A short, flat, family-friendly levada walk through laurisilva woodland to the base of one of Madeira's tallest waterfalls, the Risco Falls, which drops roughly 100m from the plateau above. Its short distance makes it an easy add-on to the 25 Fontes trail from the same trailhead.
This short trail shares its trailhead with Levada das 25 Fontes at the Rabaçal car park off the ER105 near Calheta, about 45 minutes from Funchal by car, with the two paths splitting after a brief shared stretch. The round trip covers just 2.2km with under 50m of gentle elevation gain, following a flat, well-defined dirt path alongside the levada channel through laurisilva woodland with near-continuous forest shade. The surface is generally firm and easy underfoot, though damp in places from the surrounding vegetation. The trail leads directly to a viewing point at the base of the Risco waterfall, which drops roughly 100m from the plateau above and is one of the tallest cascades on the island, particularly powerful after winter rains. There are no significant intermediate landmarks, as the trail's short length runs directly between the trailhead junction and the falls, making the entire route suitable as a there-and-back walk with no meaningful turn-around decision required. No shelters or water refill points exist along the path given its brevity, though the nearby Rabaçal car park has basic facilities.
| Distance | 2.2km round trip |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45min–1h round trip |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Same Rabaçal car park as Levada das 25 Fontes; the two trails share the first stretch of path before splitting |
| Best season | Year-round; the waterfall is most powerful from December through April |
| Address | Rabaçal car park, ER105, 9370 Calheta, Madeira |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Rabaçal, Calheta
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket for the forest shade
- Water bottle
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Rabaçal car park, ER105, 9370 Calheta, Madeira
32.7551, -17.1341 View on map
Highlights
- Risco waterfall, one of Madeira's tallest at roughly 100m
- Flat, easy path through shaded laurisilva woodland
- Short enough to combine with the longer 25 Fontes trail
- Family-friendly grade suitable for most fitness levels
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Levada das 25 Fontes trail from the same Rabaçal trailhead for a fuller outing
- Visit between December and April for the waterfall at its most powerful
- Wear a light jacket, as the forest canopy keeps the path shaded and cool
- The path can be damp underfoot even without recent rain
When to visit
Year-round; the waterfall is most powerful from December through April, and the shaded path stays cool even in summer.
Accessibility
Largely flat and firm underfoot, though the natural dirt surface and forest roots make it unsuitable for wheelchairs; a sturdy stroller may manage with assistance in dry conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Levada do Risco take?
The 2.2km round trip typically takes 45 minutes to an hour at a relaxed pace.
Is this trail suitable for children?
Yes, its flat, short profile makes it one of the more family-friendly levada walks on the island.
Can it be combined with other trails?
Yes, it shares the Rabaçal car park and initial path with Levada das 25 Fontes, making a combined outing straightforward.
When is the waterfall most impressive?
The Risco Falls carry the most water between December and April, following the island's wetter winter months.