Trails
Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo (PR6.6)
Through the 800 m Túnel do Cavalo to the levada of 25 Fontes
The place
Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo is the official PR6.6, a 2.3 km route on the edge of the Paul da Serra that IFCN gives about 45 minutes. It starts by the Caldeira picnic area, known as the Garagem, on the Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro, and ends at Casa do Rabaçal, where the Rabaçal walks meet. Heights stay between 988 m and 1,055 m.
The first 800 m follow a forest track to the Túnel do Cavalo, also called the Furado Novo or the Furado das 25 Fontes. It was dug between 1863 and 1877 so that the Levada Nova do Rabaçal, or Levada das 25 Fontes, could carry the water gathered from the Ribeira dos Cedros and 25 Fontes to Calheta, where it feeds a hydroelectric station, homes and fields. The tunnel is about 800 m long. On the far side the path follows the Levada das 25 Fontes to a stairway on the right that climbs to Casa do Rabaçal; staying on the levada leads on to the 25 Fontes lagoon.
Highlights
- The Túnel do Cavalo, about 800 m long, dug between 1863 and 1877.
- The Levada das 25 Fontes, which carries the water of Rabaçal to Calheta.
- Casa do Rabaçal at the end, where the 25 Fontes and the other Rabaçal walks begin.
When to come
Any dry day. The walk is short, so it can open a longer one: from Casa do Rabaçal the levada goes on to the 25 Fontes lagoon.
Getting there
Drive to the Caldeira picnic area, the Garagem, on the Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro on the Paul da Serra. The route ends at Casa do Rabaçal, so plan the return, back through the tunnel or by road from Rabaçal.
Worth knowing
- Booking and fee: pay through SIMplifica; €4.50 in 2026 for visitors over 12, with children 12 and under exempt.
- Distance and time: 2.3 km one way, about 45 minutes.
- Tunnel: about 800 m long and unlit, so bring a torch.
- Heights: between 988 m and 1,055 m.
- Status: open on the IFCN list on 3 November 2026; check IFCN or SIMplifica before you go.
