PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall

The PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes is a popular walk on the Paul da Serra plateau in western Madeira, Portugal, leading to a lagoon fed by a cascade of springs. It is often combined with the neighbouring Risco waterfall spur. The trailhead is the Rabaçal Forest House (Casa do Rabaçal) in Calheta municipality, about 55 km from Funchal. Visitors drive via the Paul da Serra road, which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, or join a taxi or organised tour from Funchal. A SIMplifica reservation is required, at €4.50 per person. The full outing is about 9 to 11 km return, including the Risco spur, and takes 3 to 4 hours. Cumulative gain is about 300 m, and it includes steep stone steps on the descent to the lagoon, which must be climbed back on the return, so the effort is moderate. The path follows a levada through heather and laurisilva forest, with a mix of earth, stone and concrete underfoot. Some sections are damp and have drops beside the channel. Landmarks include the Risco waterfall, which drops about 100 m into a rock amphitheatre, and the 25 Fontes lagoon, where numerous small streams fall into a pool. The usual turn-around is the lagoon. Shade is intermittent, and the plateau is often cooler and cloudier than the coast. The forest house at the trailhead has facilities, while the trail itself has no huts, so water should be carried. A pronounced climb back from the lagoon should be factored into the timing. The waterfalls are strongest in spring and after winter rains, and low cloud can reduce views.