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- Levada do Alecrim Directions
The walk you're asking about combines the Levada do Alecrim with a stretch to the Pico da Urze Dam (Barragem do Pico da Urze). It's an extended version of the official PR 6.2 that adds the dam on the return. Here's what you need to know:
| Difficulty | Easy (IFCN) |
| Distance | 3.5 km one way → 7 km round trip |
| Duration | ~2 h 30 min |
| Start | Rabaçal (ER 105) |
| End | Lagoa Dona Beja (water spring) |
| Altitude | 1 256 m – 1 339 m |
| Managing body | IFCN |
| Access fee | €4.50 (visitors > 12 years) via SIMplifica · exempt ≤ 12 years |
| Community rating | ★ 4.6 from 1 719 hiker reviews on AllTrails |
The trail follows the levada through laurisilva forest and heather tunnels to the beautiful Lagoa Dona Beja — a small mountain lake fed by a waterfall, where many hikers turn back. No tunnels on this trail.
The "Levada do Alecrim – Pico da Urze Dam" route continues past Lagoa Dona Beja to the Barragem do Pico da Urze, the reservoir you may have spotted from the ER 105 road on the drive up.
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Distance | 10.5 km (out & back) |
| Duration | ~3 – 3.5 h |
| Route type | Out and back |
| Community rating | ★ 4.5 from 175 reviews on AllTrails |
The walk starts and finishes near the Capela de Fátima (Chapel of Fátima) by the ER 105 parking area, follows the Levada do Alecrim through dense forest with several small waterfalls, reaches the Dona Beja lagoon, and then continues to the Pico da Urze dam on the way back. It's a pleasant forest walk with a few waterfalls where you can cool off on a hot day.
⚠️ This extended route is a community-mapped trail on AllTrails — it is NOT part of the official IFCN PR trail network, so it has no official open/closed status and no maintenance guarantee. Check local conditions before setting out.
The trailhead is on the ER 105 road in the Rabaçal / Paul da Serra area, the same parking area used for the famous 25 Fontes and Risco trails. There is no public bus service — a rental car or taxi is the practical way to reach it.
▶ Directions to the trailhead ↗
- Heather tunnels — the path passes through striking corridors of Erica arborea (tree heather)
- Views over Ribeira Grande valley — gaps in the forest open up to dramatic valley panoramas
- Lagoa Dona Beja — a serene mountain lagoon fed by a waterfall, the highlight at the half-way point
- Pico da Urze Dam — the reservoir on the Paul da Serra plateau, visible from the approach road
- Endemic flora — Madeiran orchid (Dactylorhiza foliosa) in spring, giant sow thistles, and UNESCO-listed laurisilva
- Go early — the shared Rabaçal parking fills up quickly, especially in summer
- No tunnels on this route (unlike 25 Fontes), so a headlamp isn't needed
- Altitude — above 1 200 m, fog is common and temperatures can be 10 °C cooler than Funchal
- Slippery after rain — levada paths get muddy year-round; proper footwear is essential
- The fee (€4.50) covers the IFCN-managed PR 6.2 section; the dam extension may not be gated
The Rabaçal zone is a hiking hub — from the same parking you can also do:
| Trail | Distance | Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes | 11 km | ★ 4.6 (1 719 reviews) | 25 natural springs & waterfall |
| PR 6.1 – Levada do Risco | 2 km | Easy | Two-tier Risco waterfall |
| PR 6.3 – Vereda da Lagoa do Vento | ~7 km | ★ 4.6 (1 719 reviews) | Lagoa do Vento waterfall pool |
Many hikers combine Levada do Alecrim + Lagoa do Vento for a rewarding half-day loop.
Would you like me to check the mountain weather forecast and IPMA warnings for the day you're planning to go, or find the closest official trails near your accommodation?