PR 6.4 – Levada Velha
The Forgotten Route of Rabaçal
Distance
6.8 km (One Way)
Duration
2.5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: PR 6.4 is the perfect antidote to the crowds of 25 Fontes. Even in peak summer, you might walk this entire trail alone. It starts higher, so it can be windier.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Levada Velha?
The PR 6.4 – Levada Velha do Rabaçal (The Old Levada) is the ancient water channel that sits higher up the mountainside than the modern Risco levada.
It offers spectacular, unobstructed views over the entire Rabaçal basin. You are walking “above the action,” often looking down on the Risco Waterfall and the dense Laurisilva canopy from a unique vantage point.
Trail Map
From Pico Ruivo do Paul (Wind Turbines) to Rabaçal House.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Pico Ruivo do Paul (Start)
Start near the Pico da Urze parking (often near the wind turbines) on Paul da Serra. The trail is marked PR 6.4.
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2
The High Traverse
The levada winds along the mountain contour at approx 1100m altitude. The views open up immediately towards the ocean.
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3
Above Risco
You will reach a point directly above the Risco waterfall area. The perspective of the water dropping into the green valley is stunning.
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4
Descent to Casa do Rabaçal
The trail eventually descends steeply through the forest to join the main area near the Forestry House, where you can grab a coffee.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The start of the trail offers a cool contrast between the modern white wind turbines and the ancient green plateau.
Because there are fewer trees at this altitude, you get wide, uninterrupted panoramic shots of the whole Rabaçal valley.
Some sections pass through “tunnels” of tree heather (Urze) that are much older and gnarlier than on the lower trails.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trailhead is on the ER 105, about 1km west of the main Rabaçal parking lot, near the Posto Florestal do Pico da Urze.
🔄 Loop Option
You can hike PR 6.4 down to the Forestry House, have lunch, and then take the Shuttle Bus back up to the main road. Then walk 15 mins along the road back to your car.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Easy Access
Avoid the main parking chaos.
Our Rental Recommendation: Since this spot is less crowded, you don’t need a tiny car to fit in. A comfortable SUV is great for the open roads of Paul da Serra. This is Madeira Island has plenty of options.
Essential Gear
- Long Pants: This trail is “Velha” (Old) and sometimes less maintained, meaning bushes can scratch your legs.
- Windbreaker: You are hiking on the exposed edge of the plateau.
- GPS/App: The entrance is not as clearly marked as the main tourist trails.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Rabaçal Nature Spot
If you finish the hike by descending to the Forestry House, this is your reward. Enjoy a slice of cake before hopping on the bus back to the top.
