Levada Hiking Adventure in Madeira with Madeira Happy Tours

Madeira’s rugged landscapes and lush laurel forests offer some of Europe’s most distinctive trails, and Madeira Happy Tours leads you deep into this vibrant green world with their Levada do Rabaçal – Risco – 25 Fontes hike. Starting from the windswept Paúl da Serra plateau, the journey unfolds through a network of levadas—engineered irrigation channels that snake across the island’s mountainsides since the 16th century. These levadas create an intertwined path that reveals spectacular waterfalls, towering ferns, and rare flora not seen elsewhere in Europe, including the elusive mountain mocano.

This full-day, 8-hour trek takes hikers on a steady, immersive route along narrow trails with mossy stone edges, descending gradually toward cascading waters. The Risco waterfall, a shimmering curtain of water pouring from moss-covered cliffs, marks a dramatic highlight. Further along, the 25 Fontes lagoon captures the imagination with its mystical pools framed by giant ferns and dripping stalactites, a natural oasis rarely seen outside tropical rainforests.

Madeira Happy Tours excels in providing access to these authentic, less-trodden corners of the island. Their guides share insights on the island’s unique species and the ancient techniques behind the levada system—an ingenious feat of engineering that transformed a volcanic island into a productive landscape. The route balances challenging terrain with moments of calm and unparalleled natural beauty.

Hikers should prepare for a solid day of walking but will be rewarded by fresh mountain air, crystal-clear streams, and time spent in one of Portugal’s most unique natural environments. This trip stands out for anyone wanting an active encounter with Madeira’s wild heart, guided by locals who know the land intimately and passionately.