Madeira: Rabaçal Levada Walk & 25 Fontes Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Levada walk through rabaçal valley to 25 fontes lake and waterfall

You’ll follow ancient levadas through Rabaçal Valley with a local guide, feel mist from Risco waterfall on your face, reach the hidden lake where 25 springs tumble down cliffs, then return by walking through an echoing tunnel beneath Madeira’s plateau. Expect muddy boots and quiet moments that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the light cut through the trees as we started down from Paul da Serra — kind of gold, kind of green, and honestly, a bit chilly for Madeira. Our guide, João, joked that you never really know what weather you’ll get up there. He handed me a poncho “just in case,” which made me laugh because I’d already packed two. The air smelled sharp and wet, like moss after rain, even though it hadn’t rained yet. We could hear water somewhere below us before we saw anything.

João kept pointing out little things — wild orchids tucked into rocks, the way the levada channels curve so neatly along the hillside. There was this moment at Risco waterfall when everyone just stopped talking. You could feel spray on your face if you stood close enough. It’s not loud exactly, but it fills your head anyway. I tried to take a photo but gave up; it never looks right on a screen. Further down, my boots slipped once on a patch of mud (should’ve listened about proper shoes), but João just grinned and said “That’s part of the day trip Rabaçal levada walk experience.”

The path to Levada das 25 Fontes gets steeper than I expected — knees definitely noticed — but then suddenly there’s this little lake at the bottom of a cliff with all these thin waterfalls dropping in from above. Some people dipped their hands in; it’s freezing cold but clear as glass. We ate our picnic sitting on rocks, legs dangling over water that never stops moving. Someone tried to count all 25 springs but lost track around fifteen and just laughed.

On the way back we took a different route, right through this long tunnel that carries water south across Madeira. It’s dark and echoey inside; you can hear everyone’s footsteps and nervous giggles bouncing off stone walls. My phone flashlight barely did anything — honestly felt like an adventure movie for a minute there. When we came out the other side into daylight again, it was warmer and smelled like eucalyptus leaves crushed underfoot.

I still think about how quiet it got sometimes between bursts of chatter or birdsong — like even Madeira wanted us to listen for something else out there. If you’re thinking about booking this day trip from Funchal, bring good shoes and don’t rush lunch by the lake. There’s nowhere else quite like that spot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal?

The walk covers about 11 km in total during this full-day tour.

Is hotel pickup included in the day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup from Funchal is included in your booking.

Do I need hiking boots for this Madeira levada walk?

Sports shoes with good grip or hiking boots are strongly recommended due to slippery sections.

Will we see both Risco waterfall and 25 Fontes lake?

Yes, you’ll visit Risco waterfall first and then continue to Levada das 25 Fontes and its small lake.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; you must bring your own picnic as there are no places to buy food during the walk.

Are there tunnels on this levada walk?

Yes, you return via a tunnel that carries water to southern Madeira—bring a flashlight or phone light.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

The trail requires moderate fitness due to some steep or uneven parts; not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Can I bring my service animal?

Service animals are allowed on this tour according to local guidelines.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Funchal, all taxes and fees covered, an experienced local guide leading every step of the 11 km route past waterfalls and lakes—and plenty of time for your own picnic lunch beside Levada das 25 Fontes before returning through Madeira’s famous water tunnel.