Madeira Rabaçal Valley: 25 Fountains Levada Hike & Tunnel Exit

Summary

Laurisilva forest trails, waterfalls and ancient tunnel walk

You’ll hike through Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest with a local guide, listen to waterfalls in Rabaçal Valley, pause at Risco Waterfall for stories and mist on your face, then finish with an eerie walk through an old tunnel before emerging on the sunny side of the island.

What’s the experience like?

The van left us up on Paul da Serra — just clouds drifting low and that kind of damp chill that gets into your sleeves. Our guide, João, grinned as he pointed out the start of the 25 Fountains Levada hike. He said something about how this forest breathes differently. I didn’t really get it until we started moving — the Laurisilva moss was everywhere, softening every edge. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I still can’t name. We passed a couple from Lisbon who’d already lost their map but seemed happy anyway.

There’s this part where you hear water before you see it — Risco Waterfall roaring somewhere below. João let us stop for a while; honestly, I needed to catch my breath (the path gets narrow and slippery). He told a story about his grandmother collecting water here when she was young. I tried to picture that — her in rubber boots, maybe? The spray from the waterfall hit my face and tasted faintly mineral, almost metallic. Someone behind me laughed because their poncho had blown inside out.

The last stretch surprised me most: a 500-meter tunnel dug right through the mountain. It’s dark (bring a torch or use your phone), damp underfoot, echoey with everyone’s footsteps and voices bouncing around weirdly. When we finally popped out on the south side of Madeira, it felt brighter somehow — or maybe that was just relief. My shoes were muddy and I still think about that silence inside the tunnel sometimes. So yeah, if you’re up for a long walk with some odd moments along the way, this day trip from Funchal is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike through Laurisilva Forest and Rabaçal Valley

• Start at Paul da Serra plateau
• Descend into Rabaçal Valley
• Walk through Laurisilva Forest
• Visit Risco Waterfall
• Return via 500-meter ancient tunnel
• End on south side of Madeira

Top questions

How long is the 25 Fountains Levada hike?

The hike takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included from central Funchal and Caniço hotels.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?

Yes, bring your own refreshments as buying food along the way isn’t guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it requires moderate fitness and isn’t recommended for those with severe health issues or limited mobility.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide usually speaks English but may be multilingual depending on availability.

Does the tour run if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine unless unsafe weather conditions occur.

Are there any age restrictions?

No specific age restriction but participants should be fit enough for a 4h30 hike.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Funchal or Caniço by air-conditioned minivan, all transportation between trail points, guidance from a professional local guide (often multilingual), and insurance throughout the hike—just remember to bring snacks since food stops aren’t guaranteed along the way.