This plan follows the six stages of our guide, built around the official camping zones: Chão das Feiteiras, Pico Ruivo, Chão dos Louros (near Encumeada), Fontes Ruivas and Fanal. Days range from 10 to 25 km, with a long first stage and a final climb of nearly 1,000 m.
It is the most balanced pace for enjoying the highlights of the crossing: the Larano cliff path, sunrise on Pico Ruivo, the Levada do Norte tunnels and Fanal forest in the mist.
As of 9 November 2026, two sections are closed (PR10 on stage 1, PR1.3 between Boca das Torrinhas and Encumeada on stage 3). See the plan adapted to the closures.
Day-by-day plan
| Day | Leg | Distance | Ascent | Descent | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poço do Gil → Chão das Feiteiras Via Boca do Risco, Larano, Portela and the Levada do Furado (closed as of 9 November 2026). | 24.4 km | 1,720 m | 730 m | 8h45 – 10h15 | Chão das Feiteiras and Poiso | |
| Chão das Feiteiras → Pico Ruivo Via Poiso, Pico do Areeiro and the PR1. | 13.5 km | 990 m | 440 m | 5h – 5h45 | Pico Ruivo | |
| Pico Ruivo → Encumeada Night at the Chão dos Louros camping zone (0.7 km) or at the hotel on the pass. | 9.9 km | 350 m | 1,140 m | 4h – 4h45 | Encumeada and Chão dos Louros | |
| Encumeada → Fontes Ruivas Levada do Norte tunnels: head torch. | 14.6 km | 1,350 m | 820 m | 6h45 – 8h | Bica da Cana, Estanquinhos and Fontes Ruivas | |
| Fontes Ruivas → Fanal Via the Paul da Serra and 25 Fontes. | 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 | 90 km | 4,950 m | 5,150 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
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Customise this itineraryTips for this itinerary
- Book every PR trail and every camping night on SIMplifica (€5 per tent per night).
- No water at several camping zones (Poiso, Caramujo, Estanquinhos, Fontes Ruivas): fill up before you arrive.
- Keep a spare day for the weather: wind and rain sometimes close the PR1 ridge.
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