The cruise port of Funchal is located on the south of Madeira island. This route doesn't start directly from the harbor but on Monte and runs along the Levada dos Tornos. Levadas are artificial water channels that stretch across large parts of the island and are frequently used as hiking trails. The path along the Levada dos Tornos is mostly wide, making it suitable for a trail run.
**Important note regarding the start:** The starting point is on Monte and is not reachable on foot from the harbor. You can get there by cable car, bus, or taxi (or Bolt). Walking up is possible, but due to the extreme steepness, it's only advisable for very well-trained mountain runners. This is not an alpine tour. Nevertheless, there are some unsecured sections along the Levada that require a good head for heights and sure-footedness.
The route begins near the upper station of the cable car on Monte. From there, a short detour leads to the starting point of the wicker toboggan rides. The route then returns towards the cable car station and continues via a winding path to the Levada dos Tornos.
The route follows the Levada for several kilometers. The path is mostly runnable with only occasional narrower or uneven sections. Further along, the route leads to a bus stop near a soccer stadium, which serves as the turnaround point. Alternatively, you can take a bus back to Funchal from there or make a detour to the stadium.
For Madeira first-timers, this route offers an opportunity to experience treks along the Levadas. Additionally, the starting point on Monte is easily accessible and also provides a chance to watch the Carreiros at work or – after your Levada run – even take a ride on the wicker toboggans yourself (prices as of 2026: 27.50 Euros for one person, 35 Euros for two people, and 52.50 Euros for three people).
Madeira offers ideal conditions to combine sports activities with nature experiences. A run along the coast or a shorter sightseeing loop through Funchal is a good way to start or end the day actively.
If you want to discover more of the island before or after, you can plan a guided excursion into nature. Canyoning tours for beginners, exploring waterfalls, natural pools, and gorges, are particularly popular. A guided hike along the Levadas is especially appealing and typical for Madeira, allowing you to immerse yourself deeper into Madeira's landscape and learn more about the island.
The route starts on Monte. This is accessible by cable car, bus, or taxi.
You can follow the route either directly via the map on this page or import the GPX file into a navigation app like Komoot. We recommend navigating via the GPX file, as it is much more precise and provides clear guidance via GPS while you are running. After saving the GPX file in your app, you can usually use the map offline. We recommend testing the navigation beforehand in airplane mode without active Wi-Fi to ensure it works even without an internet connection.
Tip: For safety, it is still advisable to have internet while on the go. If your mobile provider in Madeira offers no or only expensive data roaming, a global data plan that works in many countries is suitable for cruises – for example, from eSIM.sm (advertisement).
The route mainly follows well-marked paths along the Levada. Some paths are narrow or uneven. In some places, there are no safeguards, which requires attention and sure-footedness.
The route can be shortened at several points. Near the turnaround point, there is access to public transport. Alternatively, a taxi can be used. For emergencies, it is advisable to save the ship's phone number beforehand and have apps like Uber or Bolt installed. In Madeira, Uber and Bolt work very well.
No public restrooms or drinking water stations are known along the Levada. It is recommended to bring enough water.
The route covers hiking trails and partly asphalted sections. Normal running shoes are generally sufficient; for wet or uneven terrain, shoes with more grip may be advantageous. We also recommend bringing sun protection (ad), enough water, and a device for navigation. Additionally, a payment method is useful, although in Madeira you can usually pay by card or smartphone.