Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Wild north-facing levada from Encumeada through tunnels to a hidden laurel forest — one of the lushest walks on the island.
About Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal sits in the deep green northern valleys and is a moderately demanding hike — good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 11 km point-to-point route, Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal climbs around 250 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 4 and 5 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
Bring more water than you think you need and pace yourself — the second half is where most people struggle. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, catalogued as PR17, which means it is marked, maintained and mapped — but conditions can change quickly when cloud rolls in from the Atlantic.
What to know before you go
- Wear proper hiking shoes with grip — basalt gets slippery when damp, and most levada paths have a drop on one side.
- Carry at least 1.5 L of water per person and a windproof layer; the summit ridge can be 10 °C colder than the coast.
- Bring a headlamp — some sections pass through unlit lava tunnels.
- Mid-morning is fine, but earlier starts mean clearer views and emptier paths.
- Check the official ‘Estado dos Trilhos’ status before you go — trails close after storms or rockfalls.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and early October combine long daylight, stable weather and lower trail traffic. Winter is fine for the lower levadas but unreliable on the high ridges.
Location
São Vicente, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.75440, -17.01190
Frequently asked
How long does the Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal hike take?+
Most hikers complete Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal in around 4 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 6 hours. The route is 11 km long with about 250 m of elevation gain.
Is Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal suitable for beginners?+
Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is rated moderate. Beginners with reasonable fitness can complete it, but expect uneven ground, some exposed sections and a few hours on your feet.
Do I need a guide for Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal?+
No, Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is a signed official trail and most fit hikers walk it independently. Local guides are widely available if you prefer transport, route certainty, or commentary on the landscape.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal.