A Full Guide to the 25 Fontes Walk and Risco Waterfall
The Levada das 25 Fontes hike and the Risco Waterfall are among the most popular Levada walks on Madeira island. The hike is also known as the PR6 Fontes walk and is translated to mean 25 fountains in English, which you guessed it – you will be able to see on your walk. You will also see the beautiful Risco waterfall, located at an altitude of 1000m above sea level, which flows vertically, forming an unnatural ridge within the rocks.
The hike is in Rabaçal, a nature reserve that is full of beautiful green, lush scenery. The hiking route begins on a paved route and is well marked due to its popularity, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about getting lost!
Along the way, it is possible to observe a variety of fauna and flora from the surrounding area. At this elevation, the landscape includes heaths that include Erica arborea and Erica scoparia. Along with Madeira whortleberry (Vaccinium padifolium). There is also the mountain mocano, a rare species (Pittosporum coriaceum). This species is included in the Laurisilva forest in Madeira and was designated in 1999 as a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The walk we describe starts from the car park, goes down the road to the Risco Cascade and follows the Levada to 25 Fontes. Once you have arrived at the 25 Fontes, enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the surroundings, such as the waterfalls that gush into a beautiful lagoon.
Then, retrace your stepson your way back. You can visit Rabacal Forestry House for a beer, drink, coffee, or food. The house appears tiny when you consider the magnificence of the mountains surrounding it. This article shares parking information, top tips, walking directions, and alternatives to help you plan a fabulous day out.
Levada das 25 Fontes Walk and Risco Waterfall Details
Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 755m
Distance: 10.2km / 6.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (a lot of steps on the way back)
Route Type: Out and back
Levada das 25 Fontes Map
Levada das 25 Fontes Starting Point
The walk begins from the car park. You can follow the Google Map Directions here. It will take around an hour to drive from Funchal and is 41km away in the southwest of the island in Rabaçal.
After driving on steep roads (take your time), you will arrive at a large car park. This car park can be extremely crowded, so expect to see others when you arrive. Unfortunately, there are no public transport options, so you will have to drive yourself, or you will have to go on a tour.
Levada das 25 Fontes Parking
The car park is large and free to use. Be careful not to block in other cars and park responsibly. There are no facilities in the car park, but there is an information point with the map and route for guidance.
The closest toilets are at the Rabacal Forestry House, at the end of the paved road. These cost 50 cents to use, and you will need coins. The cafe has a beautiful outdoor terrace, and we would recommend a stop at the end of your hike. We had orange juice and a coffee before we hiked back up the road.
Levada das 25 Fontes Shuttle
If you don’t fancy walking back up the hill or down the hill. A shuttle will take you to and from the car park. The opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, and it costs €3 one way and €5 on return. There are some things to keep in mind during this time. It’s a small bus that can accommodate 6-8 people, so you may have to wait long before getting on the shuttle! For example, we saw long queues forming at around 2pm.
Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall Weather
Based on the season you decide to hike around Madeira in, and also taking into account our unpredictable weather conditions, it is essential to be prepared for Levada walks.
The weather in Madeira could change abruptly. Please check current forecasts for the area here: Levada das 25 Fontes Weather
Top Tips
- Landslides can occur, branches may fall, and pathways can become slippery. If you have an emergency, dial 112 for help and stay on the marked paths.
- Remember to bring water and snacks with you.
- There are many tour groups on this path, so we suggest you come as early as possible to avoid them. Some of the paths are narrow, and you might find yourself in a traffic jam.
- Dress properly. Make sure you have an extra jacket and put your hiking boots or shoes on with a good grip. A lot of people used trainers for this walk. However, some sections were wet.
- Carry a torch if you plan on walking back through the tunnel.
- If you’re hiking by yourself on Madeira, make sure you are prepared and gather all up-to-date details about the path you intend to follow. Are the trails in good condition? No landslides? On the official website of Visit Madeira, you will get the most up-to-date information about the walks.
- Find out the amount of time it will take to complete the hike so that you’ll arrive before sunset. You do not want to be navigating in the dark!
