The stunning PR6 Levada Das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall

What is the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall walk like?

Levada das 25 Fontes e Risco is one of the most popular levada walks in Madeira, Portugal’s beautiful Laurisilva forest. A levada is an irrigation channel which was constructed to carry water from the mountains to the fields and villages below.

The Levada das 25 Fontes gets its name from the 25 Fontes Falls, a waterfall that can be found along its route. The building on this levada started in 1835. In September 1855, water began flowing through the levada.

It’s important to note that the Levada das 25 Fontes can be pretty popular, especially during the summer months. Therefore, starting early morning is a good idea to avoid the crowds. Since January 1st 2026, you’re required to make a reservation.

PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls

The trailhead for Levada das 25 Fontes is located in the Rabaçal area of Madeira, about a 50-minute drive from Funchal, Madeira’s capital city. The PR6 is also known as the Risco-Rabaçal trail. The walk is approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) long and takes around 3-5 hours to complete, depending on your pace. The route is relatively easy and flat, but there are a few steep steps and rocky sections along the way.

It’s important to note that the Levada das 25 Fontes trail can be slippery in some areas, especially near the waterfalls and streams. Therefore, it’s important to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction and to be cautious when walking on wet surfaces. However, we did see tourists in flip-flops and white runners, too. The total incline of Levada das 25 Fontes is around 300 meters, depending on where you park your car.

Levada das 25 Fontes starting point

There are two common points from where people start the Levada das 25 Fontes trail. The first begins in Calheta on the E.R. 211. There is a car park (Parque de Estacionamento Levada 25 Fontes), but this will be full on busy days. People do, however, park on the side of the road.

If you decide to start the trail here, you’ll come across the nearly one-kilometre-long tunnel. You can follow a different route just before the tunnel, but this one has steep inclines. If you have your torch with you, it’s way easier to follow this route! It’s less scenic, but also flat!

The second option is to start in Rabaçal on the E.R. 105 (previously E.R. 110) at Calheta – Levada das 25 Fontes e Risco. This car park is much bigger but can also be very busy! It’s the most popular starting point, and most people will park here.

The good thing is that you can take a service bus from the parking lot to the starting point at the Rabaçal Forest House. You’ll take 2 kilometres of the official start, and this path is pretty steep in places. It’s a concrete paved road with not much to see.

The shuttle bus costs € 3,00 one way or € 5,00 return (cash only). It operates between 09:30 and 18:30. Whichever route you choose, you’ll join the same path to discover the Risco Waterfall and Levada das 25 Fontes.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll join the same path to discover the Risco Waterfall and Levada das 25 Fontes.

Hiking Apps for Madeira Island

WalkMe Madeira is a mobile application that provides detailed information about hiking trails and routes on the island of Madeira. The app is designed to help users explore Madeira’s beautiful landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural heritage through self-guided walking tours.

Although Levada das 25 Fontes can be an easy route, there are shortcuts and ways to extend your hike. Downloading the app ahead of time will ensure you stay on the right trail. The app is available for a small fee on both iOS and Android devices.

You can use the AllTrails App to plan more trails in Portugal or worldwide. The routes are very detailed and will help you plan ahead. You can save hikes and download offline maps, and you’ll be alerted when you take a wrong turn! 

What to bring to hike Levada das 25 Fontes?

It’s essential to wear comfortable hiking boots. The levada walk is relatively easy but can be wet and slippery. White runners will most likely be ruined, even on dry days when the trail might be dusty. Also, bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be pretty intense in this area.

You’ll also need a headlamp or torch depending on where you start your hike. At the beginning of one of the car parks is a nearly one-kilometre-long tunnel. It is pitch black inside, and it’s narrow in certain places. However, the tunnel is high enough to walk straight in. It can also be very wet inside the tunnel, so a light source is needed to follow the trail. 

Bring some plasters, just in case, and wear layers. The Madeira weather changes sometimes by the minute.

What will you see along the trail of Levada das 25 Fontes?

Depending on when you’re here, it might be pretty crowded. So, if you love hiking all by yourself, come very early! The walk takes you along the levada channel through lush green forests, past waterfalls and streams. The water literally pours out the rocky walls, and the trail can be wet and muddy in many places.

The laurel trees come in every shade of green, and the branches are all twisted. The path is easy to follow, and you’ll usually have the levada beside you. At some point, you’ll hit a fork. Here, you can decide whether you start at the Risco Waterfall or follow the 25 Fontes trail. Tip: go see both!

25 Fontes Waterfall

If you continue the levada walk towards 25 Fontes, you’ll come across the impressive 25 Fontes Waterfall, which is located at the end of the levada. If you’ve walked the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, it might look like a mini version of the caldera. The beautiful waterfall is around 30 meters tall, and 25 streams pour over the wall into a small natural pool. The area is shaped like an amphitheatre, and the waterfall appears like a weeping wall with streams.

The water comes from the Paul da Serra plateau marshlands, located further above. Did you bring a towel? It’s a popular place for a refreshing dip in the ice-cold water! Or enjoy a sandwich now you’re halfway on the track! The walk to Risco Waterfall is the most challenging part of the hike, but very doable. You’ll walk over a ridge, so the path will go down again after walking up. Easy peasy!

