Hiking the 25 fountains Levada walk – PR6

Levada das 25 Fontes, or 25 fountains levada is probably the best known and most popular of the hikes in Madeira. It’s an almost flat walk that takes us through the laurel forest until reaching one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira. The Levada do Risco is basically in the same place in the forest but at a slightly higher altitude, leading to the well-known Risco waterfall.

So, in a relatively short walk, you will visit two of the most impressive waterfalls in Madeira, explore a section of the laurissilva – a UNESCO heritage site – and, of course, walk along the incredible levadas of Madeira.

Levada das 25 Fontes usually starts at Casa do Rabaçal and ends at the 25 Fontes waterfall. It is about 11 km long (4.6 km going out + 4.6 km back and about 2 km to go to the Risco waterfall) and takes about 4 hours.

PR 6 - Levada das 25 Fontes + levada do risco and access tunnel
Levada das 25 Fontes Madeira

Levada do Risco runs from the Rabaçal house to the Risco waterfall, which is also flat and almost parallel to 25 Fontes. For this reason, several connections exist between both levadas and between PR 6 and PR 6.1. These connections are perfectly indicated, and it is thus possible to jump from one Levada to the other and see both waterfalls with relative ease.

Alternatively, the route can be started in the car park on the ER221 road, which connects Calheta to the ER105. It is a practically flat route except for the climb between the levadas, which we will describe below.

Here, we will describe the trail of the Levada das 25 Fontes – PR6, accessing through the tunnel and making a detour to the Risco waterfall. It is perfectly possible to start at Rabaçal’s house, but we chose not to do so because it is a much more popular area and, therefore, more crowded. It is also possible not to do the Risco tour, but we advise you to go there, as it is an imposing waterfall.

How to hike the 25 fountains levada
The natural UNESCO heritage site – Laurissilva forest

Levadas das 25 fontes – quick information

  • Name: Levada das 25 fontes
  • Start – Zona de Lazer da Caldeira by EN211, or in Rabaçal
  • End – Zona de Lazer da Caldeira by EN211, or in Rabaçal
  • Distance – about 11 km
  • Time required – 4 hours
  • Difficulty – easy to moderate
  • Max/min altitude: 1290 /900 meters
  • Altitude gain: 350 meters
  • Type – linear with return
  • Signalization (1-5) – 5, perfect
  • Highlights: 25 fontes waterfall, Risco waterfall, laurissilva forest, and access Tunel
  • You can download the official map here
25 fountains waterfall
25 fountains waterfall

The two accesses to the PR6 – Levada of the 25 fountains

As mentioned above, we can start the Levada das 25 Fontes trail at Rabaçal or the leisure area of ​​Caldeira, in the ER211 car park. It is very easy to find the trail in both cases as it is perfectly signposted and well-marked on Google Maps.

If you decide to start at Rabaçal, note that the first 2km are by road, or alternatively, you can take the shuttle service that takes hikers from the car park to the Rabaçal Forestry Post/Casa do Rabaçal. It costs 3 euros if it’s one way, or 5 euros for a round trip.

It is possible to walk this 2 km, but it is not the most exciting area. On the other hand, some (quite a lot) queues form to catch the transport at the most popular times.

If you start at the Caldeira leisure area, you will have to walk about 800 meters through a tunnel with a levada, without any lighting. So, it would be best if you took a flashlight to illuminate the walk, but it is a perfectly safe route as it is completely straight and without significant dangers. It turns out to be a very curious experience, and for those who have never done levadas with tunnels, this is a good one to start.

We chose to do the lesser-known tunnel access, avoiding the cost and making the tunnel.

Access tunnel to the Levada
Access tunnel to 25 Fontes trail

Our experience on the trail

This version of the 25 Fountains trail is less crowded than the access from Rabaçal, but the car park in the Caldeira leisure area is not very large, so it can be difficult to park on busy days. Therefore, arriving early is always a good idea.

Trail to the cascade of the 25 fountains through the tunnel

Accessing the trail is very easy and well-signposted, so you won’t have any problem starting. It is across the road from the parking lot, and there’s a sign marking it. From there, we walked for almost one km through the forest, which was always flat, until we found the famous tunnel.

Before entering the tunnel, take your lanterns, put on a raincoat, and/or something warm if the weather is not too hot because it is always much colder inside, and some drips can fall. The route inside the tunnel is about 800 meters long, always flat, and in a straight line. The tunnel follows a levada, and water may be on the ground.

