• Levada das 25 Fontes

  • 1

PR 6 - Levada das 25 Fontes

 
  • Itinerary
  • Rabaçal - Casas do Rabaçal - 25 Fontes
  • Start
  • Rabaçal (E.R. 105)
  • End
  • Rabaçal (E.R. 105)

 

 

Datasheet

  • Typology
  • PR
  • Difficulty
  • EASY
  • Terrain
  • REGULAR
  • Direction
  • ROUND TRIP
  • Distance
  • 9 KM (2x 4,5 KM)
  •  Time
  • 3h30min – 4h

3D Route

Source: Google Earth

How to get there

 

With Funchal as a reference and keeping in mind that the regional road (ER. 105) between Encumeada and Rabaçal is temporarily closed, we recommend the following route:

  • Take the Via Rápida (VR1) towards Ribeira Brava;
  • In Ribeira Brava, follow the Via Expresso (VE3) towards Ponta do Sol and Calheta;
  • Once you reach the village of Arco da Calheta, at the roundabout take the first exit towards E.R. 222;
  • In Loreto follow the signs towards Rabaçal;
  • Once there the walk is on the right hand side.

 

Points of Interest

Levada das 25 Fontes (25 Fountains) is one of the most sought-after walks for tourists and Madeirans alike and it is easy to see why. As with Levada do Risco, you may start this walk in two manners: either in Rabaçal on the E.R. 105 (formerly E.R. 110) or in the picnic area of Caldeira, known as “the garage”, located at Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro (formerly E.R. 211).

In either case the trail in easily accessible. We recommend taking the first option, as it makes for easier parking. There is also a service bus, provided by the Municipality of Calheta (3€ one way, 5€ return) that takes visitors down the 2km long paved road to the starting point: The Rabaçal Forestry House.

If you do choose to go down by foot, the profound scenery makes for an inspiring descent. 

Just before you arrive at the house, there is an unmarked trail to your right that takes you to Lagoa do Vento. For more information click here.

Once you arrive at the Rabaçal forestry house, make use of the toilets available as there are no others on the walk.

The trail is well marked, you need only follow the instructions given on the informational signs.

Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco flow parallel to each other, both heading to the Hydroelectric Power Station in Calheta. The scenery and landscape leading up to the Risco waterfall are identical, although each levada has its own particularities such as the waterfalls and views of the profound valleys. 

Along the way you’ll find a bridge that allows the crossing of Ribeira Grande (Great Stream). From this bridge you can spot the beautiful Risco waterfall, which is also the terminus of that same walk. 

To get to the end of Levada das 25 Fontes continue on from the bridge and climb a stone staircase enclosed strikingly by the water channel.

The route continues through a narrow path surrounded by tree heathers that form natural tunnels. Although the path is narrow there are safety fences throughout. As you continue there is a trail to the left that leads you to Levada da Rocha Vermelha, however we recommend an alternative route which you may find here.

Until the end of the Levada the route continues through the beautiful scenery of this protected area. To the left you should find stunning views of the deep Ribeira da Janela Vally that will accompany you to the terminus.

The name 25 fountains comes from the number of springs that provide the water flowing into the pretty lake all year round..

Safety

In addition to the safety guide the Municipality of Calheta prepared specifically for you, which you may find here, please note these more specific recommendations:

- This is one of the most visited levadas on the Island, so during your walk when approaching a narrow path, passage should be granted to whoever finds themselves in the less favourable position;

 - Although there are safety fences at the riskier points, do not support yourself on them when granting passage to other walkers;

 - During your walk, you’ll encounter many shortcuts. Other than the ones flagged or mentioned before, do not venture into unknown areas.

Map

 

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