8.6 km round trip
Distance
7 hours
3-4 hours hiking
TOUR Time
Moderate
Difficulty
1288 m / 964 m
MAX / MIX AlTITUDE
EN, FR, ES, PT
Tour lanuage options
Why hike 25 Fontes with us?
The Island's Iconic Classics
Half of Madeira's Instagram feed is this waterfall and for good reason. But the crowds, the tight parking at Rabaçal, and the queue for photos at the lagoon can turn a beautiful trail into a logistics headache if you go it alone. We fix all of that before you've even laced your boots. Anyone can point you toward the trailhead. What you're actually paying for is timing, pace, and a guide who's walked this levada more times than he can count.
About the Trail
The levada itself is 19th-century engineering — a hand-carved water channel that still irrigates farms below, cut straight into the cliffside. You'll walk beside it through dense, ancient forest, the path narrow enough in places that you'll want proper footwear, before the trees open up at the lagoon: a still, glass-clear pool fed by 25 natural springs, which is exactly where the trail gets its name.
A Relaxed Pace, Pitstops & Poncha
A great day in the mountains is about enjoying the journey, not just ticking off kilometers. We keep the vibe casual, breaking by natural springs and stopping for an optional forest picnic lunch if you like. No matter which route you choose, we always wrap up our mountain treks the traditional way: stopping at a local village tavern for a fresh, authentic Madeira poncha to toast an unforgettable day in the wild.
Inclusions, Gear & PRICING
What’s Included
- Certified local mountain guide
- 7-8 hour tour
- Private transport with driver
- View points pre or post hike
- Portuguese insurance
What to Bring
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- Warm Layers
- At least 1.5L Water
- High-Energy Snacks
- Waterproof Jacket
Not included:
- Meals and drinks (Picnic add-on option €15pp)
- Hiking gear
- Extra clothing
CUSTOM HikING TOUR FROM
€300 for 1–2 pax
€370 for 3–6 pax
Key Highlights:
- Hotel pick up and drop off included
- Trail entry tickets booking if required
- Qualified and first-aid trained mountain guide
- Fully private tour and transport
The Adventure Schedule
PR6 Itinerary
01
Hotel Pickup
Early bird collection from your accommodation.
02
Coffee/shop stop
For guests to be able to buy snacks, have a coffee & use the bathroom
03
Arrive at PR6
Start the 4.3km hike to the waterfall through tunnels
04
Lunch with a view
Enjoy your lunch or a picnic at the waterfall before we head back
05
Hike back to the transport
Hike back to the start, a total of 8.6km around 4 hours hiking
06
Visit Viewpoints
Visit a few off the beaten track viewpoints and enjoy a Poncha or two!
07
Head back to the hotel
We will return back to your accommodation or port location
Loved by Hikers Worldwide
Trusted by Adventurers
Join hundreds of adventurers who have hiked with our expert local guidance
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we offer convenient pickup & drop-off from anywhere on the island including The Funchal Port. Please note, tour start and end times may vary.
It's moderate rather than hard. The levada path itself is gentle, but the trail includes a long run of stairs down into the valley, and you climb them again on the way back. No hiking experience is needed, but you should be comfortable on your feet for a few hours. Your guide sets the pace and stops whenever you want to.
It's one of the busiest trails on the island, and it fills up from mid-morning as tour groups arrive. The early start is the main advantage of doing it privately. We time your arrival to get you walking before the crowds, and the parking at Rabaçal is much easier that way too.
Trail tickets are booked and included in the tour price, ensuring everything is arranged before the day of your hike. If required an additional cost will be added to the total tour price.
