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.

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

Övervägande trevligt! + Fina levador och ett fint vattenfall/källor.- Mycket folk som trängs på lederna och att vår duktiga guide var tvungen att ta allt på två språk engelska och franska.

Es war alles nahezu perfekt, jedoch die vielen unerfahrenen Touristen die auf eigener Faust unterwegs waren, da kann man nur den Kopf schütteln

Voll begeistert. Wunderschöne Ausblicke.🙌🤩 Guide hat sich ein wenig zurückgezogen, gute Erklärungen bei den Stopps, sonst immer hinter gegangen- „Relaxzeit für mich“ Gesamt: sehr empfehlenswert 👍

Why you’ll love this…

Walk along the ‘25 fountains' levada which towers above 25 natural springs
Grade 2 moderate level
Walk through the Rabaçal valley
Visit 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
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 771 reviews

Review categories

Safety

1.4/5

Service

1.4/5

Staff

1/5

Value for money

1.4/5

All ratings (771)

5 stars (482)

63%

4 stars (239)

31%

3 stars (43)

2 stars (4)

1 star (3)

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
L
Levada
Travelled as a couple
9 April 2026
4.2
Sweden
Övervägande trevligt! + Fina levador och ett fint vattenfall/källor.- Mycket folk som trängs på lederna och att vår duktiga guide var tvungen att ta allt på två språk engelska och franska.
A
Alter Mann
Travelled as a couple
9 April 2026
4.6
Germany
Es war alles nahezu perfekt, jedoch die vielen unerfahrenen Touristen die auf eigener Faust unterwegs waren, da kann man nur den Kopf schütteln
A
Antabi
Travelled as a couple
6 April 2026
5
Germany
Voll begeistert. Wunderschöne Ausblicke.🙌🤩 Guide hat sich ein wenig zurückgezogen, gute Erklärungen bei den Stopps, sonst immer hinter gegangen- „Relaxzeit für mich“ Gesamt: sehr empfehlenswert 👍