Levada do Bom Sucesso
A scenic levada hike from Monte to Funchal, offering stunning coastal views and the soothing sound of water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views
Levada do Bom Sucesso
Best Time
Golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic levada hike from Monte to Funchal, offering stunning coastal views and the soothing sound of water.
"Beautiful views and nature before ending in the buzzing city."
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must for grip and ankle support.
⚠️ Check Trail Status
The path can be closed. Ask locals or check notices before you go.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular City Views
Upper sections of the trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal and the coastline, especially stunning at sunset.
The Sound of Water
Along the levada
Enjoy the constant, soothing sound of water running through the levada, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Challenging Descent
From Monte to Funchal
A rewarding, albeit steep, hike down offering a unique perspective of Madeira's landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Check Trail Status
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must for grip and ankle support. +1
⚠️ Check Trail Status
The path can be closed. Ask locals or check notices before you go.
⬆️ Hike Downhill
Starting from Monte offers a more manageable descent into Funchal. +1
💧 Listen to the Water
The gentle sound of the levada is a highlight for many hikers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Shoes
Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must for grip and ankle support. +1
⚠️ Check Trail Status
The path can be closed. Ask locals or check notices before you go.
⬆️ Hike Downhill
Starting from Monte offers a more manageable descent into Funchal. +1
💧 Listen to the Water
The gentle sound of the levada is a highlight for many hikers.
📸 Capture the Views
The initial kilometers offer the most spectacular vistas of Funchal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Levada do Bom Sucesso offers breathtaking views of Funchal and a unique hiking experience, though some sections require caution due to narrow paths and potential hazards. While many enjoy the challenge and the peaceful sound of water, visitors should be aware of the trail's demanding nature and potential closures.
"Did the hike down. Not so hard if you are in good athletic shape and have proper hiking shoes. Some places where a bit higher so if you’re scared of heights it can be a bit scary and the protection rail needs some maintenance in some parts since it was destroyed. Beautiful views and nature before ending in the buzzing city. Don’t recommend for children or older people."
Maria Stenström
"I'm reviewing the walk down from the top of the cable car into Funchal, which although only 4km takes 1.5 to 2 hours due to terrain. Some areas are only a metre or so wide with sheer drops and no guard rail. This is familiar to a confident skier or hiker and requires footwear with a good grip (trainers, hiking boots - definitely not flip flops). In two places the path has fallen away down the slope (mini landslide) and you need to take care to pass 2-3m sections of treacherous sloping away ground. Your calves and glutes will hurt the day after even if you think you have good fitness. It's not a leisurely bimble, but perfectly doable as long as you're not silly about it."
Bee #
"I was today at this hiking path and I loved it! Yeah it is true what the others are saying, it is a little bit dangerous - But all hiking paths are dangerous when you don't put any attention on the path!
very important -> don't go there when there are strong winds or thunderstorms! (but that should be clear to every hiker)
I can only recommend this route. We went with the bus line 29 up the hill and went the whole hiking path down. :)"
M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors take the cable car from Funchal up to Monte. From Monte, you can access the start of the Levada do Bom Sucesso trail. Alternatively, bus line 29 can take you up the hill.
While it's possible to hike up, most people opt to start from Monte and hike down to Funchal for a more scenic and less strenuous experience.
Parking in Monte can be challenging. Taking the cable car or public transport is generally recommended to avoid parking issues.
The trail ends in Funchal, so you can easily walk back to your accommodation or public transport. Some hikers combine it with the toboggan ride from Monte.
Yes, bus line 29 goes up to Monte, and the trail ends in Funchal, which is well-connected by public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Levada do Bom Sucesso trail itself is free to access. However, you may need to pay for the cable car to reach Monte if you choose that option.
As an outdoor trail, there are no official opening hours. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
Hiking at night is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns, especially with narrow paths and potential hazards.
No, there are no entrance fees for hiking the Levada do Bom Sucesso. It's a public trail.
Yes, guided tours are available and can be a great option for learning about the local flora and fauna, and for added safety on challenging sections.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The hike down from Monte to Funchal typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, covering about 5.3km. +1
Some sections are narrow with sheer drops and require careful footing. Guardrails need maintenance in parts. It's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or young children. +1
You'll get spectacular views of Funchal, the coastline, and the surrounding Madeiran landscape. The first 1.5 km from Monte are particularly scenic.
While there are a few small waterfalls, the main attraction is the sound of the water running alongside the levada for most of the hike.
The terrain is uneven and can be steep in places. Expect narrow paths, some rocky sections, and areas where the path has eroded.
📸 📸 Photography
The initial part of the trail from Monte offers the most iconic panoramic views of Funchal. Look for clearings with unobstructed vistas.
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for landscape shots of Funchal.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a camera with good zoom capabilities can help capture distant details.
No, photography is generally permitted. However, be mindful of other hikers and the terrain when taking pictures.
You can capture sweeping landscape shots, close-ups of the levada's water channels, and the lush Madeiran vegetation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views of Funchal are best captured in the late afternoon light, creating a golden hour glow. Be prepared to capture the intricate details of the levada itself, the lush vegetation, and the dramatic coastal scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail: Safety and Terrain
Safety First: It's strongly advised to avoid this hike during periods of strong winds or thunderstorms.
Combining with Monte Attractions
Once in Monte, you can explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or the Botanical Garden, both offering stunning flora and unique experiences. Logistical Tip: Consider starting your day in Monte, exploring its attractions, and then embarking on the levada hike down to Funchal. This allows you to enjoy the views and activities at your own pace before the descent.
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