25 Fontes Levada
Hike through Madeira's emerald forests to discover the magical 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
25 Fontes Levada
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through Madeira's emerald forests to discover the magical 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.
"Great hike but come EARLY! The waterfalls are amazing when you have them to yourself."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for prime parking. Street parking might be easier to exit.
👟 Essential Footwear
Wear non-slip shoes; trails get slippery, especially near waterfalls.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 9,367 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
25 Fontes Waterfall
Rabaçal area
Discover a magical cascade feeding a serene pool, a true gem of Madeira's natural beauty.
Risco Waterfall
Rabaçal area
A more expansive and often more impressive waterfall, offering breathtaking views.
Levada Walkways
Throughout the trail
Trek along historic irrigation channels through lush, verdant forests.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Waterfall
Footwear & Route Choice: Essential Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for prime parking. Street parking might be easier to exit.
👟 Essential Footwear
Wear non-slip shoes; trails get slippery, especially near waterfalls.
🔦 Tunnel Trek
Bring a flashlight if you plan to use shorter, tunnel routes.
💧 Waterfall Choice
Risco waterfall views can be more stunning than 25 Fontes for some.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for prime parking. Street parking might be easier to exit.
👟 Essential Footwear
Wear non-slip shoes; trails get slippery, especially near waterfalls.
🔦 Tunnel Trek
Bring a flashlight if you plan to use shorter, tunnel routes.
💧 Waterfall Choice
Risco waterfall views can be more stunning than 25 Fontes for some.
🚖 Taxi Back Option
Consider a taxi from the bottom back to your starting point.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls, describing the hike as a magical experience through lush forests. However, many warn of significant crowds, especially during peak hours, which can detract from the tranquility. The slippery trails and challenging uphill sections are also noted, emphasizing the need for proper footwear and an early start.
"Finding a car Parking is difficult so either you come early on the morning or after noon time, otherwise you will park your car far. The way is descending for around 1.8Km until you reach the cafe and there is a shuttle bus with fee to take you from the road to the cafe.
There is fee to enter the trial (3€ P/P) which is recently being applied and there is guy with a machine to collect it.
Around 200 m from passing this check point you will take a stairs down to the Lavada and you will walk beside it until you reach the waterfall which is the end of the trail.
When I returned back I took the Risco route as it is only 800m long to reach it end as it ended on a beautiful view over 3 waterfalls."
Majed Alashari
"Two key tips:
1️⃣ Check the mountain weather forecast / webcam before going up.
2️⃣ Get there early (around 8am). Both the track and the parking get insanely busy.
✨️ Bonus points: If you're up early anyway, squeeze in sunrise from the Pico Ruivo do Paul. It is stunning and just 5 min down the road.
The hike 🚶♀️ :
Pretty walk that starts on the asphalt. There's a minibus service to and from the halfway point (€5), where you'll also find the café and bathrooms. After that the walk continues next to a levada. It's out and back with quite some steps, but super easy to navigate. Be aware that the way in is downhill... soooo you need to go up to get back out. Worth it for the gorgeous waterfalls, views and forest."
Rianne van de Mast
"Nice hike, not long and relatively easy.
Must see!
A few tips:
* Beware that path back is mostly upstrairs.
* Be careful of the tree branches so you don’t hit your head, many peoply were hitted when go upstrairs.
* Start earlier to avoid crowd
* Pay 3 eur state fee for the path to get your QR pass."
Vi Pi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While car hire is convenient, you can also find taxi services and organized tours that handle transport to the Rabaçal area. Some travelers opt for a one-day car hire for flexibility.
The main parking lot at Rabaçal is the closest starting point. Arriving before 8 AM is crucial to secure a spot and avoid congestion. Street parking might offer easier entry and exit.
Direct public transport to the trailhead is limited. Organized tours or private transfers are the most common ways to reach the Rabaçal area if you don't have a car.
Public bus routes do not typically go directly to the Rabaçal trailhead. It's best to arrange transport via tour or taxi.
The drive to Rabaçal involves winding mountain roads. Ensure your vehicle is suitable and drive cautiously.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for the 25 Fontes Levada trail itself. Access is free, but parking may have associated costs.
The trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, it's best to start early to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light.
No, the waterfalls at 25 Fontes and Risco are natural attractions and do not have admission fees.
Aim for very early morning, ideally before 8 AM, or late afternoon. Weekdays are also less crowded than weekends.
No booking is required for the 25 Fontes hike. It's a public trail, but popular times can feel very crowded.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The round-trip hike to 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls is approximately 10 kilometers and takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
The trail has some uphill sections and stairs, making it moderately challenging for untrained individuals. It's generally well-maintained but can be slippery.
Yes, some routes to the 25 Fontes waterfall involve short tunnels. You'll need a flashlight for these sections.
While the description mentions a swimming spot, it's often crowded and the water can be cold. It's more for dipping than leisurely swimming.
The viewpoints overlooking the waterfalls and the lush forest along the levada offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the cascades and the unique levada paths.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe midway along the Risco waterfall route offering refreshments and sandwiches, though prices can be around €6 per sandwich.
Bringing your own snacks and water is highly recommended, especially for longer hikes. There are limited options on the trail.
The cafe offers sandwiches, drinks, and other refreshments. It's a convenient stop for a break during your hike.
Dining options are scarce directly at the trailhead. It's best to eat before or after your hike in nearby towns like Calheta or Funchal.
Prices at the cafe are moderate, with sandwiches costing around €6. It's a convenient but not budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfalls and lush scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and waterfalls. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on wet surfaces.
The main cascade of 25 Fontes and the dramatic drop of Risco waterfall are prime locations. The levada paths themselves also make for scenic shots.
The best strategy is to visit very early in the morning or on a weekday. Patience and creative framing can also help.
Drone usage may be restricted in natural parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit