25 Fontes Hike Guide (PR6): 4 Routes To Consider

The 25 Fontes hike is one you’ll hear everyone talking about in Madeira! Following a levada through the lush Rabaçal Valley, you’ll reach a natural pool beneath an amphitheatre-like rock wall, with dozens of little waterfalls trickling down its mossy sides.

But there’s more than one way to reach 25 Fontes. I’ve hiked four different routes, including the classic Levada das 25 Fontes, while exploring the best hikes in Madeira.

Some skip the road section; others take in extra waterfalls along the way.

In this 25 Fontes hiking guide, I’ll explain how the four routes compare and which I recommend, so you can choose the best one for you. I’ll also share my favourite alternatives if you’d prefer somewhere less busy.

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Where Is The 25 Fontes Hike?

The 25 Fontes hike is in Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley. This part of Madeira is so, so green. The slopes are coated in Laurissilva (laurel) forest, with levadas (the island’s irrigation channels) carrying water to agricultural land elsewhere on the island.

The trails in the Rabaçal Valley are best known for their waterfalls and natural pools, where you can take pictures and, if you dare to brave the cold, take a dip!

Why Is Levada das 25 Fontes So Popular?

There are a few hikes in Madeira that really take the limelight. There’s the PR1 trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, a mountain path high above the clouds that’s surrounded by chiselled mountains. That one has the ‘wow’ factor.

There’s also the PR8 trail, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, which became iconic in Madeira for its dusty orange landscape and winding peninsula.

But Levada das 25 Fontes is totally different from those two. Just as popular in its own right, it lets you experience Madeira’s waterfalls. Once you’re in Madeira, you’ll realise that waterfalls are everywhere, especially after rain!

Part of the appeal is that you don’t have to climb a mountain to reach the 25 Fontes waterfall. Along the trail, I saw families, older people, big hiking groups and solo travellers.

The effort involved depends on your route (more on that below!), but the rewards include flowing levadas, lush valley views and that dreamy waterfall pool.

Is The 25 Fontes Hike Worth It? My Personal Opinion

Honestly, after doing 22+ hikes in Madeira, I find the traditional Levada das 25 Fontes hike overrated. The waterfall itself is unusual to look at, but the crowds are often so loud and overwhelming it’s difficult to appreciate it.

What I do like, though, is combining 25 Fontes with the Risco Waterfall. You’ll still battle with some crowds, but the two waterfalls together make it a more worthwhile hike.

Which 25 Fontes Route Should You Do? A Quick Overview

There are several different hiking routes to the 25 Fontes waterfall.

How To Reach 25 Fontes

Do You Need To Book the 25 Fontes Hike?

If you’re hiking independently, book your trail access through SIMplifica before you go. Check the requirements for your chosen route, especially if you’re combining several trails, and save your booking confirmation on your phone.

How Much Does it Cost to Hike the PR6 in Madeira?

As of 2026, it costs €4.50 per person for non-residents to hike Levada das 25 Fontes (the PR6). Children aged 12 and under are exempt from the fee, although they still need a booking.

If you’re combining two or more trails on the same day, such as Levada do Alecrim and Levada das 25 Fontes, the total fee is €9 per person.

4 of The Best Ways to Do the 25 Fontes Hike

1. Levada Das 25 Fontes, the Classic PR6 Route

What To Expect, Including My Experience

The classic Levada das 25 Fontes route begins at Rabaçal viewpoint car park, with a downhill walk along a paved road into the valley. This is my least favourite thing about this approach: you have to climb back up it at the end!

Once you leave the road behind, the scenery becomes much more appealing. You’ll follow the levada through lush woodland, with running water beside the path and glimpses of the green valley through the trees.

The destination is the 25 Fontes waterfall pool, where little streams of water trickle down a moss-covered rock wall.

It’s an unusual setting, but as I mentioned earlier, the crowds make it difficult to fully appreciate.

For me, this route is more worthwhile if you add the detour to Risco Waterfall. Otherwise, you’ll return from 25 Fontes towards Rabaçal, finishing with that uphill road section back to the car park.

Difficulty

Don’t mistake a levada walk for a completely flat walk! This route includes steps and an uphill return to the car park, so allow some energy for the way back.

Some stretches beside the levada are narrow, which can make passing other hikers awkward when it’s busy. Wear shoes with good grip and take your time on wet sections.

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2. Levada das 25 Fontes via Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo (PR6.6)

What To Expect, Including My Experience

I hiked 25 Fontes via Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo (PR6.6) on a sunny October day. My friend, Joao, who lives in Madeira, had the idea.

The main parking area for 25 Fontes can get exceptionally busy, so instead we parked at the roadside parking area for PR6.6 and began our hike through Túnel do Cavalo.

Before entering the tunnel, there’s a pretty green valley with two waterfalls in the distance.

The tunnel is long (about 800 metres) and eerie, but brings you out into the Rabaçal Valley.

