PR 6.6 - Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo

The route through Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo starts next to the Caldeira leisure area, also known as the 'Garagem' (garage), which is located on Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro, and ends at Casa do Rabaçal, the meeting point for hikers on the various hiking trails in Rabaçal. The trail follows the forest path for the first 800 metres, until it meets Túnel do Cavalo, also known as Furado Novo or Furado das 25 Fontes.

It is through this tunnel, whose construction began in 1863 and was completed in 1877, that the water collected from the Ribeira dos Cedros and 25 Fontes is transported by Levada Nova do Rabaçal, or Levada das 25 Fontes, to the municipality of Calheta, for three main purposes: to supply the Calheta hydroelectric power station, the consumption of the population and the irrigation of agricultural land.

After crossing the tunnel - which is approximately 800 metres long - the route continues along Levada das 25 Fontes until you reach the staircase on the right that will take you to Casa do Rabaçal. If you choose to follow Levada das 25 Fontes, you will be guided to Rabaçal's ex-libris - Lagoa das 25 Fontes. At the Rabaçal site, take the opportunity to visit the Reception Centre, where you can discover the history of the construction of Madeira's Levadas, and in particular those of Rabaçal.