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Vereda do Folhadal
Vereda do Folhadal: walk in Madeira
Vereda do Folhadal is a 7 km out-and-back walk in São Vicente, rated moderate. It climbs about 200 m in total and takes about 3 hours to walk.
Branch of PR17 reaching one of Madeira's densest laurel forests, moss-covered til trees, constant drip from the canopy.
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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. It sits outside the official PR network, so it is less obviously waymarked, bring a downloaded map and treat the route description as your primary source.
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.
- Pack two litres of water per person, there are no refill points on the route, and a light fleece for the ridge wind.
- 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
Conditions log
Dated, first-person notes from people who recently walked Vereda do Folhadal.
No verified reports yet for this trail. We only publish entries we can stand behind, dated, first-person, and signed. If you've walked it in the last few weeks, use the form above and we'll add it here with credit.
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Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Vereda do Folhadal. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.
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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.
Plan around Vereda do Folhadal
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Vereda do Folhadal in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Vereda do Folhadal.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.
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