You avoid the road descent from Rabaçal car park, joining Levada das 25 Fontes partway along.

A quick note about the parking area: It’s very small, so I do recommend getting there as early in the morning as possible.

We actually arrived at 10am (our coffee stop was more important!) and still managed to get a spot. If it’s full when you arrive, you can always drive on to the main 25 Fontes parking area and fall back on the classic 25 Fontes route or hike there via Levada Alecrim.

Difficulty

This route is similar in length to the classic 25 Fontes hike, but has much less elevation gain overall. By skipping the road section down from Rabaçal car park, you also avoid the long climb back up it at the end!

You’ll still encounter steps and narrow stretches along Levada das 25 Fontes. The main extra consideration is the long, dark tunnel, so bring a headtorch and make sure you’re comfortable walking through enclosed spaces.

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3. 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall Combined Route

What To Expect, Including My Experience

Out of all of the 25 Fontes routes I’ve done, the hike combining 25 Fontes and the Risco Waterfall is my favourite. It’s no secret that I found the 25 Fontes waterfall busy and underwhelming.

While the Risco waterfall also attracts big crowds, I found it much more impressive. And the other plus is that it has a big natural pool deep enough for a dip!

Regardless of the crowds, my friends and I stripped down to our swimwear and waded in. It was ice-cold, but so refreshing. And once other hikers saw someone else doing it, off came their hiking shirts, and they were swimming too.

The route for 25 Fontes and Risco is pretty much the same as the classic 25 Fontes route, but you leave the trail for a short detour to the Risco waterfall.

Difficulty

The 25 Fontes and Risco combined hike is longer than the classic PR6 route, so allow extra time for the Risco detour and stops at both waterfalls. Overall, it’s moderately challenging, with steps, narrow levada paths and an uphill walk back to the car park, so you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness.

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4. 25 Fontes via Levada Alecrim

What To Expect, Including My Experience

I first hiked along Levada Alecrim on a beautiful, crisp April day. After stopping for morning coffee in Ponta do Sol, three friends and I headed up into the mountains for a hike.

Having done three other routes to 25 Fontes, I was happy to finally be trying Levada Alecrim. It’s actually similar in length to the other routes (7.3 kilometres), but unlike the others, it’s famous for its high-speed levada channels.

You can get some incredible pictures with the water rushing past! And honestly, I have to say it’s mesmerising just to watch.

Taking Levada Alecrim to 25 Fontes also gives you the option of detouring to Lagoa do Vento, where a waterfall drops into a deep natural pool.

Annoyingly for me, I only found this out later, so I don’t have any pictures to show for it! Even without that detour, the hike was beautiful, and I loved the views over the valley.

Difficulty

This route has less elevation gain than the classic 25 Fontes hike, but you’ll still encounter steps and narrow paths beside the levada.

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, particularly for the uphill sections on the return. Allow extra time and energy if you decide to add any waterfall detours.

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What Is The Best Time to Hike 25 Fontes?

In terms of timings, I’d approach the 25 Fontes hikes differently to other hikes in Madeira. It’s one of the busiest hiking areas on the island, so parking can be overly competitive.

If you’re driving yourself, I’d recommend aiming to arrive at your chosen parking area before 9am (if your booked timeslot allows!). You’ll have a better chance at finding parking.

If you’re considering a later start, make sure you have enough daylight to finish your chosen route, including any waterfall detours.

Months-wise, I’ve hiked in the Rabaçal valley in both April and October, but I’d prioritise the weather forecast over a particular month. Choose a day without heavy rain or strong winds, and check the official trail status before setting off.

What To Wear For The 25 Fontes Hike

• Hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip are essential for the wet paths, uneven ground and steps.
• Comfortable hiking clothes that you can move freely in are great for 25 Fontes.
• A light warm layer. Rabaçal can feel cool, especially in the shade or after a wild dip.
• A waterproof jacket is always a good idea, even if it’s sunny where you’re staying.
• Swimwear can be worn underneath your hiking gear if you’re planning a dip at Risco.

What To Bring For The 25 Fontes Hike

• Water. Bring enough for your full route, including any waterfall detours. I like to pack 1.5 to 2 litres for most hikes in Madeira.
• Snacks or a packed lunch, especially if you’re combining several trails.
• A headtorch if you’re taking the long tunnel on the PR6.6 route.
• Your phone and downloaded route map for offline use. There isn’t always signal on 25 Fontes!
• Your trail booking confirmation, downloaded in advance. I take a screenshot before setting off.
• Sun cream for exposed sections, even if most of the 25 Fontes hiking routes are well-shaded.
• A small towel and dry clothes if you’re planning a dip in the Risco waterfall pool.
• A waterproof bag if rain is forecast! It’ll protect your phone and also help to keep wet swimwear separate.

Alternatives to The Levada das 25 Fontes Hike

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