
Levada dos Tornos Monte
A gentle levada hike through Madeira's forests, featuring a historic canal and the delightful Jasmine Tea House. Perfect for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

Levada dos Tornos Monte
Best Time
Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gentle levada hike through Madeira's forests, featuring a historic canal and the delightful Jasmine Tea House. Perfect for all ages.
"Easy and kid-friendly walk along the canal through the forest with a charming tea house at the end."

🗺️ Map Your Route
Signage can be inconsistent; carry a map or use GPS for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be wet, muddy, and slippery, especially after rain.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Canal Path
Along the Levada
A serene walk beside the historic water channel, surrounded by lush forest. Keep an eye out for fish!

Interesting Bridge
Mid-way section
A unique bridge offers a fun photo opportunity and a slight thrill for hikers.
Jasmine Tea House
Near Camacha
A charming stop for delicious tea and apple pie after your hike. Highly recommended!

Forest Scenery
Throughout the trail
Experience the tranquility of Madeira's forests, with some sections showing signs of past fires but still beautiful.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Levada dos Tornos Monte
Post-Hike Delights & Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Map Your Route
Signage can be inconsistent; carry a map or use GPS for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be wet, muddy, and slippery, especially after rain.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Essential for longer hikes, though tea houses offer refreshments.
🚌 Bus is Best
Catching the bus to and from the trailheads is often the easiest transport.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Map Your Route
Signage can be inconsistent; carry a map or use GPS for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be wet, muddy, and slippery, especially after rain.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Essential for longer hikes, though tea houses offer refreshments.
🚌 Bus is Best
Catching the bus to and from the trailheads is often the easiest transport.
🐠 Spot the Fish
Look closely in the canal for shy fish – a fun challenge!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Levada dos Tornos Monte is praised as an easy, kid-friendly hike with beautiful forest scenery and the charming Jasmine Tea House. While generally accessible, some sections can be slippery and have steep drops, and signage can be inconsistent. Planning transport and footwear is recommended.
"This is a nice and easy kid friendly walk along the canal through the forest and you can choose how long you want to walk for. We came by car and walked for less than two hours along the canal and contour path on the level all the way. We ended at Jasmin Cafe which is well worth a visit. There wasn’t a bus directly from Jasmin cafe back to the start of the trail where we parked our car and we couldn’t get a Bolt. We saw buses going past each time we crossed the road during the walk so I reckon catching a bus to and from the walk would have worked best. For fun see if you can spot a fish in the canal. We saw two. They are very shy 😁"
Robin Philip
"Quite easy and nice hiking tour. Perfect way to see the Levada and at the end to enjoy the gorgeous view from the hill."
Dmitry Z
"Our third levada in Madeira and very easy but sometimes creepy. We did it in January 2022, and we were unaware of the fact that the particular region was affected by fires in the past. For example, we saw many trees of suboptimal quality and a fair number of abandoned houses. That said, the most enjoyable moment was the tea house at the end of the levada. We took lemon tea with apple pie, and both were amazing! Definitely a recommended levada for beginners."
Povilas Godliauskas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access Levada dos Tornos Monte from various points. Many hikers take bus 29 from Funchal to the end of the line and start there, or use bus 47 near the Hortensian Gardens. Driving is also an option, but parking can be limited.
Signage can be a bit confusing, so it's advisable to have a map or use a GPS app. Some sections might require a bit of searching to find the exact path.
Yes, it's possible to hike sections between Funchal and Camacha, and then continue towards Monte. However, the path after the Levada officially stops can become more challenging with fallen trees and scrambling.
The Jasmine Tea House is a popular endpoint, and buses often run from nearby. Some reviewers found it difficult to get a taxi or ride-share from certain points, so checking bus routes beforehand is recommended.
Absolutely! Buses like the 29 and 47 are frequently mentioned as good options for accessing and returning from the levada, making it accessible without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Levada dos Tornos Monte is a public hiking trail and does not require an entrance ticket. You can access it freely.
As an outdoor trail, Levada dos Tornos Monte is accessible at any time. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee for hiking Levada dos Tornos Monte. It's a natural trail open to everyone.
While technically accessible, hiking at night is not recommended due to potential hazards, poor visibility, and lack of signage. Stick to daylight hours for a safer experience.
