The Levada do Alecrim hike is one of Madeira’s best easy waterfall walks: a mostly level 7-kilometre return route through Rabaçal’s green highlands to the peaceful Lagoa Dona Beja. It is a gentler alternative to the famous 25 Fontes trail, with broad valley views, heather tunnels and far less pressure to rush along narrow sections. In this updated guide: route details, where to park, what to wear in Rabaçal’s changeable weather, booking rules for 2026, whether children can manage it, and sensible ways to add another nearby walk without simply repeating the busy 25 Fontes route.
Why walk Levada do Alecrim?
Officially known as PR 6.2, Levada do Alecrim follows an irrigation channel high above the Rabaçal valley, in Madeira’s western uplands. The trail starts beside ER 105 at roughly 1,300 metres above sea level and runs through a distinctly different landscape from the island’s sunny coast: open moorland, damp laurel forest, mossy banks and views towards Ribeira da Janela.
The appeal is its balance. You still get the classic Madeira levada experience—water beside the path, luxuriant vegetation and a rewarding freshwater destination—but without the long queues commonly associated with PR 6, Levada das 25 Fontes. The terrain is generally even and the official walking time is 2 hours 30 minutes, making this a strong choice for first-time levada walkers, families with confident children and travellers looking for a lighter half-day hike.
At the end, the levada reaches its source near Ribeira do Lajeado. Here, Lagoa Dona Beja is a small natural-looking pool beneath a waterfall. It feeds the better-known Lagoa do Vento waterfall further below. It is a beautiful place to pause, but it is not a developed swimming area: the rocks can be slick, water temperatures are cold and conditions change after rain.
The route: distance, surface and what to expect
The signed PR 6.2 is an out-and-back route: 3.5 kilometres each way, for 7 kilometres in total. It begins at Rabaçal on ER 105 and ends at the spring of Levada do Alecrim by Lagoa Dona Beja. The height difference is modest, with the official route information listing a maximum altitude of 1,339 metres and a minimum of 1,256 metres.
The outward walk is straightforward. After leaving the road, the footpath settles beside the levada and alternates between open stretches with wide views and enclosed, humid sections under tall heath. The surface can be uneven, muddy or slippery in places, especially after rainfall, but there are no long stair climbs and no exposure comparable with Madeira’s cliffside routes.
Allow the published 2 hours 30 minutes as a realistic minimum at an unhurried pace. Add time for photographs, a snack at the lagoon and slower walking if the path is wet. Return by the same route unless you have deliberately planned a longer continuation: it is easy to lose the simplicity of this walk by turning it into an ambitious Rabaçal circuit.
| Official route | PR 6.2 – Levada do Alecrim |
| Start and finish | Rabaçal, ER 105 / Lagoa Dona Beja |
| Distance | 7 km return (3.5 km each way) |
| Official duration | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Altitude | 1,256–1,339 metres |
| 2026 access fee | €4.50 for visitors over 12; children aged 12 and under are exempt, but still require registration |
| Booking | Advance registration and a time slot are required through the IFCN SIMplifica portal |
How to get to Rabaçal and where to park
Levada do Alecrim is best reached by car. The trailhead is on ER 105 at Rabaçal, on the Paul da Serra plateau above Calheta. From Funchal, expect a mountain drive rather than a quick urban transfer: the roads are paved but can be winding, misty and surprisingly cold at this altitude. If you are new to the island’s steep roads, read our practical guide to renting a car in Madeira before setting out.
Use the Rabaçal/PR 6.2 trailhead location rather than simply searching for “25 Fontes”, as the Rabaçal area contains several neighbouring paths and access points. There is roadside and trailhead parking around ER 105, but spaces are limited during busy periods. Arrive early, particularly in summer and on clear weekends, and do not leave valuables visible in the car.
Public transport is not a practical option for most independent walkers because of the high, remote starting point and limited service. Travellers without a car will usually find a guided transfer or organised hike more straightforward. If you are staying in Funchal and relying on buses, start with our guide to getting around Madeira by bus, then check an operator’s current pick-up and return arrangements carefully.
