Hiking
PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro
Vereda do Areeiro is a trail connecting three iconic spots in Madeira - it begins at Pico do Areeiro, crosses Pico das Torres and ends at Pico Ruivo.
PR 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada
Note: CLOSED
Caminho Real da Encumeada is a 12.5 km trail which takes 4 hours and crosses part of the mountain massif of the island of Madeira, near the foot of the highest peaks in the archipelago.
This is an old cobbled 'Royal Path', which used to be one of the main routes in the region.
Beginning at Boca da Corrida Viewpoint, Caminho Real da Encumeada is a moderate difficulty trail.
It was once much used by landlords, who would travel on horseback while their wives would lie in hammocks carried by men.
There is record of a grocery store that used to be a stopping point for those crossing the island.
The Caminho Real da Encumeada trail runs at altitudes between 830 and 1323 metres, allowing views of the parish of Curral das Freiras, a village sheltered by mountains, which served as a refuge for the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent during pirate raids on Funchal in 1566.
While walking along Caminho Real da Encumeada, pay attention to the water courses that cut through the mountains and the Laurissilva forest that covers them.
As you go around Pico Grande, the appearance of the villages of Serra d'Água and Encumeada indicates you are reaching the end.
Details
Distance: 12.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 5 hours
Start/End: Boca da Corrida Viewpoint / E.R. 228 (Encumeada)
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 1323 m / 830 m
Madeira Ocean & Trails
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Discover other routes on the West Coast
Hiking
PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha
The Vereda da Ilha starts with a short climb to the highest peak of Madeira, through Vereda do Pico Ruivo. Moderate difficulty.
Hiking
PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo
The Vereda do Pico Ruivo provides a clear view over the central mountainous massif and several other points of interest. It's the highest point in Madeira.
Hiking
PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada
Beginning near Pico Ruivo, Vereda da Encumeada is 11.2 km long and follows the central mountain range of the island westwards until Encumeada.
Hiking
PR 2 - Vereda do Urzal
This 10,6 km trail along Vereda do Urzal has the peculiarity of following an old path, connecting the south and north coasts of the island of Madeira.
Hiking
PR 13.1 - Vereda da Palha Carga
The route along Vereda da Palha Carga starts at the regional road (ER 209), next to Louro da Gota, and follows PR 13 Vereda do Fanal for the first 100 metres until you find the turn-off to 25 Fontes on the left.
Hiking
PR 17 - Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
The Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is a trail that crosses a preserved natural area, both high altitude and Laurissilva forest.
Hiking
PR 27 - Glaciar de Planalto
This route starts on the Paul da Serra plateau, more specifically at Bica da Cana, and along its course you can see various geomorphological and geological.