Levada das 25 Fontes Walk Directions in 6 Easy Steps
1. From the car park, walk down the paved road. You will see a sign that says 25 Fontes to tell you the direction you should go. The path curves downhill, and the scenery is beautiful. Take it all in.
2. Watch out for the shuttle as it passes up and down the road. After 1.9km, you will see an information point and a sign for 25 Fontes and Risco Falls. Turn right now and begin the Levada walk through the trees.
3. Continue straight and follow the signs. Now, you come to a crossroads, and you can decide whether you want to detour to Risco waterfall. It is only 800m to Risco Waterfall if you want to make the detour. We promise it is worth it. Go up the steps and continue walking around, and you will see the magnificent waterfall in front of you. There is a viewpoint where you can take a moment to appreciate its beauty. “Risco,” meaning Risk in English, is a 100m tall waterfall composed of a series of streams of various sizes that flow downwards down the mountainside. Its base is stones covered with tiny plants and a small natural pool.
4. After, you will need to trace your footsteps back to how you came. When you come to the crossroads once more, turn left and go down. Follow the direction of 25 Fontes 2.1km and go down. At the bottom, turn right and walk with the Levada on your right.
5. Go down the steps, across the bridge, and up the other side. Some paths become very narrow in places, so watch out for others. Eventually, you will come to a crossroads. You should take a right and follow the sign. Keep walking, and you will have arrived at the falls.
6. Now you need to retrace your steps back! We suggest you stop at the cafe before you head back up the hill. They serve food, drinks, and coffee. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to complete the Levada das 25 Fontes trail?
Since the Levada das 25 Fontes hike is among the most well-known hikes in Madeira, it is likely to be extremely packed with people. The earlier you begin, the fewer people will be there. Therefore, the best time to hike is early in the morning so that you don’t walk with a crowd later in the day.
When it comes to the ideal time to visit Levada das 25 Fontes, you must be aware that the waterfalls only become strong after days of heavy rain! Usually, the waterfalls are not as impressive and extensive as after days of rainfall in the summer.
Can you swim at Levada das 25 Fontes?
Only the brave souls will swim at the waterfall. It is said to be extremely cold, no matter the time of your visit. Do you dare? We did not!
Do I need a guide for the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco waterfall hike?
Hire a professional guide if you are going on your first Levada walk and are not used to hiking. Most Levada walks are easy, flat, and famous, including the most well-known Levadas found in Madeira. If you would prefer to have an experienced guide beside you on your walk-in Madeira, you won’t only be able to learn more about nature but also feel much safer.
What is a Levada?
If you’re planning to visit Madeira for the first time, it’s possible to wonder what the word Levada really means. It is often used to refer to the various Madeira trails for hiking. What is the source of these Levadas, and what is their function?
Levadas are tiny canals of water that wind through the mountains. They are referred to as “carriageways.” The water canals are irrigation systems created to transfer water from the more humid regions in the northern part of Madeira to the dry and sunnier areas in the south, where many plantations are situated. The levadas run a total distance of approximately 2500 km from the centre of the Laurissilva forest, all the way to the steepest rugged slopes.
The genesis of levadas originates from the fifteenth century. Levadas were first constructed to supply water to help irrigate sugarcane plantations. In the past, sugar was called the “white gold” because it was considered the principal motor of Madeira’s economy between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Are there any alternative routes to the Levada das 25 Fontes route already suggested?
Another option begins from the car park of the ER211 road and is known as the Calheta Tunnel Route. It can be found as ‘Rear exit tunnel Levada Das 25 Fontes’ on Google Maps. The route is more straightforward, with less elevation, and you won’t see as many waterfalls. If you’re looking for an alternative to avoid the elevation, you could follow this route. However, remember that you’ll need to go through an 800-metre deep tunnel in darkness. You will definitely need a headlamp or torch for this route.
We hope you found this complete guide to the Levada das 25 Fontes walk and Risco Waterfall useful. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
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We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.