Waterfalls and Levadas

Levada’s das 25 Fontes had me feeling like I was on a jungle gym built by evil and addicted elves with a flair for drama. Oh it all started innocently enough: a cool breeze, chirping birds, and a sign that said “easy hike.” Lies. Pure, treacherous lies. Ten minutes in, I was breathing like someone had parked a small cow on my chest, and I was sweating like I was being chased by a mad goat tax collector. But just when I thought I might die, somewhat unceremoniously in the ferns, the waterfalls started— dozens of them, like the island had decided to show off all at once.

Water poured down mossy cliffs like nature was leaking. Every bend of the trail revealed another surprise. At the 25 Fontes waterfall, I stood there—soggy and breathless, —grinning like a man who had just discovered indoor plumbing for the first time. And it’s not just this trail. Madeira is basically a five-star jungle spa for people who think cliffside mud and surprise rain are character-building.

We stumbled across falls not listed on any map—some gushing with wild drama, others dribbling out of rock faces like shy introverts. Some felt like romantic movie scenes; others ambushed us like a grumpy cloud with trust issues.

Photos don’t do justice to the soggy joy of seeing them in person.