Stage 5 of 6 · Western section
The high Paul da Serra plateau, the descent to 25 Fontes, then the old til trees of Fanal in the mist.
| Waypoint | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|
| Fontes Ruivas | 1,510 m | 0 km |
| Paul da Serra | 1,420 m | 4.3 km |
| 25 Fontes | 990 m | 7.7 km |
| Louro da Gota | 1,300 m | 9.8 km |
| Fanal | 1,135 m | 17.3 km |
The stage crosses the Paul da Serra, Madeira's only large plateau, a windswept upland moor where fog can roll in within minutes. It then plunges down the Vereda do Pico Fernandes (PR6.5) to 25 Fontes, a cirque of springs and waterfalls in the heart of the laurel forest.
The crossing does not follow the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6): it climbs back up the Vereda da Palha Carga (PR13.1) to Louro da Gota, then runs along the edge of the plateau on the Vereda do Fanal (PR13). 25 Fontes and the Levada do Risco can be visited as an out-and-back from Rabaçal, as a variant.
Arrival at Fanal (1,135 m), a meadow dotted with centuries-old til trees (laurel forest of Ocotea foetens), particularly magical in the evening mist. The camping zone is on the edge of the forest.
6 water points listed on this stage. Springs can run dry in late summer: ask in the cafés along the route and treat the water if in doubt.
| Km | Point | Type | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 km | Fontaine | Water point | 1,430 m |
| 3.5 km | Fontaine | Water point | 1,423 m |
| 9.3 km | Robinet | Water point | 1,288 m |
| 13.3 km | Robinet | Water point | 1,237 m |
| 14 km | Robinet | Water point | 1,188 m |
| 17 km | Fontaine | Water point | 1,156 m |
Source: OpenStreetMap (ODbL), points less than 150 m from the trail. Fountains and springs are not tested: treat or filter the water.
Accommodation along the stage, at the finish or on its variants, in walking order.
1,510 m
Fontes Ruivas, Paul da Serra plateau (access on foot) · Madeira Crossing km 62.4
Camping zone on the route, about 1.5 km after Estanquinhos. It is the overnight stop chosen after the Encumeada → Bica…
1,375 m
Ribeira do Alecrim, Paul da Serra, near the Rabaçal road (tarmac road) · Madeira Crossing km 68.1
Zone with no facilities other than a car park, about 800 m from the route, in the Rabaçal and Pico da Urze area…
1,360 m
Pico da Urze, Paul da Serra plateau, near the Rabaçal turn-off · Madeira Crossing km 68.2
The only hotel on the Paul da Serra plateau, about 1.2 km from the route between Fontes Ruivas and 25 Fontes /…
Seixal, Sítio do Cais, Rua João Fernandes Correia 39 (near the harbour)
Small 2-star establishment with 12 rooms near Seixal harbour (called “Estalagem” or “Residencial” Brisa Mar depending…
Seixal, Sítio da Serra d'Água, Caminho Delfina F. Correia 6 (near the harbour)
Rural tourism house with 4 rooms in the village of Seixal, a stone's throw from the black sand beach and the small…
Seixal, Caminho do Farrobo (village centre)
Small private youth hostel in the centre of Seixal, with dorms and private rooms, a short walk from the beach and the…
Seixal, Sítio do Lombinho (village centre)
Restaurant with rooms (6 rooms) in the centre of Seixal, a few hundred metres from the harbour beach. A simple…
1,135 m
©Fanal, forest of centuries-old til trees (ER209 tarmac road) · Madeira Crossing km 79.5
Clearing in the Fanal forest of centuries-old til trees, on the route, just before the descent via the PR14. It is the…
1,225 m
Fonte do Bispo, high plateau above Fajã da Ovelha (access on foot)
Equipped zone (water, WC, fire pit) about 3 km as the crow flies west of the route, above Fajã da Ovelha. Off the…
1,235 m
Cruzinhas, high plateau above Fajã da Ovelha (dirt track)
Zone next to Fonte do Bispo, about 3.5 km as the crow flies west of the route. Water, fire pit and car park according…
