Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6 & PR6.1), Ribeira Brava (Madeira)

Hike near Ribeira Brava (Madeira)

Levada Das 25 Fontes Madeira
Levada Das 25 Fontes Madeira
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bjørn Christian Tørrissen

Levada das 25 Fontes is Madeira's signature levada hike: a scenic, moderate trail that follows an irrigation channel through dense green forest to a natural amphitheatre where multiple streams spill down a “weeping wall” into a cool pool. The walk begins in the Rabaçal area on the island's high plateau, then drops into a lush valley of ferns, mossy rock, and water everywhere-exactly the kind of landscape that makes people fall in love with Madeira.

What makes it so popular is how much variety you get for a manageable effort: levada ledges, shady woodland tunnels, waterfall viewpoints, and a clear, satisfying finale at the 25 fountains. It's one of the things to do in Madeira that feels both adventurous and accessible, and it fits neatly into a walking tour of Madeira beyond Funchal when you want a day that's all about nature and fresh air.

History and Significance of the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

The trail exists because of the levadas themselves-Madeira’s historic irrigation channels built to carry water from the wetter north and highlands to drier agricultural areas. Over time, these narrow waterways became one of the island’s most distinctive walking networks, turning practical infrastructure into some of Europe’s most memorable hikes.

Rabaçal is especially significant because it sits in a landscape shaped by constant water movement: springs, seeps, and streamlets that feed the levadas and sustain the island’s famously lush interior. The “25 Fontes” idea isn’t about one waterfall, but about many small flows converging in a sheltered basin, which is why the destination feels so magical even when the water is gentle.

Today, PR6 is part of Madeira’s formal network of marked walking routes, and it has become a flagship experience for visitors who want to see the island beyond viewpoints and coastal promenades. In a single outing, you get a strong sense of Madeira’s relationship with water-how it’s captured, guided, and celebrated in the landscape.

Things to See and Do in the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

The main event is the 25 Fontes pool itself: a compact, crowd-pleasing bowl of rock and greenery where multiple streams cascade down a ferny wall. It’s a perfect snack-and-rest spot, with plenty of shaded areas and natural seating, but it’s also the place that can feel busiest-so arriving earlier or later in the day can make the experience calmer.

The essential add-on is the Risco Waterfall detour (PR6.1), reached from a fork along the route. It’s a short out-and-back that takes you to a viewpoint where the waterfall drops dramatically into the valley, and it’s especially impressive after rain when the flow is stronger.

Along the way, the levada sections are the highlight in themselves: narrow paths with water running beside you, thick forest overhead, and occasional “tunnel” moments created by twisting branches and dense vegetation. On the return, you can keep it simple by retracing your steps or add variety by using the Tunel do Rabaçal detour, which connects you toward the alternative car park area.

How to Get to the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

Most visitors arrive in Madeira via Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport near Funchal. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ribeira Brava (Madeira) on Booking.com. From Funchal, the trailhead area at Rabaçal is typically just under an hour by road, depending on traffic and weather in the highlands.

Madeira does not have a passenger train network, so trains are not part of getting to this hike. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Instead, you’ll rely on road transport for the final approach into the Rabaçal plateau.

If you're using public transport, aim for buses that take you toward the west/central plateau side of the island, then plan on a taxi for the last stretch if there's no direct service to the car parks. Many travelers choose pre-arranged hiking transfers for simplicity, especially if they want a one-day solution without navigation stress. If you're driving, head from Funchal to Rabaçal and choose between the two main parking areas, then decide whether to walk down to the forestry house or use the shuttle bus depending on your plan. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

If you don’t have access to a car, don’t worry, this full-day self guided Transfer to Levada das 25 Fontes and the Risco Waterfall is an excellent alternative option. There is also this option which includes an experienced guide and a jeep safari with hotel pickup and drop-off service from Funchal!

