PR 6.2 – Levada do Alecrim
The Lakes of Madeira
Distance
7 km (Round Trip)
Duration
2.5h
Difficulty
Easy
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This trail is very exposed to the sun. It’s best done in the late afternoon when the sun is softer and the tour groups have left.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada do Alecrim?
The PR 6.2 – Levada do Alecrim (Rosemary Levada) is the sunny, cheerful sister of the 25 Fontes. It runs higher up on the ridge, meaning you get way more sunshine and sweeping views of the Rabaçal valley.
Instead of a dark gorge, this trail leads to a series of pristine, sun-drenched lagoons (Dona Beja and Lagoa do Vento top) that are perfect for a cold swim in summer.
Trail Map
From Rabaçal Parking to Lagoa da Dona Beja.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Rabaçal Car Park (Start)
Start at the very top (ER 105) parking lot. Do NOT go down the road. The trail starts to the right of the parking entrance.
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2
The Heather Tunnel
You walk through beautiful tunnels of Urze (Tree Heath). The path is flat but can be bumpy with tree roots.
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3
Ribeira do Alecrim
You reach the first stream crossing. It’s a great spot to see trout in the water. Continue upstream.
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4
Lagoa da Dona Beja (Finish)
The trail ends at this stunning lagoon fed by a waterfall. It is a popular (but freezing) swimming spot.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The final lagoon is a photographer’s dream. The water is often mirror-still, reflecting the sky and waterfall.
Because you are high up, you get incredible wide shots looking down into the green abyss of the Ribeira da Janela valley.
In spring (April/May), the trail is lined with bright yellow Broom and Gorse flowers.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
This trail starts at the exact same parking lot as the 25 Fontes (ER 105 Rabaçal). However, you do not need to walk down the road.
💡 Smart Access
Unlike 25 Fontes, PR 6.2 starts flat from the top parking lot. This means NO big hill to climb at the end and NO need to pay for the shuttle bus!
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Same as 25 Fontes
Shared parking means shared chaos.
Our Rental Recommendation: Since you park at the top, any car is fine. A convertible is fantastic for the drive across the sunny plateau before you start your hike. This is Madeira Island has the Mini Cabrio available.
Essential Gear
- Swimsuit & Towel: If you are brave, swimming in the Dona Beja lagoon is a highlight.
- Sun Hat: This trail has much less shade than the lower 25 Fontes trail.
- Sandwich: The lagoon is the perfect lunch spot. There is no cafe on the trail itself.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Jungle Rain Cafe
Located a 10-minute drive away in Prazeres. It’s a funky, jungle-themed restaurant with great burgers and tropical vibes, perfect after a day in the Rabaçal nature.
