Go very early to avoid the tour group crowds! Rabacal down to Fontes 25, back up then across to Risco falls for a picnic. This is not a flat walk: many steps between the flat levada stretches. Paths in good condition and fenced. In all 8 miles of fabulous views, gorgeous scenery and clear air. This hike is best avoided at peak times; I don’t know how easily all the large groups would pass one another. Car park free. Shuttle bus optional down to start of trail but we walked it fine. Loos 50c. Bring lots water and footwear with decent tread. Enjoy it, we did.

This one is much more enjoyable to do with a guided tour because you’re not going to be there alone anyway and with a tour you have a huge added bonus. Instead of having to climb back up the same crowded path you can go through the 800 m tunnel (which is an experience in itself). After the tunnel there is a beautiful scenic view and a short hike to a different pick up point where the driver will be waiting for you. Believe me, it’s much more enjoyable to do it this way.

5 stars if you go early...the experience would be very different if crowded with hundreds of people. In my opinion, if you can’t arrive early, I wouldn’t do this hike because there is hundreds of people even in off season. The first part of the hike we were by ourselves and it was awesome! Near the end we started passing massive amounts of people on tours. I would not have enjoyed this hike with hundreds of others. If possible consider not bringing backpack, especially a large one, part of trail are very narrow and a backpack makes it hard to pass someone in these sections. If you arrive early, head to 25 pools first because there isn’t a lot of room around the waterfall and you don’t want to be there with a lot of people if you want photos. Snack bar was nice, above average atmosphere. .50 euro to use bathroom.

Beautiful walk but busy with tourists. Stunning views of the laverada and make sure you visit Risco waterfall. Some one way paths and you can end up stuck behind groups on walking tours but great if you want a steady walk with lovely views. Would recommend getting there early as despite there being a lot of parking it does get very busy. Great cafe on route which is reasonably priced for it’s location.

Hike to 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided was brilliant. Filipe picked us up nice and early so we were there before all the crowds. Filipe was friendly and passed on lots of information along the way. He then picked us up at the end and brought us back the the hotel. We would highly recommend the pick up and drop off service.