The western half is fully open as of 9 November 2026. It starts from the Encumeada pass, served by Rodoeste buses, goes through the Levada do Norte tunnels and the Folhadal forest, then crosses the high Paul da Serra plateau.
After 25 Fontes and a night in Fanal forest, the last day follows the Levada dos Cedros before plunging to the ocean at Ribeira da Janela. Three stages of 10 to 17 km, ideal for a first experience.
Day-by-day plan
| Day | Leg | Distance | Ascent | Descent | Walking time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 42 km | 1,890 m | 2,840 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 colour per dayD1overnight stoprest of the Madeira Crossingvariants
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Customise this itineraryTips for this itinerary
- Arrive in Encumeada the day before (bus 304/305 or 340/341) and sleep at the hotel on the pass or at Chão dos Louros.
- Book the PR17, PR6.5, PR13.1, PR13, PR14 and PR15: the 3-day rate (€22.50) is applied automatically.
The stages in detail
4
Encumeada Fontes Ruivas
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m0 km5 km10 km
5
Fontes Ruivas Fanal
750 m1,000 m1,250 m1,500 m1,750 m0 km5 km10 km15 km
6
Fanal Ribeira da Janela
0 m250 m500 m750 m1,000 m1,250 m0 km5 km10 km