Levada Risco & 25 Fontes
Rabaçal, Calheta
PR6 & 6.1. Both trails begin on the regional road ER105 or the ER211 (if using the tunnel), and go down as far as the Rabaçal Guest house. The trails diverge along two parallel levadas located on different levels. Trail PR 6.1 goes along Levada do Risco, at 1000m above sea level, taking the hiker to an impressive waterfall, which falls horizontally and creates a ridge in the rock.
Taking the path down to PR6 one can visit the 25 Spring Lagoon (Lagoa das 25 Fontes), created by the waters which come down from the plateau of Paúl da Serra) and mysteriously appear from behind the wall that forms the lagoon, where you can see more than 25 springs. This area includes the Madeiran laurisilva forest which has classified as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO, since December 1999 and is part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000.
The 25 Fountains levada, which is also known as Levada Nova do Rabaçal, began construction in 1835 and water started flowing through it on September 16th, 1855, running from north to south.
Don't miss the little fresh spring water fountain nearby the Rabaçal guest house.
- Medium
- 4.5h
- 11km | 6.8mi
- Bring water, snacks, appropriate clothing & footwear.
- Be aware of weather conditions and potential hazards.
- Notify the taxi driver or someone else about your hiking plans and stick to marked trails.
- Choose hikes that match your fitness level and experience.
- Make sure to bring a torch for the tunnel.
- Depending on the chosen route, it may have steps.
- There are sections of the path that are narrow and slippery.
- Possible vertigo. Do not put too much weight on the protection barriers.
- Up to 8 passengers per car
- 3 cars available
- 24 group max.
- Return trip included