No booking is required for Levada dos Tornos Monte. It's a free, open-access hiking trail.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
This levada is generally considered easy and kid-friendly for much of its length, perfect for beginners. However, some sections, especially closer to Monte, can become more challenging with uneven terrain and obstacles.
The duration depends on how far you choose to walk. Many visitors opt for a 1-2 hour out-and-back hike, while completing longer sections can take several hours.
You'll experience beautiful forest landscapes, walk alongside a historic water canal, and enjoy views of the surrounding hills and Funchal. Some areas show remnants of past fires.
While mostly easy, some sections can have steep drops of several hundred feet, and the path can be wet and slippery. Be cautious, especially after rain or if you venture onto less maintained parts.
Yes, many parts of the levada are very kid-friendly, offering a gentle walk along the canal through the forest. Just be mindful of any steeper drop-offs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Jasmine Tea House is a highly recommended spot located conveniently near the trail, offering delicious tea and apple pie.
While the trail itself doesn't have restaurants, the Jasmine Tea House is a popular destination at one end. Other dining options are available in nearby towns like Camacha.
Reviewers rave about the lemon tea and apple pie at the Jasmine Tea House, calling them amazing and a perfect post-hike treat.
Yes, it's always a good idea to bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. There are no restrictions on picnicking along the trail.
The Jasmine Tea House is a notable cafe at one end. Other small cafes might be found in the villages near the access points, but it's best to check in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene canal, the lush forest canopy, unique bridges, and panoramic views of Funchal. The Jasmine Tea House also makes for charming photos.
For the most part, yes. The path is relatively wide in many sections. However, be mindful of slippery surfaces and steep drops when focusing on your shot.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the forest's atmosphere. Late afternoon can offer softer light and potentially golden hour views over Funchal.
The interesting bridge halfway through a section is a popular photo spot. Also, look for the man-made waterfall near Monte for dramatic shots.
A smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive forest, and a polarizing filter can help with reflections on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While most of the levada is safe, parents should be mindful of sections with steeper drop-offs. It's advisable to keep a close eye on children, especially near the edges. The Jasmine Tea House is also a great spot for a family treat after the hike.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own water and snacks will also save money. While the Jasmine Tea House is a worthwhile indulgence, you can easily enjoy the natural beauty without spending extra on food if you're on a tight budget.
🌿 Nature Lovers
Keep an eye out for the diverse plant life and, if you're lucky, you might spot some of the shy fish in the canal. Even areas showing signs of past fires still possess a unique, resilient beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Levadas: Madeira's Waterways
The paths alongside the levadas were originally maintained by workers, and many of these paths are now popular hiking trails. They offer a unique perspective on Madeira's geography and its relationship with water. While some levadas are challenging, Levada dos Tornos Monte is known for being relatively accessible, making it a great introduction to Madeira's levada system.
When hiking a levada, you'll often find yourself immersed in lush forests, passing by waterfalls, and enjoying the gentle sound of flowing water. It's a truly immersive experience that connects you with the island's natural beauty and its historical ingenuity. Remember to always stay on the marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
Navigating Levada dos Tornos Monte: Tips from the Trail
Footwear is key for this hike. The paths can be wet, muddy, and slippery, especially after rain. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip will make your experience much safer and more comfortable. Be prepared for varying terrain, from smooth paths to areas with fallen trees and scrambling.
For those looking to extend their hike or explore further, be aware that the path can become more challenging beyond the main, well-trodden sections. Some reviewers note that the trail towards Monte can involve more difficult terrain, including fallen trees and steeper ascents.
The Charm of the Jasmine Tea House
Reviewers consistently praise the delicious refreshments available, with the lemon tea and apple pie being standout recommendations. It's described as a charming and welcoming place, offering a perfect reward after a walk through the Madeiran countryside.
Visiting the Jasmine Tea House is often cited as a must-do experience when hiking this levada. It provides a delightful cultural and culinary interlude, adding another layer of enjoyment to the overall visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit