This is a complete guide to the Levada das 25 Fontes hike in Madeira.
Levadas 25 Fontes, also referred to as the PR6 Madeira hike, is one of the most beautiful trails on the island. Known for its cascading waterfalls, vibrant flora, and stunning mountain scenery, this trail is perfect for adventurers seeking to explore Madeira’s unique levada system.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Levadas 25 Fontes Madeira promises an unforgettable experience and is not to be missed during your visit.
Read on to discover everything you need to know before embarking on this amazing hike!
OVERVIEW – LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES MADEIRA
Let’s start this guide with a brief overview of the PR6 Madeira hike including the stats, location, and how to get there.
STATS OF LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES
- Trail Length: Approximately 11 km round-trip.
- Duration: About 3 to 4 hours.
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters.
- Difficulty Level: It’s a moderate trail suitable for most fitness levels.
- Starting Point: Start at the Rabaçal parking area on the Paul da Serra plateau.
WHAT IS THE PR6 LEVADAS DAS 25 FONTES?
The PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes is a popular hiking trail in Madeira, Portugal. It follows an old irrigation channel (called a Levada in Portuguese), through the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The hike is 11km round-trip long to the 25 Springs where multiple waterfalls meet in a peaceful lagoon.
You’ll see many different species of flora and fauna found only on the island, a highlight when visiting Madeira!
RELATED GUIDE: Fanal Forest Madeira
HOW TO GET TO LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES MADEIRA?
To get to Levada das 25 Fontes, you can either drive or take the bus to the Rabaçal area on the Paul da Serra plateau.
From Funchal, it takes about 1 hour by car via ER110 road. Once you arrive at the Rabaçal parking lot, you can walk down to the trailhead or use the on-site shuttle.
In my opinion, the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead is not nearly as fun as the trail itself because you would walk on the main road and there isn’t much to see, so the shuttle is better.
The Rabaçal Shuttle operates from 10 am to 6 pm. The cost per person is €5 one way or €8 return and must be paid in cash.
BEST PR6 MADEIRA HIKING TOUR
The best way to visit is by joining the Levada Das 25 Fontes Hiking Tour!
This tour in Madeira includes a local guide, transportation, hotel pick-up, and insurance.
LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES STARTING POINT
Levada das 25 Fontes parking area is located here, and the PR6 Madeira trailhead starts here at the Rabacal Forestry House.
As mentioned above, you can either walk from the parking lot or take the shuttle bus down to the Rabaçal Forestry House where the Levada trail starts.
The area is well marked and has basic facilities like toilets and a small café. This is particularly nice before and after the hike.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT LEVADAS 25 FONTES MADEIRA
As soon as you enter the trail, you’re straight into the greenery of the island and the scenery is already setting the tone for one of the most popular hikes in Madeira.
The Laurissilva Forest engulfs you with the sound of running water guiding you along the Levada. Be sure to take your time and marvel at the unique flora along the way.
At roughly the halfway point, follow the signs to the Risco Waterfall viewpoint, featuring the awe-inspiring Risco Waterfall emerging out of the valley.
The entire trail is signposted and it takes just 1.5 hours to reach Levadas das 25 Fontes, a beautiful curtain of falls that cascade into a natural pool below.
The return hike offers new, arguably more beautiful views. Expect to hike for about 3 to 4 hours in total – every minute is worth it!
Do note that the trail gets very busy during the day causing traffic jams, so I recommend starting the hike as early as possible.
The same goes for parking, it gets full pretty quickly, so again, make sure to come early to get a spot.
MAIN VIEWPOINTS ON THE PR6 HIKE MADEIRA
Just like the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike, there are several viewpoints you can’t miss on this hike, and these are the ones you’ll love stopping at for photos:
- Rabaçal Valley View: As soon as you leave the Rabaçal Forestry House, there is a view of the green mountains and the Rabaçal Valley.
- Waterfalls along the Levada: Along the Levada, several waterfalls are framed by the Laurissilva Forest.
- Risco Viewpoint: Halfway along the trail, the Risco Waterfall viewpoint is not to be missed.
- 25 Fontes Lagoon: At the end of the trail, the 25 Fontes Lagoon is the main attraction where all the springs meet in a shallow pool.
LEVADAS DAS 25 FONTES MADEIRA – FAQ
Now that you have a better understanding of the logistics and what to expect on the hike, let’s answer some frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES?
The best time to hike is April to June and September to October. During these months the weather is mild and with fewer people on the trail. Spring brings the flowers and makes the hike even more beautiful.
Start early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and crowds, and to get a parking spot at Rabaçal.
I don’t recommend the hike in winter or after heavy rain as the trails are slippery and not safe in all parts. Check the weather forecast before you go for a more enjoyable and safe hike!
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PR6 MADEIRA HIKE?
For the PR6 Madeira hike, wear hiking boots with good grip as the trail can be wet and uneven. Bring a waterproof jacket or a poncho as the weather can be sporadic.
Also, take enough water and some snacks or a light lunch. Don’t forget sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
Last but not least, if you plan to use the shuttle bus bring some cash as well. As mentioned above, it costs €5 euros per person one way, or €8 return.
The BEST Affordable Camera For Travel
If you’re on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II.
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SAFETY TIPS FOR HIKING LEVADAS DAS 25 FONTES
We felt very comfortable the whole time on the hike as safety railings were in place. That being said, stay on the marked route and don’t go off-trail, some areas are steep and narrow.
Be careful when walking near the Levadas, the edges are slippery due to moss and water. As mentioned before, start early so you have enough daylight and check the shuttle bus schedule if you’re using it.
Needless to say, always respect nature so it’s preserved for future hikers – It couldn’t be more important with the number of people that visit daily!
WHERE TO STAY IN MADEIRA?
Funchal is the main hub on Madeira Island with dozens of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.
Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: MELIA MADEIRA MARE
Melia Madeira Mare is a sleek and modern hotel just a short distance from Funchal’s city center. With stunning Atlantic Ocean views, the hotel offers luxurious rooms with balconies and a comfortable seating area.
You can relax by the pool or enjoy the full-service spa, which includes a sauna and massage treatments.
The on-site restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner, and that’s excellent if you don’t plan to head out in the evening.
MID-RANGE: PESTANA CASINO STUDIOS
Pestana Casino Studios offers a fantastic location in the heart of Funchal, with the added bonus of an outdoor swimming pool.
The spacious studio units come with air conditioning, a kitchenette, and soundproofing for a comfortable stay.
You’ll also have access to free Wi-Fi and daily room service. The 24-hour front desk is a plus, and nearby attractions like Marina do Funchal and Gorgulho Beach make exploring easy.
BUDGET: 29 MADEIRA HOSTEL
Located right in the center of Funchal, 29 Madeira Hostel provides affordable, charming accommodations. The dorms are thoughtfully designed with local craftsmanship and offer shared bathrooms.
For more privacy, you can book a double or twin room. This hostel’s central location makes it easy to explore nearby restaurants that serve authentic Madeiran cuisine.
It’s a perfect budget-friendly spot for travelers looking to enjoy the local culture without breaking the bank.
For More Options, Check Hotels in Madeira on Booking.com
SUMMARY – LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES MADEIRA
So there you have it, everything you need to know to plan your PR6 Madeira hike.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
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