PR 6.2 — Levada do Alecrim
Briefly
A high-altitude levada trail located in the Rabaçal area that follows the Alecrim stream. The path is mostly flat and open, offering expansive views of the plateau and the Rabaçal valley. It leads to the crystal-clear Lagoa “Dona Beja,” a natural lagoon that feeds the waterfalls located further down the valley.
Basic Information
Start: Rabaçal (Parking ER110)
End: Lagoa Dona Beja (and back)
Distance: 7 km (round trip)
Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Rabaçal Parking — Included in ticket
Best season: All year round
How to Get There
The trail starts directly at the main Rabaçal parking lot (ER110). Look for the signs pointing to PR 6.2 near the top of the asphalt road.
Open Miradouro do Rabaçal on Google Maps
Important: Unlike PR 6 and PR 6.1, this trail begins at the top. You do not need to take the shuttle bus or walk down to Casa do Rabaçal to start this hike.
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Swimwear and towel (if you want to dip in the lagoon)
- Sunscreen (the trail is very exposed to the sun)
- Water and snacks
Key Points
- The Destination: The trail ends at Lagoa Dona Beja. The water is very cold but refreshing during summer.
- Accessibility: This is one of the easiest levadas in the area because it avoids the steep stairs found on the lower trails.
- Flora: You will walk through tunnels of ancient tree heathers (Erica arborea) that are characteristic of this altitude.
- Crowds: Generally quieter than the 25 Fontes trail, but the lagoon area can get busy midday.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 6.3 — Vereda da Lagoa do Vento: Branches off this trail and leads to a lagoon at the top of the Risco waterfall.
- PR 13 — Vereda do Fanal: Another high-altitude trail with mystical forest scenery.
- PR 6.8 — Levada do Paul II: A very short and fully accessible flat walk on the plateau nearby.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 