Levada do Risco

PR 6.1 Levada do Risco is a short levada walk at Rabaçal, in the west of Madeira, ending at a viewpoint over the Risco waterfall. IFCN lists it at 3 km each way from the ER 105 road, with an official time of 2 hours, a high point of 1,288 m and a low point of 1,000 m. Visit Madeira rates it easy and suitable for the whole family. It is the gentlest introduction to the Rabaçal valley and pairs naturally with PR 6.

Is Levada do Risco open?

Yes. IFCN's official list (updated 2 October 2026) shows PR 6.1 as open. Unlike its neighbour, PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes, it has no one-way system: you walk out to the viewpoint and back on the same path.

How long is it really?

IFCN, the managing body, gives 3 km each way (6 km in total) from the trailhead on the ER 105. Visit Madeira quotes 1.5 km each way. We use the official IFCN figure, which is measured from the same road-side start as PR 6. Plan on about 2 hours for the official route.

What does it cost and do I need to book?

Every walker must book an entry slot on the SIMplifica portal, including residents and children aged 12 or under, who are exempt from the fee. In 2026 the visitor fee is €4.50 per trail. PR 6.1 and PR 6 are separate trails with separate bookings; if you book both for the same day, SIMplifica applies the most favourable rate automatically. See trail booking and fees.

What will I see?

According to the IFCN panel, both trails start on the ER 105 and descend to the Rabaçal shelter, where they split onto two parallel levadas. PR 6.1 follows the Levada do Risco at about 1,000 m above sea level to the Risco viewpoint. There the water drops vertically down the cliff, leaving a white streak — a risco — on the dark rock, which gives the place its name.

The surrounding slopes belong to Madeira's Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since December 1999 and part of the Natura 2000 network.

What people misjudge

• The walk back up. The trailhead sits at 1,288 m and the levada at about 1,000 m, so the last part of the return is a climb of almost 300 m.
• Wet ground. IFCN warns that paths can be wet, slippery and uneven; walk carefully, especially near the viewpoint.
• Narrow sections. On narrow stretches, the IFCN code asks walkers to let others pass from a safe position, never on the edge.

Getting there

The trailhead is on the ER 105 regional road at Rabaçal, in the municipality of Calheta. The IFCN map marks parking and a bus stop at the start; we could not confirm a public bus timetable, so see getting around without a car. The panel lists Calheta taxis on +351 291 822 129.

Combining it

PR 6.1 and PR 6 can be combined on one visit, since both share the start. For another short walk in the west, try PR 13 Vereda do Fanal. More in the west region.