Madeira: Rabaçal Levada Walk & 25 Fontes Waterfall

The Sound of 25 Springs Falling Into One Small Lake

You start at your hotel at 9am and walk 11 kilometers through the Rabaçal Valley, passing the Risco waterfall and descending to a small lake fed by 25 natural springs cascading from a cliff. A fully qualified guide leads the route, which loops back through a water tunnel instead of retracing your steps. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a packed lunch, and clothes for changing weather. The full day ends with hotel return in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Rabaçal Levada walk

• Hotel pickup at 9am
• Descend from Paul da Serra plateau
• Arrive at Rabaçal guesthouse
• Walk to Risco waterfall
• Continue to Levada das 25 Fontes
• Reach small lake with 25 springs
• Return via tunnel path

The experience

The water hits the lake surface in layers: some drops from high up on the cliff face, others from springs lower down, all of them converging at once. That's what you're walking toward on this 11km day through Madeira's Rabaçal Valley, and it's worth the early pickup at 9am from your Funchal hotel. The route starts high on the Paul da Serra plateau and drops steadily, so you're not climbing back up the same way you came down. Instead you loop through a tunnel that carries water to the south side of the island, which sounds stranger than it is until you're actually walking through it.

The Risco waterfall comes first: a single ribbon of water dropping from the cliff face, and your guide will point out how the landscape changes as you descend. Then the path levels out toward the Levada das 25 Fontes, which is the levada (an irrigation channel) that feeds the lake. The 25 springs themselves aren't separate fountains. They're seeps and flows from the cliff wall that all pour into the same small pool at the bottom. The water is cold and clear, and the cliff rises straight up behind it. You'll need to bring your own food. There's nowhere to buy anything along the walk, so pack a small picnic before you start.

The terrain is steady underfoot but uneven, and the weather in Madeira changes fast. Bring hiking boots or shoes with real grip, and expect wet conditions even if it didn't rain where you're staying. Your guide is fully qualified and knows the route well, so they'll set the pace and watch for loose stones. The walk takes the full day, so you're not rushing between stops or watching a clock. If the weather turns bad enough that the walk isn't safe, you get offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup at 9am from Funchal, an 11-kilometer walk through the Rabaçal Valley with a fully qualified guide, passage to the Risco waterfall, descent to the lake fed by 25 natural springs, and return through a water tunnel.
• You arrange a packed picnic to carry with you, as no food is available along the route.
• The tour covers the full day and returns you to your hotel in the evening.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 4.50

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lido Tours

Is this one for you?Right for hikers who want a full-day walk in Madeira's interior without arranging transport or a guide: the early pickup and set route mean you show up with boots and a packed lunch and the rest is handled. The loop return through the water tunnel means you're not retracing the same path twice.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup is at 9am. The full day walk returns you to your hotel in the evening.

How long is the walk and how difficult is it?

11 kilometers over the full day. It's steady downhill at first, then level, with uneven terrain. Moderate fitness is needed. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

What should I bring?

Hiking boots or shoes with good grip, a packed picnic (no food is available along the route), and weather-appropriate clothing. Weather changes fast in Madeira, so be prepared for wet conditions.

What if the weather is bad?

If conditions are unsafe, the tour is cancelled and you're offered either an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I bring my dog or service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

Is there a tunnel on the walk?

Yes. The return path passes through a tunnel that carries water to the south side of the island. It's part of the levada system.

What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup from Funchal, the 11km guided walk, and the guide's expertise. You arrange and bring your own food.