One of the most popular walks in Madeira, the 11 km-long ‘25 fountains' levada walk will lead you through magical landscapes to waterfalls, a small lake and flowing springs. You'll journey from Paul da Serra into the Rabaçal Valley and along the levada to Risco waterfall and the 25 natural springs.

We'll start from the top of the Paul da Serra plateau and descend into the lush green valley below. Your guide will be with you every step of the way, pointing out the flora and fauna that Madeira is well-known for. Once we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse, we'll make our way to the Risco waterfall through the valley.

Afterwards, you'll keep following the levada through beautiful countryside all the way to a small lake, where you'll soon see the 25 natural springs trickling down the hills. Enjoy a short break to soak up the atmosphere before returning to the vehicles through a shortcut tunnel that transports water to the south of Madeira.

Walk was great and guide was very knowledgable. Drivrr was brilliant and very safe. I marked the guide, George, down as he was overly tactile, trying to hold my hand and touching me. He then conspired so i had to sit in the front going home and was really inappropriate saying he was going to drop me off last and take me out. I very clearly said no and spoke to the driver and very much insisted i was dropped off next which he did. This really upset me and made me feel very vulnerable

Weather conditions were unsuitable for a hike through the valley. The torrential rain & gale force winds made the paths treacherous. Fast flowing water swept across the narrow & uneven paths,we had no alternative we waded thro water that swept at speed over our feet and legs. The guide did not check all members of the group were in sight of him. We were trapped in a queue of walkers who could not move forward. Guide told us off

Fabulous trip, guide Tiago was very informative and attentive. It was our first experience of the Levadas and we loved it. Steps and narrow paths were challenging but enjoyably so. Lunch stop was beautiful and surprisingly busy!

Route For the majority this is a nice long enjoyable walk. If you have mobility issues not recommended. As with any walk surrounded by trees watch out for tree roots or low branches and at times path can get narrow There are not many places that are strenuous, apart from the 176 steps to the top after the waterfall. Be aware you finish off by going through a 800m tunnel so you will need your phone or a small tourch Our guide Very knowledgeable and safety conscious

Minibus viel zu geringer Sitzabstand und ohne Klimaanlage bzw. schlechte Belüftung extrem stickig mit 15 Personen inkl Fahrer und Guide. Die Tour ist auf Grund der vielen steilen Stufen nicht geeignet für Personen mit Knie- oder Kreislaufproblemen. Andrang sehr hoch, vor allem an den Spots. Wer das alles in Kauf nimmt, hat eine tolle Wanderung, insbesondere auch der Bergfrühling nach dem Tunnel ist phantastisch.

De aanbieding van Carine in het hotel via tui, Ze gaf geen correcte informatie, wou alleen zoveel mogelijk excursies verkopen Dit geeft geen goed gevoel, zodat we een volgende keer er zeker geen meer gaan boeken via iemand van tui! Vind ik wel jammer voor iemand die al zolang woont op madeira en dan de toeristen ( wat hun bron van inkomsten is) zeker niet de waarheid vertelt!

Why you’ll love this…

Walk along the ‘25 fountains' levada which towers above 25 natural springs
The level it's moderate
You'll walk through the Rabaçal valley
There's also a visit to the Risco waterfall

Important to know

This is a walk of moderate difficulty, with a distance of 11 km covered in approximately 4 hours
Paths may be slippery/uneven, so you'll need to be sure-footed
During this experience, there is a narrow path of about 30 minutes walking time. Guests that do not feel comfortable walking this route can wait for the rest of the group in a shaded area.
Max. altitude /min. altitude: 1290m/900m
At the end of the walk, you have to traverse an 800m-long tunnel – please bring a mobile or torch
Local Access Fee included in the price
Elevation gain uphill : 350 meters Elevation gain fownhill 350 meters
Not suitable for those with reduced mobility
Bring suitable footwear
Subject to weather conditions
Food and drinks not included
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
Bring money for extras or gratuities
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 72-hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 3 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide
Walking tour

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

TUI PORTUGAL

What people say about this experience

4.5/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 809 reviews

Review categories

Safety

3.8/5

Service

2.6/5

Staff

3/5

Value for money

3/5

All ratings (809)

5 stars (498)

62%

4 stars (256)

32%

3 stars (48)

2 stars (4)

1 star (3)

A
Anon
Solo traveller
28 April 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
Walk was great and guide was very knowledgable. Drivrr was brilliant and very safe. I marked the guide, George, down as he was overly tactile, trying to hold my hand and touching me. He then conspired so i had to sit in the front going home and was really inappropriate saying he was going to drop me off last and take me out. I very clearly said no and spoke to the driver and very much insisted i was dropped off next which he did. This really upset me and made me feel very vulnerable
U
Unhappy hiker
Travelled as a couple
6 March 2026
1.4
United Kingdom
Weather conditions were unsuitable for a hike through the valley. The torrential rain & gale force winds made the paths treacherous. Fast flowing water swept across the narrow & uneven paths,we had no alternative we waded thro water that swept at speed over our feet and legs. The guide did not check all members of the group were in sight of him. We were trapped in a queue of walkers who could not move forward. Guide told us off
S
Soupy
Travelled as a couple
19 February 2026
5
United Kingdom
Fabulous trip, guide Tiago was very informative and attentive. It was our first experience of the Levadas and we loved it. Steps and narrow paths were challenging but enjoyably so. Lunch stop was beautiful and surprisingly busy!
A
Aghia007
Travelled as a couple
10 January 2026
5
United Kingdom
Route For the majority this is a nice long enjoyable walk. If you have mobility issues not recommended. As with any walk surrounded by trees watch out for tree roots or low branches and at times path can get narrow There are not many places that are strenuous, apart from the 176 steps to the top after the waterfall. Be aware you finish off by going through a 800m tunnel so you will need your phone or a small tourch Our guide Very knowledgeable and safety conscious
H
Harald
Travelled with family
28 May 2026
4.6
Germany
Minibus viel zu geringer Sitzabstand und ohne Klimaanlage bzw. schlechte Belüftung extrem stickig mit 15 Personen inkl Fahrer und Guide. Die Tour ist auf Grund der vielen steilen Stufen nicht geeignet für Personen mit Knie- oder Kreislaufproblemen. Andrang sehr hoch, vor allem an den Spots. Wer das alles in Kauf nimmt, hat eine tolle Wanderung, insbesondere auch der Bergfrühling nach dem Tunnel ist phantastisch.
A
Anoniem
Travelled as a couple
27 May 2026
3.8
Netherlands
De aanbieding van Carine in het hotel via tui, Ze gaf geen correcte informatie, wou alleen zoveel mogelijk excursies verkopen Dit geeft geen goed gevoel, zodat we een volgende keer er zeker geen meer gaan boeken via iemand van tui! Vind ik wel jammer voor iemand die al zolang woont op madeira en dan de toeristen ( wat hun bron van inkomsten is) zeker niet de waarheid vertelt!