Levada Velha do Rabaçal, szlak levady w zachodniej Maderze
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OpenToday: good to goWest / Rabaçal

PR 6.4

Levada Velha do Rabaçal

Pico Gordo - Levada Velha do Rabaçal. Highlights: Pico Gordo, Levada Velha, Rabaçal.

mountains and viewpointslevada / waterfalls
Distance
8.4 km
Time
about 2 h 50 min
Difficulty
Moderate (est.)
Fee
from 4.50 EUR
Altitude
1038 - 1190 m

Decision for today

Good to go

Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

  • Official status: open.
  • Weather: Good weather.

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Access and parking

Pico Gordo / Rabaçal

check

Quick access check

Parking pointTaxi / transfer likelyPlan the return
Parking / start

A trail in the Rabaçal and Paul da Serra area. The starting point may require driving a local road, so check conditions.

Coordinates for navigation

Start32.76904, -17.15357

Enter them into an offline map or the car's navigation before you set off: on mountain roads the signal can drop out for long stretches.

Bus / transfer

Check connections for Paul da Serra/Rabaçal; do not assume a regular service directly to the trailhead.

Search in SIGA: Rabaçal, Paul da Serra, Calheta, Ponta do Sol.

Logistics

linear trail. Start: Pico Gordo. End: Levada Velha do Rabaçal.

Access plan

By car

Pico Gordo / Rabaçal. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.

Without a car

Search in SIGA: Rabaçal, Paul da Serra, Calheta, Ponta do Sol.

Return

This is a linear or logistically harder trail. Plan pickup, taxi or two transport legs.

Transport information is planning guidance. Confirm schedules, parking and access in official sources before you go.
Parking in Google Maps SIGA schedules

Logistics tip. Confirm current departures, access restrictions and parking with SIGA or locally before heading out.

Trail map

Start point and area

Porto MonizSão VicenteSantanaMachicoFunchalPonta do Sol
PR 6.4

Orientation point

Levada Velha do Rabaçal · start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Parking / access

Pico Gordo / Rabaçal

A trail in the Rabaçal and Paul da Serra area. The starting point may require driving a local road, so check conditions.

Elevation profile

1012-1174 m

Total ascent: 432 mTotal descent: 568 m
StartFinish

Indicative values: elevations read from a terrain model along the GPS track, not measured on the path. On rock ledges and near tunnels the model can show the slope above the trail.

EU-DEM 25 m · OpenStreetMap (ODbL)

Hike plan

Day plan for this trail

Hike

8.4 km · about 2 h 50 min · Moderate (est.)

Conditions

Good to go. Status and basic weather do not show an obvious blocker. Still check IFCN/SIMplifica before starting.

Checklists and timing

Before you go

  • Check the current IFCN notice for this trail.
  • Save the start point and route offline.
  • Book and check the fee in SIMplifica.
  • Compare weather with IPMA/ProCiv before starting.
  • Verify wind and visibility before starting.
  • Check mud, landslide, tunnel and levada overflow risks.

Gear

Offline map / saved start

Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.

Water and snacks

Even shorter trails can take longer due to weather and stops.

Headlamp / flashlight

The levada or route description suggests tunnels or darker passages.

Windproof layer

On ridges, cliffs and in gusts, wind chills quickly.

Shoes with good grip

Wet stones, levadas and forest sections can be slippery.

Daylight

Estimated time: about 2 h 50 min. Latest reasonable start: 16:24 (60 min buffer before dark).

Data confidence

What is reliable and what to check

Trail status

IFCN live

Last read: 15/09/2026, 14:23.

Difficulty

researched

Do not treat this as an official fact. It is planning guidance.

Map point

start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Access

check

Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.

Weather now

Open-Meteo

Updated: 15/09/2026, 14:23. Refresh about every 1h.

Races in this area

Competitions are scheduled nearby on these dates. Expect closed access roads, full car parks or traffic on the trail itself.

  • TransMadeira

    9/28/26 - 10/3/26 · cycling race

    calheta

Dates from the regional events calendar; confirm with the organiser before you travel.

After the hike

Where to eat nearby

Abrigo dos Prazeres

Prazeres

4.7(335 reviews)Google Maps rating, checked on 25 July 2026

There is nowhere to eat at Rabaçal, and this is the first sensible stop once you drop off the plateau towards the coast. Big portions at village prices. Closed on Wednesday, so check before you drive down.

Hours
Sunday 11:00 to 19:00, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday 11:00 to 23:00, closed Wednesday
Prices
15 to 25 €
Cards:
accepted
Open in Google Maps

We checked the ratings and hours once, on the date shown, and this kind of data ages fast: confirm before you drive out. We have no agreement with these places and earn nothing on these tips.

Trail FAQ

Common questions before you go

Is the trail currently available?

Open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.

How long does the hike take?

Roughly 2 h 50 min at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.

How much does entry cost?

Entry costs €4.50 for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.

Do I need to book or pay?

This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.

Where do I park and how do I get there?

Pico Gordo / Rabaçal. Check connections for Paul da Serra/Rabaçal; do not assume a regular service directly to the trailhead.

Is this a good trail with a dog?

check dog rules. May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.

Trail profile

Who it suits and what to watch

Best for

Scenic mountain trail, good in stable weather.

levadascenicexposure

With dog

check dog rules

May be possible with a dog, but check current rules, weather and passages.

Risks

  • Avoid in strong wind, low visibility or icy ridge conditions.
  • After heavy rain, check landslide, overflow and tunnel/levada closure risks.