Levada 25 Fontes walk on Madeira Island: Private guided trail

Walk a levada trail carved into Madeira's cliffs and arrive at a lagoon ringed by waterfalls

The Levada 25 Fontes is a guided walk along one of Madeira Island's most-traveled water trails, starting in Rabaçal and ending at a lagoon fed by 25 fountains and waterfalls. A private guide leads the route in English, Spanish or Portuguese, with hotel or port pickup included and the five-hour walk suited to all fitness levels. The trail passes endemic plants and birds, and swimmers can wade into the mountain water if they choose.

The experience

The levada is a narrow path that runs along an irrigation channel carved into the mountainside: a route that exists because of water, and the walk stays close to it the whole way. Starting from Rabaçal, the trail winds through the landscape of Madeira's interior, and the guide points out the endemic flora and fauna as you move. The path itself is the draw: it is not a scramble or a technical climb, but a steady walk that lets you absorb the surroundings without fighting the terrain.

The destination is the 25 Fontes lagoon, where the waterfalls and fountains that give the trail its name converge into a pool ringed by cliffs. The water is cold, glacial cold, but people do swim here, and you can wade in if you want to. Most visitors take the break to sit and absorb the place: the sound of the water, the mist, the way the light hits the rock. The guide knows the route and the region, and can answer questions about what you are seeing.

The tour includes pickup from your hotel, apartment or the cruise port, depending on which option you choose at checkout. A private vehicle brings you to the trailhead, and the same driver returns you at the end of the five hours. Free WiFi is available onboard, and the operator provides insurance as part of the booking. You are responsible for your own clothing. The walk happens in all weather, so dress in layers and bring something waterproof. An optional lunch is available after the walk for an additional fee.

What’s included

• Private guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• hotel, apartment or port pickup and drop-off depending on your location.
• transport by private vehicle.
• free WiFi onboard.
• insurance.
• five hours on the levada trail with access to the 25 Fontes lagoon and viewpoints.

Options for this experience

5 options

Pickup in Funchal or CaniçoGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Private, lasting 5 hours, priced from Funchal, Canico or the Camara de Lobos area; pickup is included

Meeting point at Funchal PortGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Private, lasting 5 hours; priced from Funchal Port Harbor; pickup is included

Pickup in the North or South EastGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Private, lasting 6 hours; priced from the Machico, Santa Cruz, Santana, Faial, Porto da Cruz and Caniçal area; includes pickup

See 2 more options

Pickup in South West MadeiraGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Private, lasting 5 hours; priced from the Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava area; pickup is included

Pickup in North West MadeiraGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:00 and 10:00Private, lasting 5 hours; priced from the Porto Moniz, Seixal and Sao Vicente area; includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Pearl of the Atlantic

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a walk that does not require a car rental or navigation. The guide handles the route and the driver brings you to the trailhead from wherever you are staying. The five-hour commitment means you spend the morning or afternoon entirely on the trail without rushing, which is what lets you notice the endemic plants and birds instead of watching the clock.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What is the 25 Fontes levada, and why is it called that?

The 25 Fontes levada is a walking trail along an irrigation channel on Madeira Island that leads to a mountain lagoon fed by 25 fountains and waterfalls. The name refers to the number of water sources visible at the destination: the fountains and small cascades that flow into the pool where the walk ends.

How long does the walk take, and is it difficult?

The walk takes five hours total, and it is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The levada path is a steady walk along a narrow channel carved into the mountainside, not a steep climb or technical route. The main requirement is comfortable walking shoes and the ability to spend several hours on your feet.

Can I swim in the lagoon at the 25 Fontes?

Yes, the water at the 25 Fontes lagoon is cold but swimmable, and some visitors do wade or dive in. The water is glacial, so it is a brief immersion for most people. Bring a towel if you plan to get wet.

Where will I be picked up, and what are my options?

Pickup options include Funchal, Caniço, the cruise port in Funchal, the northwest coast of Madeira, or the north and southeast regions. You select your location at checkout, and the driver collects you from your hotel, apartment or port and returns you at the end of the day.