Levada do Alecrim & Vinháticos

Rabaçal's quiet alternative: a small green lake and old-growth til trees.

Levada path running beside old laurel woodland in western Madeira
Photo: José Lemos Silva · CC BY-SA 4.0

Branching from the same Rabaçal access road as the famous walks, this route heads to the Lagoa do Vento and the Alecrim levada. Similar forest, similar water, a fraction of the people.

What you get

Around 5–7 km return depending on where you turn, with a steep descent to the Lagoa do Vento waterfall and pool. The climb back out is the hard part.

The forest here includes some of the oldest til and vinhático trees in the west, which is why the area is protected.

Local tips

  • Pick this over the 25 Fontes in high season if you value quiet more than the headline view.

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.

  • Green forested canyon in the Madeiran interior
    5 hours Central Madeira

    Canyoning in Madeira (Level 1)

    Abseil, slide and jump down a forest canyon with no experience needed. Full kit and certified guides included — the island's most-booked beginner canyoning.

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Levada da Referta - Castelejo in Madeira
    2 hours Madeira 5.0(48)

    Levada da Referta - Castelejo

    Taking place in the small village of Porto da Cruz you can admire various crop plantation and study the locals way of living. The fields and their unique shapes make you wonder at how the agriculture is cleverly done.

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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