Levada do Risco
Short, easy walk from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall through laurel forest. Often combined with PR6 25 Fontes.
About Levada do Risco
Levada do Risco sits in the south-west, where the laurisilva spills toward the coast and is an accessible walk suitable for most fitness levels. Over its 3 km point-to-point route, Levada do Risco climbs around 80 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
It packs a lot of variety into a relatively short distance, which is why it stays busy through the season. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, catalogued as PR6.1, which means it is marked, maintained and mapped — but conditions can change quickly when cloud rolls in from the Atlantic.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip — basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Carry at least 1.5 L of water per person and a windproof layer; the summit ridge can be 10 °C colder than the coast.
- A small head torch is useful in case the route enters any tunnel section.
- Mid-morning is fine, but earlier starts mean clearer views and emptier paths.
- Check the official ‘Estado dos Trilhos’ status before you go — trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October combine long daylight, stable weather and lower trail traffic. Winter is fine for the lower levadas but unreliable on the high ridges.
Location
Calheta, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.75890, -17.13420
Frequently asked
How long does the Levada do Risco hike take?+
Most hikers complete Levada do Risco in around 1.5 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 3 hours. The route is 3 km long with about 80 m of elevation gain.
Is Levada do Risco suitable for beginners?+
Yes. Levada do Risco is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels, including families with older children. Sturdy shoes are still recommended.
Do I need a guide for Levada do Risco?+
No, Levada do Risco is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Levada do Risco.