Practical Tips on Visiting the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

  • Distance: 4.3 km (8.6 km round trip)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Start/End: Rabaçal (E.R. 105) / 25 Fontes
  • Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 1288 m / 964 m
  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Go early for a quieter experience at the 25 Fontes pool, especially in peak season when crowds build quickly. After rainfall, the waterfalls and seepage lines are usually more dramatic, but expect muddier paths.
  • How long to spend: Plan around 3 hours for the out-and-back route at a relaxed pace, longer if you add the Risco Waterfall detour and take extended breaks. If you’re using the shuttle and want photos and pauses, budgeting half a day keeps it enjoyable.
  • Accessibility: This is a moderate hike with uneven surfaces, occasional narrow ledges, and steps near viewpoints, so it’s not ideal for anyone who needs flat, barrier-free paths. If you want a gentler day, consider doing a shorter levada walk elsewhere and saving PR6 for when you feel confident on mixed terrain.
  • Facilities: Facilities are limited on the trail itself, so bring water and snacks and treat the destination pool as your main rest point. The shuttle service and trailhead areas can feel busy, so having what you need in your bag makes the day smoother.

Where to Stay Close to the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Funchal so you can combine restaurants, museums, and nightlife with day trips into the mountains; if your main focus is hiking and quick access to the west/plateau routes, consider staying around Calheta or Ribeira Brava for shorter drive times and an easier start.

A strong central choice is Savoy Palace, which keeps you close to Funchal’s walkable core while still making day trips straightforward. For a classic oceanfront base with excellent amenities and easy access to tour pickups, The Cliff Bay is a dependable option. If you’d rather be closer to the western side for hikes, Calheta Beach is a practical base with a calmer, resort-style feel.

Is the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6) Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you want the “classic Madeira” nature experience in one hike: lush laurel forest, running water beside the path, and a waterfall-filled finale that feels genuinely special. It's popular for a reason, and the route gives you a strong sense of the island's interior landscapes without requiring technical hiking skills.

It’s also worth it because you can tailor it to your day. You can keep it simple as an out-and-back levada walk, add the Risco viewpoint for extra drama, or vary the return with the tunnel route, which makes the experience feel less repetitive.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This hike can work well for families with active kids who are comfortable walking for a few hours and staying focused on narrow paths. The “water beside the trail” factor keeps it engaging, and the destination pool is a clear, motivating goal that helps pace the day.

To keep it stress-free, treat it as a steady walk with planned snack breaks and avoid peak crowd times when narrow sections can feel busy. If you’re traveling with very young children or strollers, it’s better to choose a flatter, shorter levada route elsewhere.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Levada das 25 Fontes is a great couples' day out because it feels immersive without being overly strenuous, and the scenery encourages a slow, shared pace. The forest sections are especially atmospheric, and the destination has that “hidden valley” feeling that makes a simple picnic feel memorable.

If you want it to feel more romantic and less crowded, start early and plan a calm post-hike lunch somewhere scenic. The best version of this day is unhurried: a steady walk, a long pause at the pool, and a gentle return.

Budget Travelers

This is a high-value experience because the landscape does the heavy lifting: you get a full day’s worth of scenery with minimal spending beyond transport. Packing snacks and water turns the trail into an affordable highlight, especially if you’re building your itinerary around nature rather than paid attractions.

The main budget decision is transport. If you can share a car or a transfer, costs drop significantly, and you gain flexibility on timing, which also helps you avoid the busiest moments at the pool.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (9,132)

PR6 25 Fontes hike & Levada do Risco is a forested walking route that leads down to a cascade-fed swimming spot; the trail begins on asphalt, drops about 1.8 km to a café and shuttle stop, then continues alongside a levada with stairs down to the waterfall and an option to return via the shorter Risco path for views of three falls. Visitors warn the route is steep in places with many steps and low tree branches, can be crowded so arrive early, and parking fills quickly; there is a small entry fee for the trail and a paid shuttle to the café, and facilities including a café and toilets are available near the halfway point.

