Madeira.Vacations

Levada das 25 Fontes

The island's most famous walk: laurel forest, a levada and a spring-fed lagoon.

Waterfalls pouring into a green pool at the 25 Fontes on Madeira
Photo: Asurnipal · CC BY-SA 4.0

From Rabaçal, a levada path contours through mossy laurisilva to a rock amphitheatre where springs pour out of the cliff into a shallow green pool. It is the walk everyone does, for good reason — and the one you should start early.

The route

Most people start from the Rabaçal car park on the ER105, walk or shuttle down the tarmac access road, then follow the levada for about 4 km to the 25 Fontes lagoon. Return the same way. Total is roughly 9–11 km depending on whether you walk the access road.

The path is narrow in places with drops on one side, protected by cable handrails. It is not technically hard, but it is long enough to feel it and slippery after rain.

Adding the Risco waterfall

A short branch from the same junction leads to the Levada do Risco and its 100 m waterfall — 20 minutes each way and almost everyone does both together.

Booking and access

The PR6 is one of the trails covered by the regional hiking fee, payable online or at the trailhead, and access to the Rabaçal road is restricted to a shuttle at busy times. Check the current rules the week you go.

Local tips

  • — Head torch for the short tunnel, and shoes with real grip.
  • — The lagoon is cold and swimming is discouraged — bring a picnic instead.
  • — A guided trip solves both parking and the shuttle.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Levada footpath winding through misty Madeiran laurel forest
    4.5 hours Rabaçal

    Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

    The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.

    from €45

    Check availability
  • Private Full-Day - Comfort 4x4 Tour - NorthWest in Madeira
    8 hours Madeira 5.0(30)

    Private Full-Day - Comfort 4x4 Tour - NorthWest

    The West tour takes you to the lush northwest, full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls and cows! So many experiences, in just one day: Ancient roads, Levada or walk at Fanal Forest, Swimming and Incredible landscap…

    from €425

    Check availability
  • PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hiking Rabaçal in Madeira
    8 hours Rabaçal 4.8(102)

    PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hiking Rabaçal

    Our concept is for SELF-GUIDED hikers, that enjoy walking and discovering at their own pace with total freedom, providing you with enough time to walk both the hikes (25 Fountains & Risco levadas). RNAVT 9947

    from €42

    Check availability
  • Private Guided Walk Levada 25 Fontes in Madeira
    5 hours Madeira 4.8(37)

    Private Guided Walk Levada 25 Fontes

    The 25 Fontes (25 fountains) levada is one of the most popular in Madeira Island.

    from €90

    Check availability
  • Rabaçal Scenic Hike 25 Fontes and Risco Self Guided Experience in Madeira
    8 hours Rabaçal 5.0(13)

    Rabaçal Scenic Hike 25 Fontes and Risco Self Guided Experience

    Venture into the heart of Madeira’s enchanting Laurisilva forest with a seamless roundtrip transfer to the famous Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco – two of the island’s most stunning hiking trails.

    from €28

    Check availability
  • Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco Transfer in Madeira
    6 hours Rabaçal 4.8(13)

    Rabaçal 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco Transfer

    Explore Madeira's Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lush greenery and unique biodiversity.

    from €40

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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