to stay dry!
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4
Ribeiro Bonito (Finish)
The trail dead-ends at the “Beautiful River” source. It is a stunning, silent sanctuary of giant ferns and crystal-clear water.
Beste fotoplekken
The waterfall that flows over the path is the most iconic shot. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water droplets.
The section near the end is so green it looks like the Amazon. Capture the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy.
Like Balcões, the birds here are friendly. Have your camera ready for a close-up if you sit still at Ribeiro Bonito.
Faciliteiten & voorzieningen
Hoe er te komen
Rijden naar São Jorge on the north coast. Follow signs for “Levada do Rei” or “ETAR”.
📍 Parking Note
The road dead-ends at the Water Treatment Plant. There is parking, but it fills up by 11:00 AM. If full, park further back in the village streets.
Het perspectief van de bestuurder
🚘 Rural Village Roads
Winding access through São Jorge.
Onze huuraanbeveling: São Jorge is a beautiful but steep village. A car with good brakes is essential for the descent from the main highway to the trailhead. This is Madeira Island vehicles are regularly serviced for mountain driving.
Essentiële uitrusting
- Waterproof Jacket: Mandatory. You walk under a waterfall. You will get wet.
- Mud Shoes: The path is often muddy due to the high humidity of the valley.
- Handdoek: To dry off your camera lens after the “shower” section.
🍹 Na de wandeling: Waar eten?
Quinta do Furão
Located nearby in Santana (10 min drive). This is one of the best restaurants on the north coast, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and high-quality Madeiran cuisine. Great for a post-hike treat.
