PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco
The Giant Waterfall Trail
Distance
3 km (Return)
Duration
1.5h
Difficulty
Easy
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: Rabaçal is the busiest hiking area in Madeira. Arrive early to park easily at the top. The Risco trail itself is wide, so it handles crowds better than 25 Fontes.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada do Risco?
The PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco is the “sister” trail to the famous 25 Fontes. It is shorter, flatter, and significantly wider, making it accessible to families and casual walkers who want big views without the heavy stairs.
The trail ends at the base of the spectacular Risco Waterfall, a straight drop of water falling over 100 meters down a vertical rock face. It offers one of the best “effort-to-reward” ratios on the island.
Trail Map
The route branches off from the main Forestry House (Casa do Rabaçal).
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Rabaçal Car Park (Start)
Park at the top (ER 105). You must walk down the asphalt road (2km) or take the shuttle bus to the Forestry House.
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2
Forestry House (The Hub)
The true trail begins here. Follow signs for “Risco” (PR 6.1). It is the wide, flat path to the right of the house (25 Fontes goes down to the left).
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3
The Levada Walk
The path levels out along the water channel. It is wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side, offering great views of the deep green valley.
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4
The Waterfall (Finish)
You arrive at the viewing balcony for the Risco Waterfall. Take photos here. Do not cross the barrier as the ground beyond is unstable.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The final viewpoint offers a direct line of sight to the 100m waterfall. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full height.
Midway through the hike, the trees curve over the levada creating a perfect natural tunnel. Great for depth-of-field shots.
Just before the finish, look back towards the valley to see the dense Laurisilva forest covering the vertical cliffs.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trail shares the same starting point as the 25 Fontes hike. You need to drive to the Rabaçal Parking Lot on the Paúl da Serra plateau (ER 105).
⚠️ Access Tip
The road down from the parking lot to the start of the trail is closed to normal cars. You must walk (2km steep downhill) or take the shuttle bus.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Driving to Rabaçal
Smooth roads, but foggy weather.
Our Rental Recommendation: Since you park at the top of the plateau, access is easy for any vehicle type. However, the drive up from Calheta is steep. An automatic car from This is Madeira Island makes the climb effortless.
Essential Gear
- Rain Jacket: Rabaçal is often misty and damp, even when the coast is sunny.
- Cash: The shuttle bus and toilets usually do not accept cards.
- Water: Bring a bottle; you can refill it at the Forestry House fountain.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
There is only one option directly on the trail, but it is a good one!
Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe
Located right at the trailhead (Forestry House). They serve delicious cakes, soup, and coffee. It’s the perfect place to wait for the shuttle bus back up the hill.
Note: It can get very crowded around lunchtime (12:00 – 14:00).
