PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco (Rabaçal)

The most famous waterfall hike on Madeira – beautiful, but extremely crowded.

Let’s be real: PR6 is gorgeous… and it’s also packed. This is the trail everyone knows – 25 fountains pouring into a mossy lagoon, the huge Risco waterfall crashing 100 meters down, lush Laurissilva forest all around. The scenery is magical, but by 09 - 10 a.m. it turns into a queue.

It’s always beautiful. But my favorite memories are when we started before 8 a.m. or late afternoon, hiking back under golden light while everyone else was gone. That’s when PR6 feels like the fairytale it’s supposed to be.

Insider tip

• Go early morning or late afternoon – avoid tour buses and have the lagoon to yourself.

• Combine with Risco waterfall – short detour, totally worth it.

• If you want the vibe of 25 Fontes without the crowd, check out PR9 Caldeirão Verde or Levada do Alecrim.

• I also guide a hidden waterfalls tour in this area – secret pools, no people, pure magic. DM me if you’re into that.

Distance: ~11 km round-trip (including Risco)
Difficulty: Moderate (flat but narrow levada paths)
Start point: Rabaçal parking (Paul da Serra plateau)
Official info: Visit Madeira – Hiking Overview

Official PR trail – insanely busy midday, magical at sunrise or sunset. For offbeat Rabacal waterfalls and secret loops, DM me or check instagram.com/madeira_hiking.