PR 6.3 — Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
Briefly
A rugged mountain path that takes you to the “Wind Lagoon” (Lagoa do Vento), situated at the top of the massive Risco waterfall. The trail offers a more technical experience than the standard levadas, with steep stone steps and dense forest sections. It provides a unique perspective of the Rabaçal plateau from the very edge of the mountain.
Basic Information
Start: Rabaçal (Parking ER110)
End: Lagoa do Vento (and back)
Distance: 6.8 km (round trip)
Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: ~300 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Rabaçal Parking — Included in ticket
Best season: All year round
How to Get There
Start on the PR 6.2 (Alecrim) trail from the main parking lot. After about 1.5 km, look for the PR 6.3 sign branching off to the left.
Open Miradouro do Rabaçal on Google Maps
Important: The final descent to the lagoon is steep and involves navigating rocky steps that can be slippery when wet.
What to Bring
- Hiking boots with good grip (essential for the descent)
- Raincoat (this area is often misty)
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
Key Points
- The View: You will be standing at the source of the Risco waterfall. For safety, never cross the barriers near the cliff edge.
- The Lagoon: Lagoa do Vento is large and surrounded by high rock walls, creating a secluded atmosphere.
- Physical Effort: This trail is significantly more tiring than the flat levada walks due to the elevation changes.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 6.2 — Levada do Alecrim: The easier, flatter trail that connects to this one.
- PR 6.1 — Levada do Risco: Leads to the base of the same waterfall you see from above on PR 6.3.
- PR 17 — Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal: For those looking for a long, challenging mountain experience.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 