Lagoa do Vento
Discover Lagoa do Vento, a breathtaking waterfall and lagoon in Madeira, accessed via scenic levada walks and a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier parking, fewer crowds
Lagoa do Vento
Best Time
Easier parking, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lagoa do Vento, a breathtaking waterfall and lagoon in Madeira, accessed via scenic levada walks and a rewarding hike.
"The reward is worth it as the lake and waterfall are beautiful!"
Park Smartly
Park at 25 Fontes lot; take PR 6.2 then PR 6.3 for downhill to waterfall. :car:
Embrace the Shuttle
Use the shuttle (€5 one-way) from Rabacal to your car for an easier return. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lagoa do Vento Waterfall
End of PR 6.3 trail
A breathtaking waterfall cascading into a serene lake, perfect for photos and a refreshing (though cold!) swim.
Levada Walks
PR 6.2 and PR 6.3 trails
Enjoy scenic levada walks through lush greenery, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Risco Waterfall
Near Rabacal
Often visited in conjunction with Lagoa do Vento, Risco offers another impressive waterfall experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Route to Lagoa do Vento
Timing and Shuttle Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park Smartly
Park at 25 Fontes lot; take PR 6.2 then PR 6.3 for downhill to waterfall. :car:
Embrace the Shuttle
Use the shuttle (€5 one-way) from Rabacal to your car for an easier return. :bus:
Steep Descent/Ascent
Be prepared for steep steps on PR 6.3; the climb back up can be challenging. :athletic_shoe:
Cold Water Swim
The lake is beautiful but very cold; a quick dip is invigorating! :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Smartly
Park at 25 Fontes lot; take PR 6.2 then PR 6.3 for downhill to waterfall. :car:
Embrace the Shuttle
Use the shuttle (€5 one-way) from Rabacal to your car for an easier return. :bus:
Steep Descent/Ascent
Be prepared for steep steps on PR 6.3; the climb back up can be challenging. :athletic_shoe:
Cold Water Swim
The lake is beautiful but very cold; a quick dip is invigorating! :snowflake:
Cafe Stop
Enjoy a drink or snack at the Rabacal cafe after your hike. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lagoa do Vento for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the impressive waterfall and clear lagoon. The hike, while challenging with its steep sections, is widely considered worth the effort for the spectacular reward. Some find the water very cold, and the climb back up can be strenuous, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"Top walk this week so far. Took the recommendation of Chris Ovsenny on this site to walk initially along 6.2, an easy level levada walk with some great views from time to time, until about 3km from the start - then the left turn down many steps to intercept 6.3; and a short (0.3km each way) down about 100m to the lake with its waterfall. Returning via 6.3, we stopped at the Cafe Radacal for a drink, and caught the minute back up to the car park (€5:00 each). Followed by another 3km along 6.8, a level levada walk out & return on the opposite side of the road from the car park - easy fast walk with great views all the way to the south coast."
Robert Cronk
"Great hike, more "challenging" as steep steps await. The reward is worth as the lake and waterfall are beatuifull"
Mael Eixarch
"Ok, want the real deal on where to go for this hike (Lagos do Vento) and the best way to do it? You’ve come to the right place…
- Drive to the parking lot for the 25 fontes hike and find a parking spot. Yes, go here - don’t worry, it’s the right place
- You’ll see the parking slope down the hill to a paved road with a white barrier gate. The shuttle bus (5 euro one way, 8 euro return) stops here.
- Just before there (100 ft upill) you’ll see a map of hikes. You’ll see PR 6.3 hike, but it starts 2 km down the paved road past the barrier that the shuttle travels to Rabacal. You DONT want to do that, because you start at the bottom and go uphill much of the way (plus you walked 2km down a boring paved road for the privilege).
- Instead take the PR 6.2 hike, which starts at the barrier and paved road, but deviates almost right away to follow a lovely watercourse for 3.5km. That hike is easy, it’s shaded, pretty trees and foliage. At the 3.5km mark it will sign you for PR 6.3 (900m). Don’t follow 6.2 anymore, now you’re on the official shortcut to 6.3.
- The shortcut is downhill, is very well laid out with steps, but has a decent slope downward. It’s not difficult. When you see the faces of people coming “up” the shortcut, you’ll be very glad you’re going down.
- After 600m down you’ll cross the official 6.3 path down to the waterfall. Go down to the waterfall. It’s beautiful, not many people, lots of great places for photos. You can even swim (it’s cold!)
- You’ll have to walk up the 300m again to get to the trail, this is a bit t challenging, but just fine.
