6 days ago

PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim on Madeira and PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento Loop Hike - Detailed Information and Photos

The PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim is one of my favourite levada walks on Madeira. It’s located in Rabaçal, in the western part of the island. Despite being in the same area as some of Madeira’s most popular levada walks, Levada do Alecrim somehow receives far less attention. This might be a great opportunity for you to hike a thrilling trail without the crowds.

Levada do Alecrim is flat throughout its entire route. After just 3.5 kilometers, the trail leads to a gorge with a stunning waterfall that, in my opinion, is far more impressive than the one at the nearby Levada das 25 Fontes. You can walk the trail as an out-and-back or take a detour to another breathtaking waterfall, Lagoa do Vento. Let’s explore together why Levada do Alecrim deserves your attention!

Is Levada do Alecrim good for children?

Levada do Alecrim is an excellent choice for hiking with children on Madeira. We’ve hiked this trail several times and always noticed happy kids clearly enjoying the experience. The path is well-maintained, with no steep drops or intimidating sections, and it’s entirely flat, leading to an incredible waterfall at the end. These features make it the perfect option for a fun and safe family adventure with your kids!

What is a Levada on Madeira

Levada Walks are the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Levadas are irrigation canals which transport water to the drier parts of the island. Along the canals you'll find hiking paths which can take you on adventure through a dense forest, long dark tunnels or even waterfalls which are often being the source of the water in levadas. Levada Walks are real adventure!

Pros and Cons of Hiking Levadas on Madeira

Hiking the levadas on Madeira is a must-do experience that gives you a unique way to explore the island. These trails are built alongside Madeira's iconic water channels, meaning they’re generally less steep and challenging than mountain hikes. You’ll follow a path that winds through lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and even tunnels, making the journey scenic and adventurous without being too exhausting.

One of the exciting features of the levadas is the tunnels, some stretching up to a kilometre. While they add to the adventure, they can be a bit tricky to navigate—you might need to hunch down and squeeze by others on the narrow paths. In some sections of the levada, you can easily step aside to let people pass, but in tighter spots, like tunnels or narrow ledges, it takes a bit more patience.

Most levadas are out-and-back trails, so you'll need to walk to the end and then return the same way. This can be a bit repetitive, but the reward is often worth it—the trail might lead to a stunning waterfall or a scenic view, making the effort feel like a rewarding adventure. And, of course, you can turn back at any point if you're ready to wrap up your hike.

How to get to PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim

Levada do Alecrim is located in the Rabaçal area, which is known for its incredible levada walks. Unfortunately, there’s no public transportation to Rabaçal, but plenty of companies offer shuttle services to hikes in the area. That said, the best way to get to the Levada do Alecrim trailhead is by renting a car, which is the most popular option for getting around Madeira.

To find the Rabaçal parking area, just type “Parque de Estacionamento Rabaçal” into Google Maps. I’ve also included the correct location in the attached map for your convenience. The parking is free and fairly large, but since Rabaçal is a popular hiking spot, it fills up quickly. I recommend arriving before 10 a.m. to snag a spot without any hassle—or even earlier during the summer months.

PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim basic info

Check the official website to see if this trail is currently open and safe to hike.

Distance: 3.5 KM (point to point)
Incline: 50M
Duration: 2-3 hours (out and back)
Payment: Free

PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim + PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento Loop Hike

Distance: 8.7 KM (loop hike)
Incline: 550M
Duration: 3-4 hours (out and back)
Payment: Free

Hiking the PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim Madeira

Levada do Alecrim, located in Rabaçal in western Madeira, is one of the island’s most rewarding levada walks. The trail begins at the Rabaçal parking lot—the same starting point for the popular Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco. However, instead of heading toward the barrier gate for those trails, the path to Levada do Alecrim starts a bit higher up to the right. Check the attached photograph to see the direction Maria is heading.

Levada do Alecrim is special for us—it was the first levada we ever hiked during our initial trip to Madeira. We’ve hiked it few times under various weather conditions, from sunny skies to light rain. Even on rainy days, the trail remains manageable, as it doesn’t become too slippery.

The trail is shaded almost entirely by lush laurel branches covered with moss, creating a serene, natural tunnel about two meters above the path. The trail is a mix of dirt and rocky paths, so it can get muddy on rainy days. This route is well-maintained and clearly marked, so you don’t need a map. What we love most about Levada do Alecrim is its vibrant greenery and the constant sense of discovery as the winding path reveals something new at every turn.

After about 1.2 kilometres, the trail briefly opens up, offering stunning views of the lush Rabaçal Valley if the weather is clear. At 1.5 kilometers, you’ll encounter the first point of interest: a set of stairs where the levada forms a waterfall-like stream. This unique spot is worth a quick photo stop.

The trail then continues alongside the levada, curving gently through the forest. At 2.6 kilometers, you’ll reach a fork. Here, you can detour to Lagoa do Vento, a spectacular waterfall with a lagoon, but I recommend continuing to the end of Levada do Alecrim first.

At 3.5 kilometres, the trail concludes in a small gorge with the Dona Beja Waterfall. While it’s not large, it’s stunningly picturesque and offers plenty of opportunities for photography. This is the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the beauty of Madeira’s natural landscape before heading back.

Adding PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento to Your Hike

If you have extra time and energy, consider adding PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento to your hike. From the fork near Dona Beja, switch to the Lagoa do Vento trail.

The trail descends steeply via a long staircase—challenging for those with weak knees, but worth your effort. After 1 kilometre of walking downstairs, you’ll reach the stunning Lagoa do Vento, featuring a tall waterfall cascading into a clear lagoon. In the summer, you might even spot hikers cooling off and swimming in the water. Walk around the lagoon to find a small cave behind the waterfall, perfect for adventurous photos.

Instead of returning via the staircase, we recommend following the trail toward Casa do Rabaçal. This path is gentler on the knees and offers a pleasant change of scenery. First head back within the same way and then continue to the new trail pointing Casa do Rabaçal. After about a kilometre, you’ll eventually reach the asphalt road leading to Risco Waterfall and Levada das 25 Fontes. From here, it’s a 1.5-kilometer uphill walk back to the parking lot.

How to get around Madeira?

The best way to explore Madeira is undoubtedly by renting a car. We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our trips. They offer a wide selection of both international and local rental companies, with transparent pricing that includes all fees and taxes upfront.

Our Madeira e-Book Guide for Photographers and Travellers

For over two years, we’ve called Madeira our home, exploring every breathtaking corner of this stunning island. Since launching at the start of 2024, our guide has helped hundreds of travellers and photographers plan their dream trip to this magical destination.