Madeira.Vacations

Rabaçal

The trailhead valley for the west's best walking, below Paúl da Serra.

Forestry house and wooded valley at Rabaçal in western Madeira
Photo: GerritR · CC BY-SA 4.0

A forestry house at the head of a wooded valley, reached by a steep access road off the plateau. It is the starting point for the 25 Fontes, Risco and Levada do Alecrim walks, and a fine place in its own right.

How access works

Cars park at the top on the ER105; the 2 km access road down to the forestry house is walkable in around 30 minutes or served by a paid shuttle bus when running. Coming back up is the part people underestimate.

Facilities at the bottom are limited to toilets and a small café that is not always open. Bring water.

Which walk to pick

Risco for a short, gentle waterfall walk. 25 Fontes for the full day. Levada do Alecrim for a quieter option to a small green lake with far fewer people on it.

Local tips

  • — Fog on the plateau usually burns off in the valley — don't turn back at the top too soon.

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
  • Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
    Full day Island-wide pickup

    West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari

    Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.

    from €55

    Check availability
  • Porto Moniz - Private Full-Day - Safari 4x4 Tour - NorthWest in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 5.0(61)

    Porto Moniz - Private Full-Day - Safari 4x4 Tour - NorthWest

    The West tour takes you to the lush northwest, full of cliffs, valleys, forests, mountains, waterfalls and cows! Always far from the beaten track. So many experiences, in just one day.

    from €436

    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
  • Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour in Madeira
    8 hours Madeira 4.9(84)

    Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour

    Explore the northwest side of Madeira in a 4x4 vehicle with an open top roof.

    from €69

    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

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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