25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike with Transfer Rabaçal Madeira

4.8 (2,453 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Certified by Haqqi Tours

DurationAbout 8 hours
Daily
Group
Pickup available

25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike with Transfer Rabaçal Madeira

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Overview

This day out takes you to Rabaçal, high in the west of Madeira, to hike two of the island's most loved levada trails: the Risco levada to the tall Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes trail to a lagoon fed by countless small cascades. It is a self-guided hike with a shared transfer: a small van of up to 8 guests collects you early from your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar or Calheta. On arrival, your English-speaking driver-host gives trail instructions and a map briefing, and you have about 5 hours to walk around 10 km through the Laurissilva forest before the return transfer. Suitable for fit adults and children from 12.

Highlights

Shared pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in a small van
Early departure to reach the trail before the crowds
Levada do Risco path to the tall Risco waterfall
25 Fontes lagoon fed by a curtain of small waterfalls
About 10 km through the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest
Trail instructions and map briefing from your driver-host
Help with the online hiking permit for last-minute bookings
Café on the trail for snacks and toilets

Full Description

Rabaçal and the Paul da Serra plateau

Rabaçal is a forest area on the western edge of Paul da Serra, the high, flat plateau at the heart of western Madeira. The trails start from the 25 Fontes car park at about 1,300 metres, and a quiet forest road leads down to the old Rabaçal forest house, where the paths divide. The drive from Funchal takes about 1.5 hours on winding mountain roads, which is why many visitors look for a Rabaçal hike with transport rather than driving themselves.

Close to the forest house, a small café sells water, sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks and has toilets, about 1.5 km after the start and before the finish. The weather here changes fast: the plateau can be in cloud while the valleys below are sunny, so layers and rain gear are essential. Your driver-host sends a forecast the day before.

Levada do Risco and the Risco waterfall

The Risco levada is the shorter and easier of the two trails, a gentle path that follows a water channel through tall heather and laurel trees. After about 20 to 30 minutes from the forest house, it ends at a viewpoint facing the Risco waterfall, which plunges about 100 metres down a sheer cliff into the green valley of Ribeira da Janela.

The waterfall is at its most powerful in winter and spring, after the rains, but it flows all year. The Risco waterfall is a perfect first stop on the hike: flat and shady, with the sound of water all around. Stay behind the railings at the viewpoint, as the edge drops steeply, and take your photos before continuing to 25 Fontes.

The 25 Fontes lagoon

The 25 Fontes trail, whose name means twenty-five springs, is one of the most famous hikes in Madeira. It follows a levada along the side of a deep valley, with steps down and up, before reaching a hidden green bowl in the rock. Here many thin streams pour down the moss-covered walls into a clear, cold lagoon, creating one of the most magical scenes on the island.

Spend time at the lagoon to rest, eat a snack and, if you are brave, take a dip in the cold water. The best time to visit 25 Fontes is early in the morning, before the larger groups arrive, which is exactly why our schedule starts early. Many travellers ask how to get to 25 Fontes without a car: this transfer takes you to the trailhead and brings you back.

The Laurissilva forest and Madeira's levadas

The whole hike runs through the Laurissilva of Madeira, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This type of forest once covered much of southern Europe millions of years ago; today it survives mainly in Madeira and other Atlantic islands, where rare ferns, mosses and birds such as the Madeira laurel pigeon live.

The levadas themselves are narrow irrigation channels built from the 15th century onwards to carry water from the rainy north and mountains to the farms of the sunny south. Their maintenance paths are now some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe. Walking beside the flowing water, through tunnels of moss-covered trees, you understand how these channels shaped life on the island.

Itinerary

Pickup from your accommodationEarly pickup at 06:00 or 08:00 (as booked) from the listed areas; the exact time is sent the day before.
Transfer to RabaçalAbout 1.5 hours by shared van across the island to the 25 Fontes car park.
Trail briefingYour driver-host gives hike instructions, a map explanation and the meeting time for the return.
Levada do RiscoWalk the gentle levada to the viewpoint facing the Risco waterfall.
25 Fontes lagoonContinue along the 25 Fontes levada to the lagoon fed by many small waterfalls; about 5 hours in total for both trails.
Return transferMeet at the car park and ride back to your accommodation, about 1.5 hours.

What's included

Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
Shared van transfer to Rabaçal and back
Driver-host
Trail instructions and map briefing
Help with the hiking permit for last-minute bookings

Not included

Hiking guide
Forest department hiking fee
Food and water

Is this right for you?

Great for

Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts

Not suitable for

Children under 12 years
Pregnant women
People with back, heart or respiratory problems
People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
People afraid of heights or with vertigo
People with high blood pressure or recent surgery
People with a low level of fitness
People who have been diving in the previous 24 hours

Meeting point

Pickup is included from accommodation in Funchal, Caniço and the centres of Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar and Calheta, at 06:00 or 08:00 as booked. The exact pickup point and time are confirmed by WhatsApp; please confirm your departure by 4 pm the day before. Drop-off is at the same place.

Important information

This is a self-guided hike: no hiking guide walks with you
The forest department hiking fee is not included and must be bought online with a time slot (08:00 to 08:30 for the 06:00 pickup, 09:30 to 10:00 for the 08:00 pickup)
Wear hiking shoes with good grip and bring a rain jacket, sun hat and sunscreen
Bring water and food; snacks are also sold at the café on the trail
Children under 12 are not allowed
Good fitness is needed to finish about 10 km with steps in the time given
Weather in this area is unpredictable; the hike may be postponed or cancelled
Pets, bicycles and food or drinks in the vehicle are not allowed

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

Is this a shared or a private experience?

It is a shared transfer in a small van of up to 8 guests, followed by a self-guided hike at your own pace.

How long does it take?

About 8 hours: around 1.5 hours each way by van and about 5 hours on the trails.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar and Calheta are included.

What is included?

The shared return transfer, a driver-host, hike instructions with a map briefing, and help with the hiking permit for last-minute bookings.

Is the price per person or per group?

The price is per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price.

Is it suitable for children or people with reduced mobility?

Children under 12 are not allowed. The trail has steps, narrow sections and drops, so it is not suitable for people with mobility problems, vertigo or low fitness.

What should I bring?

Hiking shoes, a rain jacket, warm layers, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, food and your hiking permit on your phone.

How difficult is the 25 Fontes hike?

It is a moderate hike of about 10 km with some steep steps and uneven ground; the Risco part is easy and flat.

Do I need a permit for the 25 Fontes hike?

Yes, a forest department hiking ticket is required and bought online with a time slot matching your pickup time; our team can help with it.

What is the best time of day and season?

Early morning is best to avoid crowds. Spring and early summer offer full waterfalls and mild temperatures, while summer is drier and busier.

What happens in bad weather?

You receive a forecast the day before. If conditions are unsafe, the hike is postponed or cancelled, and our team helps you choose another date.

How do I book and confirm?

Choose your date and pickup time in the booking panel and send your request. Our team confirms your booking on WhatsApp within minutes.