Levada do Rabaçal – Risco – 25 Fontes

This journey begins on the high plateau of Paul da Serra, where the landscape opens into wide stretches of greenery and rolling mountains. The trail gently descends into the lush Rabacal valley, a place known for its rich vegetation and peaceful atmosphere. As you walk through this serene setting, shades of green surround you from every direction, creating one of the most beautiful natural scenes on the island. The path leads toward the forest shelter of Rabacal and then continues along a tranquil irrigation channel that guides you to a tall and striking waterfall. Here, a natural balcony offers a perfect place to pause and appreciate the cliff face draped in water as it drops into the valley below. The views are impressive and provide a wonderful glimpse into the raw beauty of the Madeira highlands.

The trail then continues deeper into the valley, following another levada that leads toward a second waterfall tucked among large ferns and moss covered rock walls. This magical spot is surrounded by cool air and the sound of flowing water. It is one of the most iconic places on the island, where countless springs create a peaceful pool at the base of the rock. Throughout the walk, you will pass through areas filled with native plants such as mountain heather, berry shrubs, and old laurel species that form part of the Laurissilva Forest, a protected natural treasure. With luck, you may also see one of the island’s unique mountain birds gliding through the trees. At the end of the hike, the route either continues through a long tunnel leading back toward the road or returns along the same peaceful path, allowing you to enjoy the scenery once more.