Madeira Levada Walk – 25 Fontes

🌿 Madeira Levada Walk – 25 Fontes

Winding through the lush Laurisilva forest of Madeira, the Levada das 25 Fontes Walk is one of the island’s most enchanting trails. This route follows narrow irrigation channels, known as levadas, leading trekkers deep into green valleys, moss-covered cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.

🌏 Where the Trail Leads

The walk begins in Rabaçal, descending into the valley where the levadas meander through UNESCO-listed forests. The path hugs steep ridges and tunnels of foliage before arriving at the magical 25 Fontes (25 Springs) — a wall of rock adorned with countless trickling waterfalls. A short side trail also leads to the powerful Risco Waterfall.

🏛️ Culture Along the Way

Levadas are more than hiking trails — they are a legacy of Madeira’s 16th-century irrigation system, channeling mountain water to farmland. Walking alongside them offers a glimpse into the island’s history, where engineering met survival, and today they double as a beloved recreational network for locals and visitors alike.

📜 Permits and Access

• No special permits are required for this hike.
• The trail is well-marked and maintained, though narrow sections and slippery stones call for sturdy footwear.
• A transfer or taxi from Funchal to Rabaçal is the most common access route.

🌄 Highlights

• 25 Fontes Lagoon – A tranquil pool fed by dozens of slender waterfalls.
• Risco Waterfall – A dramatic, 100-m high cascade just off the main trail.
• Laurisilva Forest – A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with endemic flora.
• Levada Paths – Mossy channels and stone walkways steeped in history.