Vereda do Folhadal
Branch of PR17 reaching one of Madeira's densest laurel forests — moss-covered til trees, constant drip from the canopy.
About Vereda do Folhadal
Vereda do Folhadal sits in the deep green northern valleys and is a moderately demanding hike — good fitness helps but no technical skills required. Over its 7 km point-to-point route, Vereda do Folhadal climbs around 200 m of cumulative gain. Most walkers take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on pace and how often they stop for photos.
It packs a lot of variety into a relatively short distance, which is why it stays busy through the season. The route is part of Madeira's signed network of official PR ("Pequena Rota") trails, 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.
- 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 Vereda do Folhadal hike take?+
Most hikers complete Vereda do Folhadal in around 3 hours, though slower paces or photo stops can push it to 5 hours. The route is 7 km long with about 200 m of elevation gain.
Is Vereda do Folhadal suitable for beginners?+
Vereda do 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 Vereda do Folhadal?+
No, Vereda do 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 Vereda do Folhadal.