PR6 — Levada das 25 Fontes (25 Springs)
Status: 
Open
Updated: April 2026
Briefly
Madeira’s most popular levada. 25 natural springs, a waterfall, and the UNESCO-listed Lauricilva forest. One 800-meter tunnel—don’t go without a flashlight. It’s very crowded in the summer—come before 9 a.m. or choose May, September, or October.
Basic information
Start: “Rabaça”
l
Finish: 25 Fontes Waterfall
Distance: 11 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: 324 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance: €4.50 (€3 with tour operator)
Parking: Rabaçal — included in ticket
Best season: All year round (spring and fall are best)
How to find
Rabaçal parking — search on Google Maps: “Miradouro do Rabaçal” or “Rabaçal Shuttle Bus”
Open parking on Google Maps
From Funchal, it’s about a 50-minute drive. The route is via Caleita (south) or São Vicente (north).
Important: From the parking lot to the official trailhead, it’s a 2-km downhill drive on asphalt. You can walk (20 minutes down, 35 minutes back up) or take a minibus. The shuttle doesn’t run early in the morning, so if you want to avoid the crowds, walk.
What you need to bring:
Trekking boots (the trail can be wet)
A flashlight is a must (800m tunnel)
Raincoat
Water
Important to know:
Tunnel: 800 meters, dark, wet in places. A flashlight is a must – seriously.
Crowds: PR6 is the most crowded trail on the island. In July and August, morning spots are booked out several days in advance. Arrive before 9:00 AM – buses with tourists arrive later.
Weather: The trail is protected by forest, but slippery after rain. The waterfall is much more beautiful after rain.
Safety: There have been accidents on the trail. Don’t take selfies in narrow areas, don’t lean over cliffs, and be careful on wet rocks.
Café: There’s a café at the trailhead (Casa do Rabaçal) where you can enjoy good cake and quiche, and take a break after the hike.
Reservations
From January 2026, reservations are required—this is mandatory, not recommended.
Book: SIMplifica
Madeiran residents: Free, but reservations are also required.
Similar Trails you might like:
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PR 6.1 — Levada do Risco: A short, flat detour from the same starting point to a massive, vertical waterfall.
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PR 9 — Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Another iconic waterfall trek with longer tunnels and deep forest.
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PR 13 — Vereda do Fanal: For more of the ancient laurel forest experience on the same plateau.
*Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 