Madeira.Vacations

Levada do Risco

A 40-minute round trip to a 100 m waterfall — the easiest big payoff in Rabaçal.

Tall thin waterfall dropping into a green valley at Risco, Madeira
Photo: Asurnipal · CC BY-SA 4.0

The short sibling of the 25 Fontes walk. A wide, mostly level levada path leads from the Rabaçal forestry house to a viewpoint facing the Risco fall, which drops into the valley below in a single ribbon.

Why it works for everyone

It is about 1.5 km each way with barely any climb, wide enough to walk side by side for most of its length, and shaded the whole way. Confident older children manage it easily.

The viewpoint is railed and looks straight at the fall. In high summer the flow drops noticeably; after winter rain it is thunderous.

Local tips

  • — Do Risco first, then decide whether you have the legs for the 25 Fontes.

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
  • 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
  • Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours in Madeira
    6 hours Madeira 5.0(72)

    Real Life, Mountains & Sea Cliffs + Lunch + Levada walk - 6 hours

    My full-day tour around the center of the island was designed for people who would like to feel the “Island daily life” and see the REAL Madeira while immersing in the local culture.

    from €385

    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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