Rabaçal, and 25 Fontes Guided Hiking Tour

Madeira



Embark on an 11-km moderate walk from Rabaçal Forestry Station,waterfall, continuing to Levada Nova do Rabaçal and the 25 Fontes Lake and waterfall on a trip from Funchal.

Rabaçal Levada Walk: 11 km Trail from Funchal or Caniço

This guided walking tour suits nature lovers seeking an 11 km route through Madeira’s Rabaçal region, featuring waterfalls, forests, and panoramic views.

Highlights

  • Explore waterfalls, lush foliage, and panoramic viewpoints
  • Walk an 11 km trail along Levada Nova do Rabaçal
  • Visit the 25 Fontes Lake, fed by multiple cascades
  • Experience the diverse flora of Madeira’s protected high-altitude area
  • Return to the south coast through the 800 m Cavaleiro tunnel

Description

Depart from Funchal or Caniço and travel to the Rabaçal Forestry Station in the Paúl da Serra region. The trail follows the Levada do Risco before joining the Levada Nova do Rabaçal. This moderate-difficulty path spans 11 km through forested surroundings and alongside cascading waters.

Along the route, hikers encounter the 25 Fontes Lake, named after its numerous waterfalls. The trail highlights Madeira’s indigenous and endemic plant species, especially high-altitude vegetation. Panoramic views over the protected landscape enhance the experience.

The walk concludes with the Cavaleiro tunnel, an approximately 800-meter passage that leads back to the island’s south coast.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Caniço or Funchal
  • Professional guide

Excludes

  • Food and drinks
  • €3 per person access fee

Important Information

  • Tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions or insufficient participants. Alternatives or full refunds will be provided in such cases.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Booking advice: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. The best time to visit is during dry weather for safer trail conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is an 11 km moderate walking tour along Levada Nova do Rabaçal, featuring waterfalls, native flora, and panoramic viewpoints in Madeira's Paúl da Serra region.
The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, heading to the Rabaçal Forestry Station in Madeira.
The route is approximately 11 kilometers and follows the Levada Nova do Rabaçal.
Highlights include the 25 Fontes Lake fed by multiple cascades, native high-altitude plants, waterfalls, and the 800-meter Cavaleiro tunnel on the return path.
The trail is rated moderate, so it is best suited for hikers with some experience and a reasonable fitness level.
Yes, the hike includes several waterfalls, especially near the 25 Fontes Lake area in Madeira.
The duration varies, but the 11 km hike typically takes around 4 to 5 hours including stops; check the website for exact times.
Sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended; no special equipment is needed.
Yes, the guided tour offers hotel pickup services from both Funchal and Caniço in Madeira.
Yes, the trail features Madeira’s indigenous plants and a variety of high-altitude flora along the levada route.

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