4.5
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hikers
PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail
02:47
8.14km
410m
Hiking
The PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail is a moderate 5.1-mile hike in Madeira Natural Park, leading to the impressive Risco waterfall.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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1.59 km
Casa do Rabaçal Café & Fountain
Highlight • Cafe
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2.80 km
Stream crossing in Madeira Natural Park
Highlight • River
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4.91 km
Levada do Risco
Highlight • Trail
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5.25 km
Risco waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
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8.14 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.08 km
1.41 km
1.21 km
415 m
Surfaces
5.08 km
2.07 km
399 m
293 m
146 m
108 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Friday 8 May
15°C
9°C
31 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Levada do Risco Trail start, and what are the parking options?
The trail officially starts in the Rabaçal valley. Most hikers park near the ER110 road on the plateau, then descend to the valley to begin the levada walk. Be aware that the descent and subsequent ascent back to the parking can be the most demanding part of the hike.
Is the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, the trail is generally rated as easy to moderate and is suitable for beginners and families. While the levada path itself is largely flat, the initial descent and final ascent from the parking area to the Rabaçal valley can be physically demanding. The ground can also be slippery, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is essential.
What are the main natural features and landmarks to see along the route?
The primary highlight of the route is the stunning Risco waterfall, which plunges approximately 100 meters. You'll also hike through a lush laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with dense vegetation, mosses, and ferns. The trail offers open viewpoints over Madeira's mountainous interior and passes by the Casa do Rabaçal Café & Fountain.
What is the terrain like on the Levada do Risco Trail?
The trail follows a levada, so it's mostly flat and well-maintained. However, sections can be narrow, and the ground can be wet, muddy, and slippery due to stones and roots, especially after rainfall. The initial and final sections involve a significant gradient between the plateau parking and the Rabaçal valley.
What is the best time of year to hike the Levada do Risco Trail?
The trail can be hiked year-round. However, the lush environment means it can be misty and damp, especially outside of the drier summer months. Visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant temperatures and vibrant greenery. Be prepared for potentially wet conditions regardless of the season.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Levada do Risco Trail, especially within Madeira Natural Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail. It is located within the Madeira Natural Park, which is freely accessible to visitors.
Is the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally allowed on many trails in Madeira, it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially given the narrow sections and potential for other hikers. Ensure your dog is comfortable with potentially slippery and uneven terrain.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail shares sections with other popular routes in the Rabaçal area. It runs concurrently with the PR 6 - Levada das 25 Fontes for a significant portion, and also intersects with parts of the PR 6.3 - Vereda da Lagoa do Vento and PR 6.2 - Levada do Alecrim.
What should I bring for a hike on the Levada do Risco Trail?
Given the potential for wet and slippery conditions, sturdy waterproof hiking shoes with good grip are highly recommended. Bring layers of clothing as the weather can change, and a waterproof jacket is advisable. Don't forget water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Is there a café or facilities near the trailhead?
Yes, near the start of the levada walk in the Rabaçal valley, you'll find the Casa do Rabaçal Café & Fountain, which offers refreshments and facilities. It's a good spot to take a break before or after your hike.
Is the Levada do Risco Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?
The PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco Trail is primarily an out-and-back route to the Risco waterfall. However, it can be combined with the PR 6 - Levada das 25 Fontes to create a longer, more varied hiking experience, though this would still involve some out-and-back sections.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Beautiful walk on good paths. There is a chargeable shuttle bus between the forester's lodge and the car park, which we used on the way back. Otherwise you need about an hour for the further ascent to the parking lot. In the forest house there are delicious snacks and drinks.
12:30 after a steep car ride, only parking space on the road itself, the walk 6.1 to the waterfall viewpoint, you can also take one of the buses down for the first part, but the walk down is easy to do, the first part of the descent over a small road to a casa or small eatery with toilet (0.50 €) after which a small descent via steps or the road of your choice, the rest is quite flat, to the waterfall, after that the same way back, from the casa the buses also go up again for 4 € pp one way 👍
Today the path of the 25 waterfalls, but shortened due to the muggy weather
After the already intensive long day of whale watching and snorkeling, we wanted to move a bit and did the short tour to the Riscow waterfall as an after-work tour. With trekking sandals and Birkenstocks, the tour was absolutely problem-free. We were down at the restaurant at 5:15 p.m., then had a bite to eat there because the restaurant closes at 6 p.m. Then we were completely alone at the waterfall - so the right decision. For those who do not enjoy walking uphill, there is even a hiking bus that goes up to the parking lot until the restaurant closes. 😁
Comfortable hike on well-developed paths to the scenic Risco waterfall, which is probably the highest waterfall in Madeira.
A must, even if the way there is also the way back 👍
This morning we did the hike to the Risco waterfall. It went down a concrete road from the parking lot to the Rabaçal hut (about 20-30min) From there several paths lead to the various waterfalls. We're only to the Risco. The way there along the levada is relatively easy and flat most of the time! The view is definitely worth it! On the way back we turned off to the 25 Fontes. It went down a long stone staircase and then up again briefly. Then via a one-way street along the levada to the 25 water fountains. When we got there it was very crowded at lunchtime. If the weather permits, I would recommend going early in the morning. Too many people and groups for my taste. Then we went back, this time up a short stretch of stairs and through a mystical forest (one-way street) and arrived at the bottom again along the levada... Finally we had to walk up all the stairs to the hut again, it was exhausting, but doable. We had lunch at the hut, it was very cozy and delicious, we had a view of the mountains and were constantly visited by cute birds. There are also clean toilets for 50ct. From the hut there are other ways up to the car park, e.g. through a tunnel or a shuttle bus that takes you up to the car park for €3 per person. We used the shuttle service because we wanted to do another hike, so we had to save time and energy. Walking up the street takes about 30-45 minutes depending on how fast you walk. All in all, both hikes are worth it! We exchanged ideas with other hikers who recommended the "Levada do Alecrim" hike. However, this only goes up stairs for 2.3 km, but it should be worth it. We spent 4 hours there with the lunch break and covered a total of 9 km (I paused the navigation and forgot to switch it on again, which is why the route stops in the middle).
A picture-perfect tour through the headwaters of the highlands. From Casa do Rabaçal to the "dangerous waterfall" (Cascata do Risco) and on to the 25 springs (25 Fontes).