Rabaçal – Levada of the 25 Sources

Nestled within Madeira’s lush landscapes, the Rabacal – Levada of the 25 Sources offers an enchanting hiking experience that captivates visitors. This moderate trail winds along a traditional irrigation channel, showcasing the island’s breathtaking natural beauty. As hikers navigate scenic tunnels and admire the vibrant flora, knowledgeable guides share insights into the region’s rich heritage. Whether you’re seeking an immersive adventure or simply a chance to connect with nature, this levada trail promises an unforgettable journey that just might leave you longing to uncover more of Madeira’s hidden wonders.

Key Points

• The Levada of the 25 Sources hike is a 12-kilometer, 4-hour moderate trek through the lush landscapes of Rabaçal, Madeira.
• Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and culture, enhancing the hiking experience.
• Sturdy, moisture-wicking footwear is essential for navigating the rugged terrain, which includes steps and potential flooding in tunnels.
• The hike offers stunning views of Madeira’s natural beauty and an opportunity to appreciate the traditional irrigation system.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a provided lunch, and a maximum group size of 8 for a personalized experience.

Tour Overview

The Levada of the 25 Sources offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to explore Rabaçal’s lush natural wonders.

Located in Funchal, Portugal, this 4-hour, 12-kilometer hike along the levada (irrigation channel) treats guests to stunning views of the island’s verdant landscape.

With a moderate difficulty level, the tour requires good physical fitness but rewards participants with an immersive experience amidst Madeira’s picturesque scenery.

Praised by past travelers for its knowledgeable guides, the Levada of the 25 Sources tour provides an excellent way to connect with the region’s beautiful outdoors.

Proper footwear and a light source for the tunnel are recommended, as the tour navigates both rugged terrain and man-made infrastructure.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the Levada of the 25 Sources tour starts at 8:00 AM from all hotels in Funchal and the surrounding area. Those who prefer can meet the tour at the alternative meeting point – the CR7 Museum located at Praça CR7, Av. Sá Carneiro N°27, 9004-518 Funchal. At the end of the tour, hikers will return to the same meeting point.

Pickup	Meeting Point	End Point
8:00 AM from Funchal hotels	CR7 Museum	Returns to meeting point

The tour’s duration is approximately 4 hours, covering 12 kilometers. Participants should come prepared with proper footwear, a torchlight, and warm clothing as the hike takes place at higher elevations.

Hike Difficulty and Fitness

The Levada of the 25 Sources hike is rated as moderate, requiring good physical fitness from participants.

The route covers approximately 12 kilometers and takes around 4 hours to complete. Hikers can expect to encounter some challenging sections, including steps and potential flooding in a tunnel.

While the trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to join as long as they sit on laps.

With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience.

Proper footwear and a torchlight or phone are recommended to navigate the terrain comfortably.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation and a provided lunch, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience. Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Accessibility	Group Size
Not wheelchair accessible	Maximum 8 travelers
Infants must sit on laps	–

The combination of inclusions and group size reflects the tour’s focus on providing a memorable and comfortable experience for participants.

Group Size and Booking

Limiting the group size to a maximum of 8 travelers ensures a more personalized and intimate experience for participants on the Levada of the 25 Sources tour.

This allows the knowledgeable guides to provide focused attention and tailored commentary to each hiker. With confirmation received upon booking, you can secure your spot with confidence.

And if your plans change, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer or exploring with a small group, this guided hike through the stunning Rabacal region promises an unforgettable journey through the Levada’s natural beauty.

Traveler Feedback and Experiences

Positive reviews and excellent feedback from past participants underscore the quality of the Levada of the 25 Sources tour.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who share their deep understanding of the local area and levada system. Many comment on the proper footwear being essential, given the steps and potential for flooding in the tunnel.

Participants are encouraged by the guides and come away with a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty of Rabaçal.

The overall experiences reported are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors eager to recommend the tour to others seeking an immersive and educational hike through Madeira’s stunning landscapes.

Recommended Gear and Packing

Proper footwear and a handy torch or smartphone are essential for navigating the Levada of the 25 Sources trail. The uneven terrain, potential flooding in the tunnel, and higher elevations require you to be prepared.

To make the most of this 12-kilometer hike, consider packing the following:

• Sturdy, moisture-wicking hiking boots or shoes
• A lightweight, water-resistant jacket
• Snacks and a packed lunch to fuel your adventure
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Exploring the Levada Trail

The Levada of the 25 Sources winds its way through the lush, verdant landscapes of Rabaçal, offering hikers a captivating glimpse into Madeira’s natural wonders.

As you embark on this moderate hike, you’ll meander along the levada, a traditional irrigation channel, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trail leads you through a scenic tunnel, where a flashlight or phone’s torch comes in handy.

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide shares insights into the local flora and fauna, as well as the island’s rich cultural history.

With each step, you’ll be immersed in the serene beauty of this captivating levada walk, leaving you with lasting memories of your Madeiran adventure.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended for those with good physical fitness as it involves a moderate 12-kilometer hike. Infants must be carried as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this hiking tour. The tour operator specifies that the tour is not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, so it’s unlikely they’d permit bringing pets along for the 4-hour hike.

Is There an Option to Do a Shorter Version of the Trail?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer a shorter version of the trail. The 4-hour, 12-kilometer hike is the standard option. However, the difficulty level is moderate, and the guides provide plenty of breaks to accommodate hikers’ needs.

What Should I Do if I’m Not Comfortable With Heights?

If you’re not comfortable with heights, you can inform the guide ahead of time. They may be able to adjust the route or provide additional support to help you feel more at ease during the hike.

Can I Leave the Group at Any Point During the Hike?

Participants can typically leave the group at any point during the hike, though it’s not recommended as it can be unsafe to wander off alone. It’s best to stay with the group and follow the guide’s instructions for the duration of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Rabacal – Levada of the 25 Sources offers an unforgettable hiking experience through Madeira’s lush landscapes. Spanning 12 kilometers, this moderate trail winds along a traditional irrigation channel, showcasing breathtaking views and unique flora. Hikers navigate scenic tunnels and knowledgeable guides share insights into the region’s natural and cultural heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for Madeira’s vibrant ecosystem.