Rabaçal

"Located on Paul da Serra, the only plateau on the island of Madeira, Rabaçal offers a setting of rare natural beauty. It is a privileged location for those looking to enjoy moments of relaxation in contact with the lush green surroundings that are so characteristic of the Laurissilva forest. In this space, visitors will find an observatory with a memorable panoramic view over a large wooded area. Since it is located on Pico da Urze, the Rabaçal Viewpoint offers an unobstructed perspective over the largest valley on the island, covered with Laurissilva vegetation, an indigenous forest designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Rabaçal valley impresses with its exuberance and liveliness. In addition to being part of the Natura 2000 Network, this space is also part of the Madeira Natural Park, classified as an area of ​​rest and silence. It is, therefore, a must-see stop on the west coast of the island for any nature lover. Likewise, from Rabaçal you can set off to discover several iconic hiking trails. The Levada das 25 Fontes (PR 6) and Levada do Risco (PR 6.1) stand out, both starting at Regional Road no."

"The Rabacal area is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Madeira and one of the main levada areas. It’s located where a flat plateau with low vegetation gradually drops into deep valleys covered with native laurel forests, stretching for about 20 km northwest toward the ocean. It’s a very wet area where are form lots of streams, eventually merging into the longest river in Madeira, Ribeira da Janela. There’s a large free parking lot, I recommend you to arrive early so you can easily find a free spot. "