Risco Waterfall

The highlight of the levada walk is definitely the 100-meter (328 feet) tall Risco Waterfall, which is considered one of the highest waterfalls on the island. Especially after heavy rains, thousands of litres of water will tumble down the rocks. The impressive waterfall might be less powerful during summer, but it is still stunning to see!

At some point, the road stops, and you cannot go further. There used to be a trail along the waterfall, but it’s now closed off due to landslides. If you follow the mountain ridge with your eyes, you can clearly see where the trail used to be.

Flora and fauna along Levada das 25 Fontes

Madeira is home to some very unique and endemic species of flora and fauna. Laurel trees surround you, and the landscape is dominated by moorland. It’s the perfect place to spot Erica Arborea and Erica Scoparia (both types of heather) and the vaccinium padifolium (a Madeirian berry plant). Enjoy the view over the Ribeira da Janela valley and the stunning Laurisilva forest, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

This subtropical rainforest is over 20 million years old and dates back to the Tertiary Age! The Laurisilva forest is also part of the Natura 2000 network. You’ll also be able to spot many bees, lizards and birds. If you’re lucky, you can see a Laurel Pigeon. Bring some bird seeds, and the chance of seeing the Madeira firecrest, Grey Wagtail, Robbin, and Madeiran chaffinch is many times higher.

Rabaçal House Cafe

The Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe, also known as the Rabaçal Forestry House, is a beautiful place to stop for a drink and a snack. It’s also the only place along the trail to use the washrooms. You can start your hike at Rabaçal House, but the reward will be even higher after a few hours of walking! They sell lovely cakes, quiche and other healthy snacks. (Sorry, no pics! It was eaten before the camera came out again!)

In case you get cold on the levada walk, there are warm drinks such as coffee and herbal teas, as well as cold drinks for those hot summer days. There is indoor seating as well as an outdoor terrace. Bringing water and some snacks on the trail is still a very wise plan! You might get hungry and thirsty along the route, and the cafe might be closed. Usually, Rabaçal Forestry House is open from 10 AM until 6 PM.

How to get to Levada das 25 Fontes?

By car

As with many places in Madeira, Levada das 25 Fontes is easiest to reach by car. It takes around 45 minutes from Funchal to get to either of the two car parks. Especially if you decide to take more trips around the island, hiring a car is well worth it! With DiscoverCars, you’ll always get the best deal!

Using the different filters, you can easily choose and book your car rental in Madeira. To be fully prepared, read tips for renting a car in Portugal. Or click the banner below to get the best value for car rentals on the island.

Levada das 25 Fontes parking

Whichever parking lot you choose, parking at the trailhead of Levada das 25 Fontes is entirely free of charge. The two locations are here and here.

Starting from the parking lot at Parque de Estacionamento Levada 25 Fontes, you will walk through a one-kilometre tunnel. In this case, bring a torch! We picked this route, which saved a climb!

Starting from the Rabaçal parking lot means walking back up a mountainous paved road, the hardest part of the entire Rabaçal route.

How to get to Levada das 25 Fontes by public transportation?

Currently, there is no bus service to the starting point of the Levada das 25 Fontes trail. You can, however, take a bus to a nearby town. Rodoeste is offering a bus service to busstop Estreito da Calheta. You can take bus services 80, 107, 115, and 142.

Click here for more information about the route and timetable. The bus ticket costs € 4.70 when you board the bus in Funchal. From Estreito da Calheta, you can take a taxi to the starting point of Levada das 25 Fontes.

Levada das 25 Fontes Tour

Besides renting a car while visiting Madeira, booking a guided tour is another easy option. There is usually a pick-up service from the hotel, and you’ll be driven to the trailhead. Along the trip, you can enjoy stunning views of the island.

During the hike, the guide will tell you many things about the environment, the “levada” irrigation system and the surroundings of Levada das 25 Fontes. The tours usually take 5 to 8 hours, making it a fantastic day trip from Funchal. This path is so popular year-round that booking ahead of time is advisable! Check the availability below and secure your spot!

Hotels near Levada das 25 Fontes

Levada das 25 Fontes is located in the southwestern part of the island. With so many trails in the area, it is a fabulous location to stay in. This also means you can arrive early to visit the trail by yourself! Check the map below for all the hotels in the area, or check out the three stunning spots I found for nature lovers!

FAQ

Are you ready to discover the waterfalls?

If you like an easy hike, Levada das 25 Fontes is for you! It’s a beautiful levada walk in the Laurisilva forest of Madeira. It takes around 3-5 hours to complete and passes through lush green forests, past waterfalls and streams, and along the levada channel.

The highlights of the walk are the impressive 25 Fontes Waterfall and the Risco Waterfall. Bring a picnic to enjoy the view! It’s one of the most popular trails in Madeira, but well worth it! We hiked the 25 Fontes in March, which was not very crowded. Thanks to the reservation system, crowds should now be better controlled.

Be sure to visit the trail to avoid crowds! Although we had a particularly rainy hike, we loved it as it was the first hike on Madeira Island. You can also join a tour to learn more about this beautiful paradise in Portugal or explore the other beautiful trails on the island!