Inside the Tunnel in 25 fountains levada
The 800-meter tunnel that takes us to the start of the PR6 – 25 fountains Levada trail

This part of the trail turns out to be curious for those not used to crossing tunnels. It’s not technical or dangerous, but it gives a feeling of adventure and discovery. After about 10 to 15 minutes, we reach the other side and enter the laurel forest. The trees and density are entirely different.

Our route continues by following a levada, but immediately afterward, we indicate an exit to Rabaçal. Ignore it; for now, we must continue following the signs to 25 Fontes and the levada to see the waterfall.

For about 2 km, we will follow the levada and marvel at the laurel forest, the magnificent valleys formed by the streams of Madeira, and the construction of the levadas. There are high cliffs in some parts, which can be challenging for those with vertigo, but the entire route is signposted, marked, and quite safe.

levada das 25 fontes
To hike this trail, we must follow the levadas until reaching the 25 Fontes waterfall.

On the bridge, note the impressive waterfall in the background; that’s where we’ll go later. After the bridge, the path by the levada is a little narrower, and in some places, it is necessary to pay attention when crossing other hikers. However, we must mention that all areas that could be more sensitive have railings. At no point on this trail did we feel in danger, and although we don’t have vertigo, we’re not big fans of high ridges.

After another kilometer, we arrive at our first destination, the 25 fountains waterfall. The curious name comes from the many springs that fall into the lagoon.

During the summer or periods of prolonged drought, it is likely that the waterfall takes very little water, taking away much of the charm of the final destination. However, the walk is also worth bearing in all the surroundings of the laurissilva and the Ribeira da Janela Valley. Also, it is natural for many people to gather by the waterfall in the summer.

waterfalls in Levada
Laurissilva forest and 25 fontes waterfall

From the 25 fountains to risco waterfall

The 25 Fountains waterfall is the source of this Levada and the trail’s endpoint, so we have to go back from here. However, to avoid crossing people, a part of the way back route takes a detour, slightly higher in altitude. It turns out to be exciting and a way to see the forest even more closely. This deviation is well indicated.

To continue to Risco waterfall, we must continue returning along the original path until a shortcut indicates Rabaçal or Casa do Rabaçal. At this point, we turn towards Rabaçal and enter the most challenging part of the trail. It is a relatively short but very intense climb, and there is no technical difficulty, just a lot of stairs and a few hundred meters of a hard climb.

At the end of the climb, we arrive at the new Levada, the Levada do Risco. Here, if we turn left, we go to Risco; if we turn right, we go to Rabaçal. This levada has a very wide path; it is always flat and without technical or physical difficulty. It is an authentic highway for walkers.

Risco waterfall
Levada do Risco trail with Risco waterfall behind

Following the levada for about 800 meters, we arrive at the viewpoint of Cascada do Risco. A waterfall with a considerable height, over 100 meters. When there is rain, the waterfall has a lot of water, making it quite impressive. In the summer or during periods of drought, it is just a trickle of water. Our photo below was at half gas but is still a magnificent waterfall.

Note that the trail supposedly continues past the viewpoint, passing right behind the waterfall, but when we went there, it was closed. Although tempting, always follow the safety instructions and not venture on closed trails. Every year, hikers disappear in Madeira because they fail to comply with simple instructions.

Risco Waterfall Madeira
Risco waterfall in Madeira

Return to the car park

After the Risco waterfall, we have to return to the starting point. We return along the levada do Risco to the previous crossing for 800 meters. Here, we have to decide whether to head towards Rabaçal or go down to the 25 fountains.

We advise you to continue towards Rabaçal, to see a little more of this path. A little over a km later, you will have another opportunity to go down the Levada do Rabaçal, so you don’t need to repeat the previous trail. In terms of distance, it is pretty similar. Besides, we’ll be very close to Rabaçal’s house.

So, following about 1 km to 1.5 km, we arrive at a new crossroads, and here, we have to descend to the 25 fountains Levada. However, we are close to Rabaçal. If you want, you can visit Casa Florestal and go to the café/restaurant there. This cafe is also the only bathroom on the entire trail.

The descent to the 25 fountains is similar to the ascent we did earlier and, therefore, relatively easy. Just be careful not to slip if the floor is damp. Once again, at the Levada das 25 Fontes, we have to turn left towards the tunnel, cross the tunnel again, and go to the car park.

Although it is not the most popular route, this is the route we took, and we recommend it. It transforms a linear trail into an almost circular route, not repeating the entire round trip. We saw two waterfalls and two levadas, explored the laurel forest, enjoyed fantastic views, and crossed a pedestrian tunnel. What more can you ask for on a hike in Madeira?

