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PR6 25 Fontes hike & Levada do Risco
Sports Recreation
4.6 (7630 reviews)
Hiking route with steps & narrow walkways leading through forest to a swimming spot fed by cascades.
ER110 15, 9370 Portugal
Did You Know?
Waterfalls
The PR6 25 Fontes hike (meaning '25 Fountains') lives up to its name, culminating at a beautiful lagoon fed by 25 distinct waterfalls cascading down a lush, green rock face.
Dramatic Drop
The Levada do Risco trail leads to the breathtaking Risco Waterfall, which plunges an impressive 100 meters (328 feet) down a sheer cliff face.
Unique Waterways
Both hikes follow 'levadas', which are historic irrigation channels unique to Madeira. These ingenious canals were built to transport water from the wetter north of the island to the drier south for agricultural purposes, and now provide accessible, relatively flat walking paths through stunning scenery.
Ancient Forest
The trails wind through parts of the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient laurel forest is a relic of a vegetation type that once covered much of Southern Europe and North Africa, and is home to a unique array of flora and fauna.
Highlights from Reviews
• stunning scenery
The hike offers breathtaking views of enchanted forests, lush landscapes, and beautiful levadas throughout the trail.
• beautiful waterfalls
The destination waterfalls, particularly 25 Fontes and Risco, are described as stunning and a rewarding sight after the hike.
• well-maintained trails
The paths are generally well-kept, with necessary borders and safe, protected narrow sections with railings.
• varied hike options
Multiple interconnected PR trails (6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3) offer diverse experiences and opportunities for different loops and explorations.
• early morning peacefulness
Arriving early allows visitors to enjoy the trails and waterfalls with fewer crowds and more tranquility.
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