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 27 - Glaciar de Planalto
Note: CLOSED
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 samples that attest to the existence of a glacier in Paul da Serra, made up of a plateau ice field that reached its peak during the Last Glacial Maximum, around 25,000 years ago.
The start of the hike along the Glaciar de Planalto follows along a shallow glacial valley with a rounded, U-shaped cross-section, from where you can see a circular depression known as a pit or basin of subglacial erosion. Afterwards, it is time to climb to the eroded top of an ancient basaltic cinder cone (Fonte do Juncal) formed by a volcanic eruption that occurred in the Middle Pleistocene (1.8 million years to 774,000 years ago). From here, you can contemplate the plateaued landscape of Paul da Serra.
On the way down the cone, it is possible to visit the Miradouro das Rabaças, from where you have a privileged view over the headwaters of the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol river valley and the moraine deposits, made up of large basalt blocks and columns. At the end of the route, there is a glacial cirque (Fajã Redondo) at Sítio das Pedras, a site of exceptional geological and scientific value, where you'll find the ruins of corrals once used for traditional shearing.
Details
Distance: 4.6 km (VW)
Duration: 1:30 hours
Start/End: Bica da Cana / ER105
Max. Altitude / Min. Altitude: 1588 m / 1457 m
Madeira Ocean & Trails
Our natural settings allow for enjoying unique and enticing activities in the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Soak up every detail of this fantastic environment and discover a thousand forms of adventure at your own pace.
EXPLORE
Discover other routes in the Central Mountain Range
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 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada
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.
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.