Laurel forest in Madeira
Laurissilva Forest in Madeira

Best time to do the trail

This trail can be hiked all year round, as long as the weather conditions allow it. It won’t be enjoyable to do in the rain, but which trail is it? Note that if conditions are terrible, it is likely that the levada will be closed.

Although perfectly possible at any time of year, each season has its peculiarities:

  • In summer – drier and therefore less impressive waterfalls. More people on the track. In better weather, the sun is not a problem because a large part of the route is covered in shade;
  • In winter – Much more humid, care must be taken not to slip. Much more likely to rain and bad weather. The route may be closed. There are fewer people, but don’t forget that Madeira is popular all year round. Waterfalls with more water and more impressive;
  • Mid season – You can have both dry and wet weather. Less likely to get bad weather and rain. Unless it’s a dry spell, the waterfalls will have some water, but not as much as in winter. Some people but without the summer madness.
Best time to hike the 25 fountains trail
Waterfall in Spring, Madeira

Is the trail family-friendly?

The PR6 Levada of the 25 fountains can be done by anyone who can hike 11 to 12 km. It only has a relatively short area with ascent and descent; the rest of the route is flat. There are also no hazardous technical areas as long as you have minimum care.

The entire route has railings, so even the narrowest areas and those close to canyons can be safely done. Even so, we advise that access should always be facilitated in these narrower places for those in a less favorable position.

When we did this route, we saw hikers of almost all ages, including some children and backpackers with babies.

how hard is the 25 fountains levada
25 fountains Levada trail

What to take?

As we mentioned, this is not a particularly difficult or technical trail. Still, it has the particularity of crossing a tunnel, so carrying a flashlight or using your cell phone is necessary. In addition, the only opportunity to buy something is at Rabaçal’s house. Therefore, we recommend that you bring:

  • Lots of water (about 2l per person)
  • Snacks – If you do this hike on a day without crowds, you can have lunch at one of the falls.
  • comfortable hiking or running shoes;
  • comfortable clothes;
  • rain jacket and something warm because the weather in the mountains changes quickly;
  • flashlight;
  • sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen if it’s sunny;
  • camera and smartphone, there are plenty of photo opportunities here;
  • A daypack to take everything with you;

As always, please do not make any trash. Bring back everything you take with you.

what to take to Levada 25 fontes
Levada of the 25 fountains

Quick Tips for the Levadas of Madeira

In this and all the levadas in Madeira, we advise you to:

  • Don’t go hiking alone. The levadas are safe but you never know what could happen;
  • Always have your cell phone with you. Watch out for battery levels;
  • Always stay within the indicated tracks. Do not take shortcuts or cuts that you are not familiar with;
  • Confirm the expected walking time, and make sure you finish the walk before nightfall;
  • Wear appropriate clothing, note that the weather is very volatile in Madeira, especially in the mountains;
  • It is common for the floor to be damp and, therefore slippery – Wear suitable footwear;
  • It is forbidden to cycle on the levadas;
  • Do not damage plants, do not scare animals, do not litter or smoke;
  • In narrow places, always facilitate the passage of other hikers in an unfavorable position, placing yourself in a safe area, away from the abysses;
  • If any trail or levada is blocked, for whatever reason, go back along the route you came from;
  • Do not take the route if it is closed!
Madeira levadas travel tips
Lovely levada of the 25 fountains

How to go to the trail?

Leaving Funchal, we recommend taking the Via Rapida (VR1) towards Ribeira Brava. Then continue along Via Expresso (VE3) towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta. When you reach the village of Arco da Calheta, at the roundabout, take the 1st exit towards Estrada Regional 222. At Loreto, follow the signs to Rabaçal on 211.

The car park in the leisure area of ​​Caldeira is on the left, about 500 meters from the junction with the ER110, where the main car park is located. It is impossible to miss it, as they are signposted along the road.

How to reach 25 fountains levada

Where to stay when going to Levada das 25 Fontes

Madeira is a relatively small island, and you can cross it in less than an hour. Wherever your accommodation is, you will always be less than an hour away from this and any levada.

We, therefore, advise you not to change accommodation to do the trail. It is most likely to stay in Funchal as it is where there is a greater variety of accommodation, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. If you don’t have a hotel yet, check the map below for the best accommodation in Funchal.

Booking.com

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Hiking levada 25 Fountains Madeira
How to hike 25 Fountains levada Madeira

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