Activities

Rabaçal Valley Walking Tour

from

$53.00

Free cancellation

Language: German, English, French, Portuguese

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

Guided Tour

Instant confirmation

Smaller Group Size

e-Voucher

Why you’ll love this…

Walk along the ‘25 fountains' levada which towers above 25 natural springs
Grade 2 moderate level
Walk through the Rabaçal valley
Visit the Risco waterfall

What to expect

One of the most popular walks in Madeira, the 11 km-long ‘25 fountains' levada walk will lead you through magical landscapes to waterfalls, a small lake and flowing springs. You'll journey from Paul da Serra into the Rabaçal Valley and along the levada to Risco waterfall and the 25 natural springs.

We'll start from the top of the Paul da Serra plateau and descend into the lush green valley below. Your guide will be with you every step of the way, pointing out the flora and fauna that Madeira is well-known for. Once we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse, we'll make our way to the Risco waterfall through the valley.

Afterwards, you'll keep following the levada through beautiful countryside all the way to a small lake, where you'll soon see the 25 natural springs trickling down the hills. Enjoy a short break to soak up the atmosphere before returning to the vehicles through a shortcut tunnel that transports water to the south of Madeira.

What's included

Transport
Guide
Walking tour

What to remember

This is a walk of moderate difficulty, with a distance of 11 km covered in approximately 4 hours
Paths may be slippery/uneven, so you'll need to be sure-footed
During this experience, there is a narrow path of about 30 minutes walking time. Guests that do not feel comfortable walking this route can wait for the rest of the group in a shaded area.
Max. altitude /min. altitude: 1290m/900m
At the end of the walk, you have to traverse an 800m-long tunnel – please bring a mobile or torch
Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Bring suitable footwear
Subject to weather conditions
Food and drinks not included
Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
This experience doesn't follow our general cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Provider

TUI PORTUGAL

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Aylestone girl
From United States of America - July 2025

Traveled as a couple

35 - 44 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

We really enjoyed the walk, the guide was very good really knowledgeable. It is quite intense - you walk pretty much non stop for 4 hours (with a shor ...
lexie
From United States of America - July 2025

Traveled with a group of friends

18 - 24 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

loved the entire experience, very informative, very safe and helpful guide, guide was very chatty and was easy to talk to and very charismatic and fun ...
Adele
From United States of America - June 2025

Traveled as a couple

35 - 44 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5
Sue
From United States of America - June 2025

Traveled as a couple

45 - 54 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Our guide was very knowledgeable and good fun whilst keeping everyone together and warning us of any hazards. It was a very enjoyable walk in good con ...
Mohan
From United States of America - June 2025

Traveled as a couple

45 - 54 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

An excellent tour with an excellent guide. He explained the safety aspects as and when required. For me well worth the money. Although I have balance ...
Stephen
From United States of America - May 2025

Traveled as a couple

45 - 54 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
4/5

Lovely walk although it was a little overcrowded especially at the waterfall picnic area. Guide George was very good and informative set a nice steady ...

Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Sustainable Agriculture in Quinta Pedagógica da Camacha

Drive through Funchal's bustling town and Madeira's magnificent rolling hills towards Quinta Pedagogica da Camacha, a small farm committed to sustainable agriculture. Here, your National Geographic-trained guide will offer insights into the region and introduce you to the farm's owner, Bruno Santos. Having left accounting for agriculture, Bruno now dedicates his life to helping his neighborhood through sustainable farming, a lowered environmental footprint, and community outreach. Follow Bruno through flowering groves as you explore the grounds. You'll learn about the many uses for their freshly grown herbs and visit their strawberry plantation. Observe the fields and poios—what Madeirans call the terraced areas where they grow their crops—as you learn about the farm's produce and animal husbandry. The farm is home to various animals including chickens, goats, sheep, and more. There's even a small market Bruno created, to help other local vendors reach their greater community, inspired by the ‘buy local' mantra. You'll also experience a host of seasonal activities, offered exclusively to National Geographic travelers. Harvest ripe fruits and learn the proper techniques for sowing seeds in a planting workshop. This hands-on learning environment brings Bruno's sustainability and bio-friendly philosophy to life. Afterwards, you'll relax and enjoy refreshing tea brewed from the farm's own herbs, as well as homemade cakes, toast, and jams preserved from local fruits.

free cancellation

Available in:

de, en

Excursions & day trips

Northwest Madeira 4x4 Tour with Laurisilva Forest and Lunch

Taking in coastal gems, wild forests and sustainable producers, this 4x4 tour showcases Madeira's adventurous side. You'll experience the drama of Madeira's scenery from up close and get an insight into the island's culture, too. Ruben, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Get ready to learn the secrets of mixing poncha, the much-loved island tipple made with sugar cane rum, fresh juice and local honey. Be careful, though – poncha's fruity, refreshing taste hides a serious kick.'Starting off in Ponta do Sol, you'll get great views of the south coast from Paul da Serra, 1400m above sea level. Then it's on to Fanal, where some of the oldest Laurel trees on the island grow. Ruben says, ‘Madeira's laurel forests are the largest surviving area of primary laurisilva woods anywhere. Some of the trees are thought to be around 800 years old, and the ecosystem is largely intact. These forests host around 100 endemic species, and they are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.'Rumble past typical ‘poios' terraced farmland en route to Seixal beach for a swim. After this, we'll head to Chão da Ribeira to savour a tasty local lunch. Chef Sérgio will show you how to make the classic grilled beef skewer, known in Portuguese as ‘espetada', while you enjoy a glass of Madeira Wine as an apéritif. There's also a vegan burger option. To wrap up your tour, we'll visit São Vicente to meet an organic honey producer. Here, you'll learn all about honey production, and you'll try your hand at making Madeira's traditional drink, poncha.