Ria e van de Mast
a month ago
"Two key tips:n1️⃣ Check the mountain weather forecast / webcam before going up.n2️⃣ Get there early (around 8am). Both the track and the parking getinsanely busy.n✨️ Bonus points: If you're up early anyway, squeeze in sunrise from the Pico Ruivo do Paul. It is stu ing and just 5 min down the road. The hike 🚶‍♀️ :nPretty walk that starts on the asphalt. There's a minibus service to and from the halfway point (€5), where you'll also find the café and bathrooms. After that the walk continues next to a levada. It's out and back with quite some steps, but super easy to navigate. Be aware that the way in is downhill... soooo you need to go up to get back out. Worth it for the gorgeous waterfalls, views and forest...."
Majed Alashari
a month ago
"Finding a car Parking is difficult so either you come early on the morning or after noon time, otherwise you will park your car far. The way isdescending for around 1.8Km until you reach the cafe and there is a shuttle bus with fee to take you from the road to the cafe. There is fee to enter the trial (3€ P/P) which is recently being applied and there is guy with a machine to collect it. Around 200 m from passing this check point you will take a stairs down to the Lavada and you will walk beside it until you reach the waterfall which is the end of the trail. When I returned back I took the Risco route as it is only 800m long to reach it end as it ended on a beautiful view over 3 waterfalls...."
Vi Pi
a month ago
"Nice hike, not long and relatively easy. Must see! A few tips: * Beware that path back is mostly upstrairs. * Be careful of the tree branches so youdon’t hit your head, many peoply were hitted when go upstrairs. * Start earlier to avoid crowd * Pay 3 eur state fee for the path to get your QR pass...."

FAQs for Visiting Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

Getting There

The trail starts in the Rabaçal area on Madeira’s central-west high plateau, then follows levada paths down into a lush valley. It’s an inland hike, so expect cooler, changeable weather compared with the coast.
The simplest approach is a dedicated hiking transfer that drops you at Rabaçal and collects you later, so you can focus on the walk. If you try to piece it together with buses, you may still need a taxi for the last stretch.
You can walk the paved road down to the forestry house, but it adds distance and time before the best parts of the trail begin. The shuttle is mainly a comfort and time-saver, especially if you want more energy for the levada sections.

Trail Route and Navigation

Yes, if you have the time, because it’s a short add-on that delivers a very different waterfall view. It’s one of the easiest ways to make the day feel more varied without adding significant difficulty.
It’s worth it if you prefer a less repetitive return and you’re comfortable walking through a tunnel section. If you’re not keen on confined spaces, retracing your steps is completely fine and still scenic.
Some levada sections are narrow with drop-offs beside the trail, but they are generally manageable with care and steady footing. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, taking it slowly and letting faster walkers pass makes a big difference.

Crowd Management and Timing

Start early and aim to reach the pool before midday, especially in peak season or weekends. Transfers often arrive in waves, so moving slightly ahead of the main group can change the feel of the destination dramatically.
Yes, because the walk itself is the main experience, and the crowding is usually concentrated at the pool. If the pool area feels packed, take your break slightly back along the trail where it’s quieter, then return for a quick look.

Safety, Weather, and Gear

Wear shoes with good grip and bring a light waterproof layer, because Madeira’s interior weather can change quickly. A headlamp can be useful if you plan on using tunnel sections and want extra confidence.
It can still be doable, but expect slippery surfaces, more runoff, and occasional temporary closures or diversions in bad conditions. If rainfall has been intense, it’s sensible to choose a lower-risk route that day and return to PR6 when conditions settle.

Photography

Yes, especially if you like moody greens, layered waterfalls, and forest textures. The best photos often come from the approach sections where the levada and vegetation frame the path, not just the final pool.
Arrive early, take your wide shots first, then move to tighter compositions focused on details of water and plants. Patience helps-crowds often shift in waves, and a clear moment can appear quickly.

Nearby Attractions to the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6)

  • Risco Waterfall (PR6.1): A short detour to a dramatic viewpoint where the waterfall drops into the valley.
  • Paul da Serra Plateau: Madeira’s high, windswept plateau with big skies and a completely different feel from the forested valleys.
  • Fanal Forest: A misty laurel woodland area known for ancient trees and atmospheric, otherworldly scenery.
  • Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools: Volcanic rock pools on the north coast, ideal for a post-hike swim on a warm day.
  • Seixal: A scenic north-coast area with striking coastal views and a calmer, less urban Madeira atmosphere.

The Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6 & PR6.1) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ribeira Brava (Madeira)!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Rabaçal ER110 15 Portugal
Ribeira Brava (Madeira): 12 km

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