FUNCHAL ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into the Green Heart of Madeira: The Classic Levada from Paúl da Serra to Risco and the 25 Fontes
A focused field guide to the celebrated levada walk that threads high moorland, twin levadas and two waterfalls — useful for planning gear, route flow and what to expect on the trail.
Into the Green Heart of Madeira: The Classic Levada from Paúl da Serra to Risco and the 25 Fontes.
Embark on the island’s most popular levada walk, an alpine-to-valley route that begins on the high plateau of Paúl da Serra and winds through the verdant Rabaçal valley to two dramatic waterfalls — the 100‑metre Risco and the 30‑metre 25 Fontes — amid giant ferns and relic Laurissilva vegetation.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paúl da Serra and the Rabaçal Valley
The route starts on the regional road at Paúl da Serra (around 1,000 metres altitude) and drops into the Rabaçal valley, a patchwork of high moorland and lush green slopes that is widely considered one of Madeira’s most beautiful valleys.
Two Parallel Levadas and Two Waterfalls
Hikers follow the Levada do Risco to a viewing balcony above the Risco waterfall, then continue along the Levada das 25 Fontes to a second cascade that feeds a small lagoon ringed by giant ferns; the two levadas run in parallel toward the Calheta hydroelectric works.
Laurissilva Trees, Rare Mocano and Island Birds
The walk traverses zones of heather and high‑altitude scrub featuring Madeira heather and blueberry, and passes species of the Laurissilva forest — including the rare mountain mocano — with chances to spot endemic birds such as the island’s pigeon.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The day unfolds as a long, linear walk that begins on a paved road at Paúl da Serra, proceeds toward the Casa Florestal do Rabaçal, then descends the valley alongside the Levada do Risco to a balcony above the dramatic Risco drop. From there the route continues down the Levada das 25 Fontes to a second waterfall and a small pool surrounded by giant ferns. Along the way the levadas and the local vegetation define the experience; at the end walkers either return the same way or take a long tunnel that leads back to the regional road in Calheta.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits — and what the operator states about participant limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is listed as approximately 7 hours 45 minutes (commonly described as an 8‑hour day), so plan a full day for the walk.
Good hiking shoes or boots with solid grip; an all‑conditions jacket; a torch or mobile phone flashlight for tunnel sections; and optionally a walking stick for added confidence.
Expect paved approaches, valley levada paths and tunnel passages; dress in layers to respond to mountain microclimates and bring water and snacks for the long day.
A meeting point will be arranged with guests based on their location; verify pickup details with the operator before the hike.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the hike?
The verified duration is listed as 7 hours 45 minutes (commonly rounded to an 8‑hour day).
Where does the walk start?
The route begins on the regional road at Paúl da Serra, at roughly 1,000 metres altitude.
Where is the meeting point?
A meeting point will be set and communicated in advance, taking into account guests’ locations.
Do I need a torch?
Yes — the operator recommends bringing a torch or using your phone’s flashlight to help traverse some tunnel sections on this and related levada walks.
What are the main sights on the route?
Key sights include the Risco waterfall (a 100‑metre vertical drop), the 25 Fontes waterfall and pool (around 30 metres), giant ferns and endemic Laurissilva species such as the mountain mocano.