Madeira Levada Walk - Rabacal Lakes and Fountains

Wonderful experience, good guide and great tour.

This was our first trip to Madeira so we thought it would be a good plan to go on a guided walk or two rather than set off independently straight away. The added bonus of a guided trip is also the transport being laid on, avoiding the need to negotiate the winding roads and enabling drop off and pick up at different locations at the beginning and end of the walk. When we booked this one, we didn't quite appreciate that it was one of the most popular of the guided levada walks and that it would be quite as busy as it was. Our day began when we were picked up by the minibus at a pre-arranged spot. Our guide for the day was Rita, who proved to be well-informed, knowledgeable and concerned for our safety, wellbeing and enjoyment. We were a group of 10, mixed in terms of nationality, age and walking experience. It was a good size of group, unlike some of the other guided groups we met. Our first stop was at a small village supermarket, with a cafe and toilet facilities. Rita also took the time to show us our route on the map, which was helpful. Our route from there was up a steep road to the Paul de Sierra. The sun was shining, and it was magnificent. We set off from where the minibus had dropped dropped us off, our driver having ensured we all had torches for later in the day. The first part of the route was down a tarmac road, leaving it to descend on a cobbled path. The native woodland was beautiful, and Rita was great at pointing out flora and fauna. The walk to the waterfall was lovely, and a welcome stop there allowed for a snack, before we headed down to the levada leading to 25 Fontes. This section was quite slow, mainly because of the need for care because of the narrow path, and also because of the number of people coming back from the 25 Fontes. When we got there, we were out of the sun so it was quite cool. Loads of people having lunch. No toilet facilities of course. We stopped for 45 minutes, possibly slightly longer than needed, but not a problem. Setting off again, it didn't seem to take us long to retrace our steps on the levada, before taking a new stretch along to where a very long tunnel cut through the mountain. We were glad of jackets and needed the torches for the 700 metres, moving from the north side of the island to the south. Having been in sun or able to see the sun through the trees for most of the day, we were surprised to come out of the tunnel into cloud and mist. A relatively short walk led us to where the minibus was waiting for us. Down the mountain, a very welcome stop allowed bathroom visits and drinks, some of us sampling the local Ponchas. It was also nice to have time to chat further to others in the group. Back in the minibus, it was about 30 minutes back to the first drop off point on the outskirts of Funchal. All in all, a very good experience. Big thanks to Rita. Also very grateful for the way staff dealt with walking poles left in the minibus - a phone call and clear explanation of when they would be dropped in at the office and could be collected. We have booked another two walks during our stay in Madeira.

We were picked up promptly at our hotel by the mini bus driver and tour guide. Had a comfortable journey to the start of the walk via a stop for coffee/picnic things/toilet. Our guide was keen for us to have a great walk but was also to have a safe walk so stressed the right way to walk a levada. Very reassuring. He was very knowledgeable about the area and knew his plants and wildlife. A very enjoyable walk even providing torches when going through a tunnel. Would thoroughly recommend this trip.

Loved the tour but my wife found it a bit nervey due to some of the drops. Beautiful scenery and a brilliant, multilingual and informative guide in Gabriel. So if you get the chance, do this tour but not if you're a bit nervous of heights