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Tell me about the Porto Moniz - Levada das 25 Fontes levada walk in Madeira
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The user is asking about the Porto Moniz - Levada das 25 Fontes levada walk in Madeira. Let me search for this trail using the find_hikes tool. The name they used seems to combine two different things - Porto Moniz is a municipality/area, and Levada das 25 Fontes is a specific trail (PR-6). Let me search for it. Actually, "Porto Moniz - Levada das 25 Fontes" could be a specific trail name. Let me search for it. But actually, the Levada das 25 Fontes is typically associated with Rabaçal area, not Porto Moniz directly. Let me search using the exact query they gave.The search for "Porto Moniz Levada das 25 Fontes" returned no results. This might be because the trail name is slightly different. Let me search more specifically for "Levada das 25 Fontes" and also try "PR 6" which is the official code for the 25 Fontes walk.I already have good data from the PR 6 search. The Levada das 25 Fontes is PR 6. Let me compile the answer from what I have, and also fetch the current status and avideo.Now I have all the information I need about the Levada das 25 Fontes. Let me compile a comprehensive answer. The user mentioned "Porto Moniz - Levada das 25 Fontes" which seems to suggest they think this walk starts from or near Porto Moniz. In reality, PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes starts at Rabaçal (E.R. 105), which is in the municipality of Calheta, not Porto Moniz. Porto Moniz is on the north coast, and Rabaçal is on the Paul da Serra plateau. I should clarify this. Let me organize the key facts: **Official trail: PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes** - Route: Rabaçal – 25 Fontes - Distance: 4.3 km one way + 4.3 km return = 8.6 km total - Difficulty: Moderate (official IFCN) / Hard (AllTrails community) - Duration: ~3 hours - Start: Rabaçal (E.R. 105) - End: 25 Fontes (lagoon/waterfall) - Altitude: 964 m (min) to 1,288 m (max) - Access fee: €4.50 for visitors > 12 years, free for ≤ 12 years (via SIMplifica portal) - Managing entity: IFCN - Community rating: 4.5★ from 6,190 reviews on AllTrails - Webcam available at Rabaçal The user may be confused about "Porto Moniz" — the trail is in the Rabaçal/Paul da Serra area, municipality of Calheta. Porto Moniz is nearby to the northwest but is NOT the trailhead. People often combine a visit to Porto Moniz's natural swimming pools with this hike since they're in the same general area of the island. Let me write a thorough answer about this trail, including the note about it not being in Porto Moniz proper.
How this was derived · 5 steps
TrailsMap & photos
Levada das 25 Fontes6 photos
Levada das 25 FontesLevada das 25 FontesLevada das 25 FontesLevada das 25 FontesLevada das 25 FontesLevada das 25 Fontes
Photos: walkmeguide.com ↗
Official PR trail (IFCN) Community route (AllTrails — not official)
Photos: walkmeguide.com · green = official IFCN PR trail · amber = community route (AllTrails)
PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes

One of Madeira's most iconic and popular levada walks, the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR 6) takes you through lush laurel forest to a magical lagoon where 25 natural springs cascade down a mossy cliff face. Here's everything you need to know:

Key details
Official codePR 6
RouteRabaçal → 25 Fontes (out-and-back)
Distance4.3 km each way (8.6 km total)
Duration~3 hours
DifficultyModerate (official) · Hard (community consensus)
Start pointRabaçal (E.R. 105)
End point25 Fontes lagoon
Altitude964 m – 1,288 m
Managed byIFCN (regional forestry authority)
Access fee€4.50 per visitor (over 12); free for 12 and under, via the SIMplifica portal

Community rating: ⭐ 4.5 from 6,190 hiker reviews on AllTrails — one of Madeira's most walked trails.

About the trail

You start at the Rabaçal parking area on the Paul da Serra plateau and descend along the levada through dense Laurissilva forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The path follows the water channel cut into the hillside, with lush vegetation, small waterfalls, and ever-changing views. The grand finale is the 25 Fontes lagoon — a serene pool where dozens of springs trickle down a verdant rock wall into the water.

The return is along the same path back up to Rabaçal — the uphill section is the main effort.

A note about "Porto Moniz"

The trail starts at Rabaçal, in the municipality of Calheta — not in Porto Moniz. Porto Moniz is on the north coast roughly 20–25 minutes' drive away, and many visitors combine the two in one day (the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz in the afternoon, after the morning hike), but the trailhead itself is on the Paul da Serra plateau off Estrada Regional 105.

Directions to the trailhead ↗

Other Rabaçal-area trails

The same starting area gives you several other beautiful walks worth combining or choosing as alternatives:

TrailCodeDifficultyDistanceDuration
Levada do RiscoPR 6.1Easy6 km (return)~2 h
Levada do AlecrimPR 6.2Easy7 km (return)~2.5 h
Vereda da Lagoa do VentoPR 6.3Easy3.6 km (return)~1.5 h

All of these share the same €4.50 access fee (via SIMplifica) and the same Rabaçal starting point.

Practical tips
  • Wear proper hiking shoes — the path can be wet and slippery, especially near the waterfall.
  • Bring a rain jacket — the Rabaçal area is one of the wettest on the island; mist and drizzle are common even when Funchal is sunny.
  • Go early — this is the single most popular levada on the island; the trailhead car park fills up quickly.
  • Book your access in advance on the SIMplifica portal; the fee area is controlled at entry.

Before you go, check the current trail status on OpenMadeira — trail conditions change with weather and maintenance.

Want me to check the mountain forecast and IPMA weather warnings for the day you're planning to hike?

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