North-coast levada stroll into Santo da Serra’s bustling weekend market

FUNCHAL TRANSPORTATION FIELD GUIDE

North-coast levada stroll into Santo da Serra’s bustling weekend market

A two-hour outing that pairs a gentle levada walk with panoramic views of Madeira’s north coast and a visit to Santo da Serra’s popular weekend market—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

North-coast levada stroll into Santo da Serra’s bustling weekend market.

Duration
2 Horas
Location
Funchal
Operator
MB Tours
Category
Transportation
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Begin with a scenic walk along a levada in Porto da Cruz, where sweeping vistas of the island’s North coast meet the intimate rhythms of local cultivation; the outing continues with a climb to Santo da Serra to explore the island’s most popular weekend market and its array of exotic fruits.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LANDSCAPE

Panoramic North-coast views

The levada walk at Porto da Cruz opens onto expansive views of Madeira’s rugged northern shore, offering steady vistas that reward a gentle, 6 km route of easy terrain.

THE ROUTE

A short, accessible levada walk

This outing is graded easy and covers a modest distance suited to most walkers, making it an approachable introduction to levada walking on the island.

THE CULTURE

Santo da Serra weekend market

After the levada, the route ascends to Santo da Serra, where the island’s most popular weekend market showcases local produce and a wide variety of exotic fruits.

What the day feels like

What the outing feels like

The experience balances coastal levada walking with a cultural finish: a relaxed, scenic stroll along irrigation channels near Porto da Cruz followed by a short ascent to the lively Santo da Serra market for sights, smells and tastes of local agriculture.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this outing suits—and who should reconsider.

1
Active FamiliesA short, easy walk paired with a market visit makes this suitable for families with children and mixed-ability groups.
2
Casual HikersWith an easy grade and a modest distance, casual hikers will find the route comfortably paced and rewarding.
3
SeniorsThe easy difficulty and accessible itinerary make this appropriate for older travelers who are comfortable with short walks.
4
Markets & Culture SeekersThose interested in local agriculture and food culture will appreciate the market visit and the opportunity to see exotic regional fruits.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Duration

Total outing time is approximately 2 hours.

Meeting point

Pickup or meeting is arranged at your accommodation or hotel.

What to Bring

Recommended: boots or athletic shoes, rain jacket, warm layer, hat and sunscreen.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is your accommodation or hotel.

What is the difficulty level?

The levada walk is rated easy.

How long is the walk?

The route covers a distance of around 6 km.

Is the outing suitable for children and older travelers?

Yes—this activity is indicated for all ages.