Rabaçal - Risco - 25 Fountains - Rabaçal (8 Km)

Starting point: View point of Rabaçal, on Paul da Serra road

Finishing point: Forestry guard's house of Rabaçal

Advices on equipment: raincoat, sweater, boots/ comfortable shoes for the walk, water, some food and a bag to keep litter with you.

On the west part of Paul da Serra, near a fire vigilance tower, there is a post sign which indicates the access to Rabaçal forestry guard’s house. This narrow road is closed to cars as there is no parking places available for so many visitants down there. The way down is approximately 2 km and it can be done on foot or on a paid ride by van that is always going up and down.

When already near the forestry guard's house, before walking on the levada to 25 fountains (25 fontes), go straight ahead to Risco which will take you about 10 to 15 minutes to get to a fantastic waterfall surrounded by majestic green mountains. After being inspired by this scenery you can go back through the same easy way, parallel to the old Rabaçal levada, until you see the post that signs “25 fontes”. Go down the indicated way until you find another levada and then take the opposite direction of the running water.

The path is always on the side of the levada and it is flat terrain, though in some parts it can be narrow with no protection from the cliffs. This way this walk is not advisable for persons who are afraid of heights.

Approximately one hour after walking along the levada you will found a small lagoon on your right, surrounded by vegetation where water falls from different springs. These are the 25 fountains. Here all nature beings live together, from lichens to laurel trees and birds, they all share this wonderful ecosystem peacefully.

Again, the way back to the guard's house is through the same path but do not think it will make your walk boring as the view is always different.

This tour can be made all year around though we advise you to avoid raining and foggy days at Paul da Serra.