Is the Levada do Rei open today?

Book it. PR18 on SIMplifica

The Levada do Rei is one of Madeira's classic laurel-forest walks — quieter than the 25 Fontes, but still popular. In order of what matters:

1. Book your €4.50 slot on SIMplifica in advance. Under-12s and residents are free but must still be on the booking. Check the live status above before you pay.
2. Go early. The trailhead parking is small and the levada is a single narrow path — an early start means both a space and the forest to yourself.
3. Or go with an IFCN protocol operator — a lower trail fee (€3) plus transport from Funchal, which solves the long drive to the north coast.

Getting there. São Jorge & the ETAR trailhead

The trail starts above São Jorge, on the island's green north coast — about an hour's drive from Funchal over the mountains.

• Park at the ETAR (the small water-treatment station) at the end of the access road above São Jorge, where the levada path begins. There's only a small parking area and no shuttle, so come early or car-share.
• It's out-and-back, so unlike the point-to-point trails you finish back at your car — no return transport to arrange.
• The road up is narrow. Take it slowly, especially in the damp; the north coast catches more cloud and rain than the south.

What it's like

This is a walk for the forest, not the views. The levada runs almost level through some of the best-preserved laurisilva — the UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest — heavy with moss, ferns and birdsong, ending at the Ribeiro Bonito, the pretty stream-source where the channel's water begins.

• Green and shaded the whole way, with a few little waterfalls crossing the path.
• Much quieter than Rabaçal or Caldeirão Verde — if you want a calm levada day, this is the one.
• Level and family-friendly, though the levada edge is narrow in places and the ground can be muddy and slick after rain.

Closed or full? Your options

If IFCN closes PR18 (weather, landslip, works) or you can't get a slot:

• Reschedule via the SIMplifica call centre before your date — you can move date/time freely, and switch trail only if yours was officially closed.
• Open alternatives nearby: check the live board — Caldeirão Verde (PR9) is the other great north-side laurel walk, and 25 Fontes (PR6) is usually available too.

Three things people find out too late

• Parking is tiny. The ETAR trailhead holds only a handful of cars — a late arrival on a sunny weekend can mean nowhere to leave the car.
• The north coast is the wet side. It's greener for a reason; pack a rain shell and grippy shoes, and expect a damp, sometimes muddy path even on a fine day.
• It's out-and-back. You return along the same levada from Ribeiro Bonito, so turn around with enough time and daylight for the walk out.