PR 6.4 — Levada Velha do Rabaçal
Briefly
A short, charming connecting trail that follows one of the oldest water channels in the Rabaçal area. It winds through a dense forest of ancient tree heathers and laurels, linking the main plateau area to the Rabaçal forest house. It is much quieter than the main routes and perfect for a peaceful forest immersion.
Basic Information
Start: Rabaçal Parking (ER 110)
End: Casa do Rabaçal (and back)
Distance: 2.4 km (round trip)
Time: 45 min – 1 hour
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 near the top of the asphalt road at Rabaçal. Look for the sign “PR 6.4” near the entrance to the picnic area.
Open Miradouro do Rabaçal on Google Maps
Important: This is an excellent alternative to walking down the main asphalt road to reach the Rabaçal cafe.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Camera (for the ancient heather trees)
Key Points
- Historical Value: This is part of the original irrigation system built in the 19th century.
- Quiet Path: Very few tourists use this connection, making it great for birdwatching.
- Terrain: The path is narrow but flat, following the water flow.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 6.2 — Levada do Alecrim: Another high-altitude levada nearby.
- PR 6.5 — Vereda do Pico Fernandes: A short connecting mountain path in the same area.
- PR 6.8 — Levada do Paul II: An easy, accessible walk on the plateau.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 