PR 6.4 - Levada Velha do Rabaçal

This route begins on the regional road (ER 105) at Pico Gordo; to reach the Levada Velha do Rabaçal or do Risco you must walk approximately 800 metres.

When you reach the levada, follow right to continue the walk to the end of the route at Casa do Rabaçal. If you choose to turn left you will come across an impressive tunnel - Túnel das Estrebarias, also called Furado Velho. The construction of this tunnel in 1855 allowed, for the first time in Madeira’s history, abundant waters from the north coast to cross the island to the much drier south coast.

The Levada Velha do Rabaçal or do Risco is currently used only between its source and the area near Casa do Rabaçal; the spring is later diverted into the Levada Nova do Rabaçal or das 25 Fontes, so along parts of the route you will encounter the channel without the usual presence of water.

In the clearings along the route you can admire the deep green landscapes typical of the Laurissilva Forest, classified as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site since December 1999, and part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance - Rede Natura 2000. This landscape is the natural habitat and refuge for some birds, such as the endemic Pombo-trocaz (Columba trocaz), as well as other passerines like the Bis-bid (Regulus madeirensis), the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula rubecula), and the Blackcap (Sylvia africapilla obscura). Arriving at the Casa de Abrigo do Rabaçal, a meeting point for visitors coming and going on the various walking routes, take the opportunity to rest and enjoy the frequent presence of Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs).

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