As of November 9, 2026, the crossing is cut in two places: the Levada do Furado (PR10), between Lamaceiros and Chão das Feiteiras, and the PR1.3 between Boca das Torrinhas and Encumeada. There is no official detour. This plan gets round them on open trails, with two motorised transfers.
On the first evening, you sleep at Portela or in Porto da Cruz, then take a taxi to Poiso. On the third day, you leave the ridge at Boca das Torrinhas on the PR2 Vereda do Urzal down to Curral das Freiras, before reaching Encumeada by taxi or bus to finish the crossing in the west.
Distances only count the sections on foot. Check the trail status just before you set off: if the PR10 or the PR1.3 reopen, follow the classic plan.
Day-by-day plan
| Day | Leg | Distance | Ascent | Descent | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poço do Gil → Portela Night at Portela or in Porto da Cruz (3 km below). | 14.4 km | 920 m | 550 m | 5h – 6h | Portela and Porto da Cruz | |
| Poiso → Pico Ruivo In the morning, taxi from Portela to Poiso (PR10 closed). | 11.8 km | 820 m | 440 m | 4h15 – 5h | Pico Ruivo | |
| Pico Ruivo → Curral das Freiras via the PR 2 – Vereda do Urzal PR1.3 to Boca das Torrinhas, then descent via the PR2. Bus or taxi to Encumeada (or the next morning). | ≈ 7.8 km | 100 m | 1,190 m | 3h15 – 3h45 | Curral das Freiras | |
| Encumeada → Fontes Ruivas Levada do Norte tunnels: headlamp. | 14.6 km | 1,350 m | 820 m | 6h45 – 8h | Bica da Cana, Estanquinhos and Fontes Ruivas | |
| Fontes Ruivas → Fanal | 17.1 km | 410 m | 770 m | 4h45 – 5h45 | Fanal | |
| Fanal → Ribeira da Janela | 10.6 km | 130 m | 1,250 m | 3h30 – 4h15 | Ribeira da Janela | |
| Total | 76 km | 3,730 m | 5,020 m | |||
Distances and ascent calculated on the waymarked main route; “≈” marks a day on a variant (estimated values). Walking times according to the DIN 33466 standard, without breaks.
The itinerary on the map
one color per dayD1overnight stoprest of the Madeira Crossingvariants
Tips for this itinerary
- Book taxis the day before: Portela, Poiso and Curral das Freiras are a long way from the taxi ranks.
- The PR2 is paid for separately (€4.50); it is not included in the PR1 ticket.
- Entering a closed trail can lead to a fine of €250 to €2,500: do not force your way past the barriers.
The stages in detail
1
Poço do Gil Chão das Feiteiras
2
Chão das Feiteiras Pico Ruivo
3
Pico Ruivo Encumeada
4
Encumeada Fontes Ruivas
5
Fontes Ruivas Fanal
6
Fanal Ribeira da Janela