PR 5 — Vereda das Funduras
Briefly
A captivating journey through the heart of the Machico mountains, leading hikers into the dense and ancient Funduras Laurissilva forest. This trail is a haven for biodiversity, featuring giant ferns and rare endemic trees. It offers a perfect balance between forest immersion and stunning viewpoints overlooking the northern coastline and the iconic Penha d’Águia rock.
Basic information
Start: Portela Viewpoint (Miradouro da Portela)
Finish: Maroços
Distance: 8.7 km (one way)
Time: 3 hours
Elevation gain: ~570 m (mostly descent after the initial climb)
Difficulty: Moderate
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Portela Viewpoint
Best season: All year round (beautifully misty in winter, cool in summer)
How to find
The trail begins at the famous Miradouro da Portela, easily accessible by car from Machico or Santana.
Open Miradouro da Portela on Google Maps
The path ends in the agricultural valley of Maroços, famous for its terraced fields.
Important: This is a linear trail. You can take a taxi from Maroços back to Portela (about a 15-minute drive) or catch a local bus to Machico.
What you need to bring:
Hiking shoes (the forest floor can be very muddy and slippery)
Raincoat (it often rains or drizzles in the Laurissilva)
Water and snacks (there is a forest house “Casa das Funduras” but no commercial shops)
Camera (for the views of the North coast)
Important to know:
Casa das Funduras: About halfway through, you will find a traditional forest guard house. It’s a great spot for a picnic, though the house itself is not a cafe.
Viewpoints: Don’t miss the small detours to the viewpoints overlooking the valley of Machico and the “Eagle’s Rock” (Penha d’Águia).
The Forest: This area is part of the Natura 2000 network. Keep an eye out for the Trocaz Pigeon, an endemic bird that lives in these laurels.
Transition: You will see the landscape change from exotic pine and eucalyptus at the start to pure, native laurel forest in the middle.
Reservations
Mandatory online booking via the government portal.
Book: SIMplifica
Similar Trails you might like:
-
PR 10 — Levada do Furado: Starts at the same point (Portela) but follows a water channel toward Ribeiro Frio.
-
PR 11 — Vereda dos Balcões: A very short walk nearby for a spectacular mountain vista.
-
Vereda do Larano: A coastal cliff path that connects Machico to Porto da Cruz (not a PR, but highly recommended).
*Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 