PR6: twenty-five foutains and Risco waterfall

One of the most idyllic places in Madeira is undoubtedly the place where twenty-five fountains converge in one place. The walk there is through the beautiful green Laurel Forest. This walk is quite short, but a feast for the eye because of the natural beauty that presents itself.

Also known as the PR6, this route is one of the most popular walking routes in Madeira. The reason for this is quite plain ordinary the site of the twenty-five fountains which resembles a fairytale location. On the way there I also stopped at the Risco waterfall. The hike is equipped with well-maintained paths and runs next to a levada. Occassionally you will also find some smaller waterfalls on your path. The route crosses the Ribeira do Raposo which is surrounded by the Laurel Forest. The scenery is simply amazing and I stop quite often to take a few pictures.

Just before the middle of this hike, a small interlude will be held to visit the Risco waterfall. This waterfall impresses due to its height, but has a rather modest flow in the summer, so it does not look that spectacular. That does not alter the fact that the waterfall provides a beautiful panorama. A little later I arrive at the real attraction of this Levada walk and that is of course the place with the twenty-five fountains. This simply looks magical, but in normal times it will unfortunately be overwhelmed by hordes of tourists who have a picnic over there. It is also recommended to explore the area around this place where there are also other nice things to discover.

Then the route goes back from where I came and now the most difficult part of the route presents itself when a number of stairs have to be climbed. It requires a lot of effort, but luckily it only takes a few minutes. A little later there is also a long piece - about eight hundred meters - through a tunnel and then it's a good idea to have a flashlight with you. Once through this tunnel, a descent follows that takes me to the end of this route.

The Laurel Forest is a beautiful area, but unfortunately sometimes a bit monotonous. The place with the twenty-five fountains is nature at its best and perhaps one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The rest of the walk is not as fantastic as this place, but nonetheless a pleasure to do.