Rabaçal - Risco - 25 Fontes Levada Walk
Description
The Levada Rabaçal begins in Paul da Serra, more precisely in Rabaçal. From this point we can observe one of the most beautiful valleys of Madeira, the Rabaçal Valley and down to the Forest House of Rabaçal. We operate in full Laurissilva Forest, a World Heritage site. After a few meters of pure beauty we make our first visit to the stunning waterfall of Risco. After a break in the Risco balcony we follow our path. All around you can be dazzled by the green beauty of the forest and the sound of nature, the natural heart of Madeira Island. We can enjoy a variety of plant species, to highlight the Tree Heather, Besom Heath and Madeira Bilberry. Among many species of birds, hopefully we can find the Trocaz Pigeon a unique species of Madeira. In the end we find the 25 Fontes and its beautiful green and fresh lagoon, surrounded by vines and giant ferns.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Descending from the famous plateau Paúl da Serra, we arrive at the house of Rabaçal shelter and from here we head towards the waterfall known as Risco.
Here you visit Lagoa das 25 Fontes, 25 water springs created by the waters that come down from Paul da Serra. On the way back the route takes us through a tunnel which also directs water to the south of the Island.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We have two meeting points in the center of Funchal City. One is by the cable car station located in the old town. The other is located in the roundabout so-called "Rotunda do Infante".
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with severe claustrophobia (tunnels).
Reviews(20)
Top rate levada walk with a super guide, Shu, who explained a lot of things about the plants and items of interest along the walk.
Came by small bus where about 15 people had space. I already found it quite tight the seats, although I have a normal figure. The tour guide made an unfriendly entry on me. We had booked German, he spoke pretty bad German. The hike they carried out was beautiful to look at. The tour guide didn't do that so well in my view, though, because he was running way too fast and people barely got behind. There are a lot of stairs and it is slippery you have to be fit. You should have good hiking boots with you. And a rain jacket and a flashlight would be good. When we went back and people were dropped off. He just said goodbye to those who also tipped. He then threw the tip disrespectfully towards the fitting, where I just had to shake my head over it.
Picked up on time. Knowledgeable friendly guide. Beautiful walk even better in the rain. Take rainwear with you on the walk
Thank you very much for your recommendation. Best regards.
I booked a hiking tour with this company to the 25 Fontes Levada, and it was a wonderful experience. The trail was beautiful, and the views were absolutely stunning. A special thank you to our guide, Tiago, who was incredibly kind and supportive throughout the entire walk. He clearly explained all the challenges and made sure everyone felt comfortable, which I really appreciated, as it was my first hike here in Madeira. Highly recommend this tour if you want to experience the true beauty of Madeira’s nature!
We appreciate your recommendation. Thank you very much. Best regards
Excellent trip from start to finish. Collection from hotel on time. Itinerary explained. Good pace, everyone looked after. Excellent scenery, well worth it. Quite busy even in February, some narrow paths which I expect will be clogged in peak season.
We are very grateful for your excellent review of our island tours. We wish you all the best for 2025.
We did the Levada tour and were thrilled with the knowledge we were given. About the origin of the levadas, the trees and plants that grow in the area. In addition, the view is beautiful and the trails you walk Stunning. We also did a boat tour and the staff was very eager to make the trip as great as possible for us all. We saw dolphins and afterwards were allowed to swim at another spot near the coast. Happy-Tours is highly recommended!
An excellent day out walking through forest and mountain paths. Our guide was outstanding, frequently stopping to point out sites of interest and the different flora and fauna. The walk is advertised as moderate, not to challenging though expect many steps up and down!! The walk offers some awe inspiring views and enhances ones appreciation of the beauty of Madeira. Finally, our guide was pretty impressive in the service he provided. Jorge was informative, attentive and possessed a wicked sense of humour!
It was recommended as a must see but it ended a little disappointing. There are better ones to see and which wouldn’t be as busy. Views are great but a little anti climax at the fountains.
We appreciate your opinion about the amazing landscape of the Rabaçal valley and its green emerald rainy forest. It is a highlight, therefore, every day there is a lot of visitors walking through the area with mountain guides. We have to remember it is summer time so the amount of water in the waterfalls is less that what you may expect when compared with winter season. Thank you very much for your opinion.
Tiago and Gheorge were very good tour guides. Gheorge was very knowledgeable and shared information along the trip. You didn’t feel rushed and it was an easy pace for everyone on the tour. Would recommend to book! Was cold and foggy at the top but soon warmed up walking back down.
Apart from the first 2 km paved, the rest of the hike is pleasant in the shade, even in the cool at the edge of the levada until the final waterfall it takes around 4 hours, including the picnic and the detour via the levada do Risco
