Vereda da Encumeada
Long, demanding traverse from Encumeada to Pico Ruivo — exposed ridges, no shelter, requires good weather.
About Vereda da Encumeada
Vereda da Encumeada sits in the deep green northern valleys and is a demanding hike with exposed sections, long stair climbs and serious elevation change. Over its 11.4 km point-to-point route, Vereda da Encumeada climbs around 1050 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 6 and 7 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 PR1.3, 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.
- A small head torch is useful in case the route enters any tunnel section.
- Start at sunrise to beat both the heat and the cloud layer that often builds over the central ridge by late morning.
- 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 Vereda da Encumeada hike take?+
Most hikers complete Vereda da Encumeada in around 6 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 8 hours. The route is 11.4 km long with about 1050 m of elevation gain.
Is Vereda da Encumeada suitable for beginners?+
Vereda da Encumeada is rated hard and is not recommended as a first Madeira hike. It involves steep stairs, exposed ridges and serious elevation change. Build up to it on easier levada walks first.
Do I need a guide for Vereda da Encumeada?+
No, Vereda da Encumeada 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 Vereda da Encumeada.