PR6 Levada Madeira: Rabaçal – 25 Fontes

On our recent visit to the island we went on two guided levada walks, the one listed and the other the Caldeiro Verde, with this company. They were beautiful walks and well organised, but our enjoyment was spoiled by the same irascible guide on both occasions. Unlike the many happy and friendly Madeira walking guides we have had in the past, he seemed to come from Planet Angry and within minutes of getting in the minibus he was arguing with clients (not me) about whether he should turn on the air conditioning. On the trail, he led the walks at the pace he wanted to go at (fast) rather than at a pace that suited the ability of the group, some of whom were in their seventies, shouting back at group members to keep up. He teased and mocked older or less able members of the group, one for using a stick, another for saying they were tired, and another, an older gentleman, for having vertigo. He left behind older and slower members of the group, one of whom subsequently had an accident, cutting her knee and leaving her shaken and unsteady on a very narrow path above big drops. When asked to slow down, he refused, instead mocking the request. Rather than imparting knowledge about the history and flora of the amazing countryside, on both occasions he seemed to want to get the walk over as soon as possible. I know these views were widely shared by other members of the group, none of whom seemed to have enjoyed the walk. Over many years of guided walks on the island, I have never had an experience like this and this individual should not be guiding walks.

A stunningly beautiful walk in amazing lush green laurisilva forest in the mountains, along the levada routes to Risco waterfall and the 25 fontes as well as the tunnel out towards Calhetta. Philippe our guide was brilliant! He told us so many interesting facts about the area and all the different plants and wildlife and it's clear how much he loves sharing it with people. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather as it was very clear all day. The walk is paced to suit everyone as we had a range of ages. It's a relatively easy walk if you are used to walking with some steps and sleepy sections but generally gentle gradients or flat. Can be slippy in places and near the falls and especially in the tunnel it is wet underfoot so boots are advisable, as is a torch and a rain jacket. It's easy to see why this is such a popular walk, one not to he missed and the tour company were excellent.

+11

Great guide and a good walk. A little crowded at the 25 fountains but OK on the walk itself. Very disappointed that two seatbelts on the minibus were broken. Not good enough and this needs to be fixed ASAP.

We very much enjoyed this hiking trip with Felipe, our guide. He is friendly, experienced, patient, helpful, keeps up the pace and has a nice sense of humour. He knows a lot about the surroundings, the vegetation, the animals and Madeira in general which is just lovely! He watched over our safety from beginning to end, starting with the bus ride. He took no risks when things got rather steep. The hike was beautiful, but sometimes rather crowded because of its popularity.

As we were arriving by cruise ship we were picked up on time near the cruise terminal. We were taken to the north of the island and the guide thoughtfully stopped off en route so we could stock up on some snacks. The views on the walk were amazing but be aware there are some steep steps but nothing too bad. Magno our guide was excellent with a good sense of humour. It's a seven mile walk so wear sturdy footwear.

We had a great trip with a nice group and a very professional guide. The views were majestic, the wethear sunny and wonderfull. Even though I got a panic attack on a narrow mountain path and had to skip the most spectacular part of it, I give to this trip 4 stars. My teenager kids loved the views, especially the waterfalls. But if you have fear of high, narrow, closed or dark places, you should think twice, if you really want to go to this trip… Another dificult part was the 800 m long completely dark and wet tunnel. So you should take a torcher with you or use one on your phone. Also you shoul have good hiking and waterproof shoes on. Our guide was friendly, with a good sence of humor and very helpfull. Thank you! ☺️

We had a great time . Definitely do it again . The view was amazing from the top . Very clean and well organised.

Loved the scenery. The 25 Fontes are breathtaking. Unique plants and birds in this area. Very interesting area of Madeira that is very important for a large amount of their hydroelectric energy. Highly recommend.

Walking along the tranquil and beautiful Levada trail. Really stunning surroundings and the highlight of the walk was the waterfall. Bonus tunnel walk too!

Guided hike with several waterfalls along the levadas through the UNESCO fairy forest, about 12 km in 4 hours. The route through a long tunnel was impressive.