One of the most popular trails in Madeira, the Levada das 25 Fontes hike, is relatively easy and leads you to a beautiful valley with lush vegetation.
This hike’s name comes from the ‘25 Fontes’ or ‘25 Fountains’ waterfall, which is the highlight of this Levada walk.
This Levada is also known for friendly birds around the waterfall area. If you bring them bird seeds, they will happily come to eat from your hand.
Levada das 25 Fontes is about 10 kilometers out and back in total. The 10km trail includes the detour to the Risco waterfall, which is about 1.6 kilometers in total distance.
From the Rabacal parking, it’s about 4,3 kilometers to the 25 Fontes waterfalls, while Risco waterfall adds around 800 meters each way.
However, if you take the minibus from the parking lot, you can save around 1.8 km each way.
Depending on how long you stay at the waterfall, it takes around 3 – 4 hours to finish the Levada das 25 Fontes hike.
25 Fontes trail is considered moderately difficult, as some inclines and many stairs are involved.
A taxi from Funchal on the other hand will cost you about 50 euros.
Unfortunately, no public transport can take you to the starting point of the 25 Fontes hike, so the best way to get there is by renting a car. The parking lot is free of charge.
You don’t need a lot of gear for the 25 Fontes hike in Madeira, but you need comfy trekking/hiking shoes, a jacket, a raincoat, and some snacks.
The weather in the valley can change dramatically by the hour, so it's best to come prepared.
Navigating the trail should be pretty easy, as you just need to make sure to follow the PR6 sign for the 25 Fontes levada hike.