PR 6.4 - Levada Velha do Rabaçal

This route starts at the regional road (ER 105), at Pico Gordo, and to reach Levada Velha do Rabaçal or Levada do Risco, you'll have to walk approximately 800 metres.

When you reach the levada, turn right to continue the hike to the end of the route, at Casa do Rabaçal. If you choose to turn left, you will come across an imposing tunnel - Túnel das Estrebarias - also called Furado Velho.

The construction of this tunnel in 1855 allowed, for the first time in Madeira's history, the abundant waters of the north coast to cross the island to the drier south coast.

Levada Velha do Rabaçal or Levada do Risco is currently only explored between its source and the vicinity of Casa do Rabaçal, and the spring is later led to Levada Nova do Rabaçal or Levada das 25 Fontes.
It is possible to contemplate the deep green landscapes characteristic of the Laurissilva Forest, classified as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO since December 1999 and part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance - Natura 2000 Network, from the clearings along the route.