free cancellation

Available in:

Activities

Eastern Madeira sustainable tour in a 4x4 with lunch

Set off on a sustainable 4x4 tour that gives back to the local economy and helps keep Madeira green. Your action-packed day takes in gems like Pico do Facho, UNESCO-listed laurel forests and Funchal Ecological Park. What's more, you'll do it all with the help of a local expert. Rúben, one of our guides, says, ‘Wild and untamed nature is Madeira's most precious treasure. Make memories with an experience that the world will thank you for.'During the months of October to April, your first stop is at Funchal Ecological Park, where a sustainable activity will take place, contributing to the conservation of the endemic flora of the Island. Next, you'll visit the towering Pico do Areeiro. One of the highest peaks on the island, it boasts wow-factor panoramas over the Atlantic Ocean.Heading off-road towards the north, you'll zigzag through an ancient laurel forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 – on scenic trails towards the mountain town of Santana to see its steep-roofed, straw-thatched homes. After a well-deserved lunch break in a typical local restaurant, we'll round off with a pit stop at a nearby viewpoint, offering knockout coastal panoramas all the way to Madeira's easternmost point, the São Lourenço peninsula.If you're visiting from May to September, we switch up the order of your tour, so you start your experience at Pico do Facho, a viewpoint overlooking Machico, offering knockout coastal panoramas all the way to Madeira's easternmost point, the São Lourenço peninsula. Follow up with a swim at the golden beach of Machico and a 30-minute walk along the farm and forest trail of Levada do Castelejo, before a visit to Sao Jorge where you'll see a 300-year-old watermill that's still turning with the flow of the water. Then, it's lunch in Santana and an off-road ramble through Laurissilva Forest and ending in Pico do Arieiro in the afternoon.

free cancellation

Available in:

en, pt

Excursions & day trips

Private Madeira dramatic west coast tour with lunch in Porto Moniz

Madeira's magnificent scenery takes centre stage on this full day tour. You'll visit a selection of highlights including Cabo Girao Cliff and it's glass-floored platform, Porto Moniz and Paúl da Serra. Mariana, one of our expert local guides, says "you'll get to know the true drama of Madeira's landscapes. You might be lucky enough to see the ocean both to the north and the south, but the highest points on the island do sometimes catch the clouds."Your first destination will be the Cabao Girao Cliff, where you can step out onto its glass-floored platform that stretches out over the edge. The coastal views here are some of the best around, so don't forget your camera. Mariana adds, "the cliff is around 580 metres high, making it one of the tallest in Europe. The views from the skywalk are really something else, and its experience that'll stick with you." Then, you'll head to the coastal town of Riberia Brava, before a stroll through a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar.Next, we'll head up the 1,500m-high Paúl da Serra plateau before descending on Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava rock swimming pools. A typical lunch freshly prepared with local produce awaits in the village. Rounding off the day is a poncha drink demonstration and tasting in Câmara de Lobos – a favourite holiday spot of Winston Churchill. Mariana says "be careful – poncha is so fruity and refreshing, but it hides a serious brandy kick."

free cancellation

Available in:

de, en

Excursions & day trips

Eastern Madeira Private Tour

This exclusive private tour shines a light on the east of Madeira. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

free cancellation

Available in:

de, en

Excursions & day trips

Madeira South Coast Cruise on Living Sea with Lunch

Madeira's southwest coast is the star of this all-inclusive cruise. After setting out from the port in Funchal, you'll head up the coast to Cais da Lapa for some swimming. The best part is that with a maximum of 52 guests on board, you'll have all the space and attentive service you need.

free cancellation

Available in:

es, en, fr, pt

Excursions & day trips

Enchanting East Madeira Tour with Lunch in Santana

The knockout natural beauty of eastern Madeira is in the spotlight on this full day tour. You'll have your head in the clouds at Pico do Areeiro, walk next to cute thatched houses in Santana, have lunch at Quinta do Furão and step back in time at Ponta de São Lourenço.

free cancellation

Available in:

en, fr

Activities

Full-day 4x4 tour of Madeira’s south-west coast

Madeira's south-west coastline steals the spotlight on this full-day guided tour. Start your adventure at Ribiera Brava viewpoint, where mountains meet the ocean. Zoom through Paul da Serra's eucalyptus forest on an off-road path used by locals and pause for coffee, before continuing to the cliffs of Ponta do Pargo. Swing by Faja da Ovelha, perfect for filling up your camera roll, and visit the fishing village of Paul do Mar. Stretch out on Calheta beach before wrapping up the day in Ponta do Sol.

free cancellation

Available in:

Attractions & guided tours

Red and Blue Essentials

It's easy to get lost in Funchal's jigsaw-like jumble of cobbled streets – so a great way to explore is with a city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The Blue Line circuit ticks off top sights like the exotic gardens of Monte Palace, as well as the ‘Painted Doors' art project in Funchal's old town and the produce-packed farmer's market.

free cancellation

Available in:

de, es, da, en, fi, +8 fr, nl, it, no, pl, pt, ru, sv

Attractions & guided tours

Red Line City Sightseeing Iconic

When it comes to exploring Madeira's capital, this hop-on hop-off bus tour puts the fun in Funchal. With your 24-hour ticket and 21 stops to jump on and off at, you can visit must-sees like the ‘Painted Doors' art project in the old town, the upmarket marina on Avenida do Mar, or stop to shop in one of the city's best malls.

free cancellation

Available in:

de, es, da, en, fi, +8 fr, nl, it, no, pl, pt, ru, sv

Rabaçal Valley Walking Tour

What people say about this experience

Excellent