Through Cavalo to Rabaçal: the Water Tunnel and Levada House: hiking in Portugal
TrailTrack route Hiking Portugal One-day
Waiting for the first trip report

Through Cavalo to Rabaçal: the Water Tunnel and Levada House

Distance
2.6 km
Time
1 h 11 min
Elevation gain
185 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Open on map
Download route
GPXFor navigation apps KMLFor Google Earth and maps

Route description

The walk from Caldeira to Rabaçal passes through Cavalo Tunnel, bringing Madeira’s water history into the journey itself. After the woodland approach, daylight recedes and your headlamp becomes the essential item in your pack. Beyond the tunnel, the levada accompanies the walk towards Rabaçal House. This version ends beside the reception-centre complex and includes short local branches; the 25 Fontes Cascade requires a separate extension. Book PR 6.6 and check the passage status before setting out.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

0

Be the first to confirm a completion and help other travellers.

Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Paving stones 66% · Gravel 28% · Improved surface 6%

Surface is defined for 100% of the route.

Paving stones 66% · 1.75 km
Gravel 28% · 0.74 km
Improved surface 6% · 0.16 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Choose this route for the experience of walking through the mountain: water engineering becomes part of the outing. At Rabaçal, the exhibition can add context if the centre is open. Take the tunnel at an unhurried pace, then choose any further walks according to your remaining energy.
Length
2.6 km
Elevation gain
185 m
Surface
Paving stones 66%
Through Cavalo to Rabaçal: the Water Tunnel and Levada House: route photo 6 in Portugal

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

The 25 Fontes Cascade needs a separate route beyond the Rabaçal approach. Risco Waterfall also belongs to another walk; allow both visits separately from this short passage. Rabaçal Reception Centre publishes hours of 10:00–17:00: check them before travelling if you want to see the exhibition. Additional trails can have their own booking and direction requirements.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
A direct regular public transport service to Caldeira Entrance is not confirmed. Arrange delivery to the road departure and a return from the Rabaçal area beforehand. Confirm any local transfer for your date; a walking connection does not establish a scheduled service. Save collection arrangements while you still have internet access.
By car
Approach Caldeira Entrance on Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro, also known as Garagem. Check road conditions and a permitted drop-off place before travelling. Rabaçal House is on the far side of the walking passage, so decide on your return beforehand. Cars cannot provide support through the tunnel or along the levada.
Parking
There is no confirmed parking information for the immediate Caldeira Entrance. Establish permitted vehicle storage at your chosen road approach before travelling. Keep entrances and places needed for service vehicles clear. If your car remains on the departure side, include the return in your day plan.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Cavalo Tunnel the historic water passage through the mountain directly on the route.
Levada das 25 Fontes the water channel beside the walking passage after the tunnel.
Rabaçal Reception Centre the exhibition centre in the final complex; interior visits depend on opening hours.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 185 м.
SurfacePaving stones 66%, Gravel 28%, Improved surface 6%.
Риски Carry your own light in the tunnel; do not rely on installed lighting or a phone screen. Take care on wet stone and let approaching walkers pass where there is room. Narrow levada passages and steps near the final house also require attention. Respect official closures; another safe crossing through the mountain is not established here.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 1 h 11 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow 1–1.5 hours for this passage, including stops, short branches and careful tunnel walking. Plan the exhibition visit and return to your car separately. Choose additional Rabaçal trails before leaving and check their availability; a 25 Fontes Cascade walk will extend the day.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose a day without heavy rain or dangerous weather warnings. The tunnel can remain damp in clear weather, so grippy footwear matters in every season. Bring another layer for cool or windy conditions. Check IFCN restrictions specifically for PR 6.6 before entering.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
A headlamp for every walker
Backup light or batteries
Grippy walking footwear
Rain protection and an extra layer
Water and a snack
A map of connections and spare phone power
Booking confirmation

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

A direct regular public transport service to Caldeira Entrance is not confirmed. Arrange delivery to the road departure and a return from the Rabaçal area beforehand. Confirm any local transfer for your date; a walking connection does not establish a scheduled service. Save collection arrangements while you still have internet access

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 2.6 km, moderate.

Discussion

Comments 0

Log in to read the discussion and leave comments.

Ask about the route or its surface, or share your experience.

Log in Sign up