Weather, footwear and safety on this high plateau
Do not judge Rabaçal weather by conditions in Funchal or Calheta. The trail begins above 1,250 metres, where cloud can roll in quickly and light rain can turn a dry-looking path muddy. Even in summer, bring a lightweight waterproof layer and an extra warm layer for stops at the lagoon. In winter, rain, low cloud and short daylight hours make an early start especially important; our Madeira in winter guide explains what to pack for the island’s wetter months.
Wear trainers with dependable grip or light hiking shoes. Sandals and smooth-soled fashion trainers are a poor choice: the path beside the levada can be slick, and wet rock around Lagoa Dona Beja needs particular care. Take water, a snack, a charged phone and a small rubbish bag. There are no facilities at the lagoon itself.
Before driving up, check the official IFCN trail-status page. A weather warning does not automatically close every trail, but the authorities may restrict access because of rainfall, landslides, maintenance or unsafe ground conditions. Never pass closure signs or barriers.
Can children do it, and how can you combine it with nearby walks?
Yes, Levada do Alecrim can suit children who are used to walking for several hours and can stay close to an adult beside water. The gentle gradient is the advantage, not a guarantee that the route is risk-free. Keep children away from the levada edge, take waterproofs for everyone and turn back if the weather worsens. Children aged 12 and under are exempt from the 2026 trail fee, although they must still be registered for the required time slot.
If you want more Rabaçal scenery without repeating PR 6 to 25 Fontes, keep PR 6.2 as your main walk and add a separate short route only if you have energy, daylight and bookings for both. PR 6.1 Levada do Risco leads to the dramatic Risco waterfall, while PR 6.3 Vereda da Lagoa do Vento provides an alternative onward link towards Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal. These are not casual detours: check distances, route status and your reservation times before committing.
For a calmer plan, walk Alecrim in the morning, then drive west via Paul da Serra and continue to the coast for a late lunch or swim. Our Madeira west coast day trip guide is useful for turning the journey into a scenic full-day outing.
- Book before you drive: Every visitor needs a SIMplifica registration and time-slot reservation, including those exempt from the fee.
- Start early: Morning usually brings easier parking, quieter paths and more time to adapt if cloud moves in.
- Choose grip over style: Proper walking shoes or trail trainers make a real difference on damp levada edges and rocks near the lagoon.
- Bring more layers than you expect: Rabaçal can feel markedly cooler and wetter than Funchal, even when the coast is sunny.
- Keep the lagoon natural: Do not leave litter, use soap in the water or scramble into unstable areas for photographs.
- Do not confuse the routes: Follow PR 6.2 signs for Alecrim; several Rabaçal trails begin close together but lead to different destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Levada do Alecrim easier than 25 Fontes?
Yes. PR 6.2 is officially rated easy and is mostly level, with a 7-kilometre return distance. The 25 Fontes walk is also popular for good reason, but it is longer, busier and includes more demanding sections.
Do I need to pay for Levada do Alecrim in 2026?
Visitors over 12 pay €4.50 for this individual classified route. Children aged 12 and under are exempt. All walkers, including exempt visitors and Madeira residents, must register and reserve a time slot in advance.
Can I swim at Lagoa Dona Beja?
It is possible to reach the water’s edge, but this is a natural mountain pool rather than an official bathing site. Expect cold water and slippery rocks; assess conditions carefully and do not take risks after heavy rain.
Is Levada do Alecrim open all year?
The route may be accessible year-round, but its status can change because of weather, maintenance or safety issues. Check the official IFCN trail updates shortly before departure rather than relying on older hiking reports.
Facts and prices verified in August 2026. For more route ideas, browse our Madeira hiking and levadas guides, plan a scenic follow-up with our west coast day trip itinerary, or see how to organise a short car-free stay in Madeira in 3 days without a car.