- Now, when you come back to the trail, you walk the official 6.3 path to Rabacal (about 1.5km). But it’s almost all the way downhill. (Again if you started at Rabacal, you’d be walk uphill).
- You’ll get to Rabacal and the cafe. Have a cold beer, gelato, pastel de nata, whatever… you’ve earned it!
- You could walk the 2km paved path back to the parking lot, but it’s uphill. Pay 5 euro for the shuttle, and you’re back at the barrier gate and your car!
Total route: Approx 5km or so, over a leisurely 3+ hours, but you’ve seen a ton, walked mostly downhill, and enjoyed the hike😃"
Chris Ovsenny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended route is to drive to the parking lot for the 25 Fontes hike. From there, take the PR 6.2 hike, which leads to a shortcut (PR 6.3) that descends to Lagoa do Vento.
While direct public transport is limited, a shuttle service operates from the barrier gate near the 25 Fontes parking lot to Rabacal, which is part of the hiking route.
Parking at the 25 Fontes trailhead is advised. From there, follow the PR 6.2 trail, which is a more scenic and less strenuous approach than starting directly from Rabacal.
No, you cannot drive directly to Lagoa do Vento. The area is accessible via hiking trails from designated parking areas.
The primary parking area is for the 25 Fontes hike. Arriving in the afternoon can make finding a spot easier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee for Lagoa do Vento itself, but parking at the trailhead may incur a fee. The shuttle service also has a cost.
The trails are generally accessible without an entrance fee, though parking fees may apply at trailheads.
The trails are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely.
Yes, the shuttle bus from the barrier gate to Rabacal costs approximately €5 one-way and €8 return.
Yes, many tour operators offer guided hikes to Lagoa do Vento and other attractions in Madeira.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Lagoa do Vento, including the descent and return to the main trail, can take around 3+ hours at a leisurely pace, covering about 5km.
The hike involves a steep downhill section with steps to reach the waterfall, which can be challenging, especially the climb back up.
Yes, you can swim in Lagoa do Vento, but be prepared for very cold water.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip due to the steep and potentially slippery sections. Layers are recommended as the weather can change.
There are restrooms and showers available at Rabacal, which is a common stopping point on the hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the waterfall and lake offers numerous picturesque spots. The descent itself provides great angles for capturing the waterfall.
Yes, the water's color remains vibrant even on cloudy days, and rain can add a unique atmosphere to your photos.
Afternoons can offer softer light, and fewer people might mean more opportunities for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A waterproof camera or protective case is advisable if you plan to swim.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Considerations for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water. The cold water of the lagoon might be too intense for some children. Opting for the shuttle service from Rabacal can significantly reduce the physical exertion required for the return trip.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Solo traveler tips: Consider joining a guided tour for added safety and to learn more about the area's natural history. The shuttle service is also a convenient option for solo travelers looking to simplify their return journey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the waterfall and its surroundings. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's colors and reduce glare. Be prepared for potentially wet conditions and bring protective gear for your camera.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: PR 6.2 and PR 6.3
PR 6.3 is the more challenging section, involving a steep descent with numerous steps. While not technically difficult, the slope requires careful footing. This trail leads directly to the stunning Lagoa do Vento waterfall. The return journey involves climbing these steps back up to the main trail, which can be strenuous. Many visitors opt to continue on PR 6.3 towards Rabacal, where amenities and the shuttle service are available.
Key takeaway: Following PR 6.2 first, then the downhill PR 6.3 shortcut, is generally recommended for a more manageable descent. The climb back up from the waterfall to the main trail is the most demanding part of the hike.
The Magic of Lagoa do Vento
The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense, verdant foliage and the dramatic cliffs from which the waterfall plunges. The sound of the cascading water is a constant, soothing presence throughout the area. It's a popular spot for photography, with many visitors capturing the dramatic interplay of water, rock, and greenery.
While the waterfall itself is the main draw, the journey to reach it is equally rewarding. The levada walks leading to the descent offer a chance to immerse yourself in Madeira's unique natural environment. The combination of the scenic hike and the breathtaking waterfall makes Lagoa do Vento a must-visit destination.
Rabacal and the Shuttle Service
To make the return journey easier, especially after a strenuous hike, a shuttle service operates from Rabacal back to the main parking area. This service is highly recommended for those who prefer to avoid the uphill climb back to their car. The shuttle typically costs around €5 one-way, offering a convenient solution for tired legs.
Pro-tip: Consider taking the shuttle back to your car, especially if you've completed a longer hike or are not keen on the uphill ascent. This allows you to enjoy the downhill hike to the waterfall without worrying about the strenuous return.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit