PR 17 — Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Briefly
A long and challenging mountain trek that offers some of the most diverse scenery on Madeira. It combines high-altitude ridge walking with deep-forest levadas. You will pass through the famous Folhadal area, known for its tunnels and beautiful “Folhado” trees, and get incredible views of the Ribeira Brava and São Vicente valleys.
Basic Information
Start: Lombo do Mouro (ER 110)
End: Encumeada Pass
Distance: 15 km (one way)
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Elevation gain: High (significant climbs and descents)
Difficulty: Hard
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Lombo do Mouro or Encumeada
Best season: Spring and Summer
How to Get There
The trail starts at Lombo do Mouro, on the ER 110 road (the road that goes up to Paul da Serra from Encumeada).
Open Lombo do Mouro on Google Maps
Important: This is a very long, linear trail. Most hikers leave their car at Encumeada, take a taxi to the start (Lombo do Mouro), and hike back to their car.
What to Bring
- Professional hiking boots
- Flashlight (several tunnels, some are long)
- Trekking poles
- Layers of clothing (weather changes constantly on the ridge)
- At least 2L of water and plenty of food
Key Points
- Tunnels: You will pass through the “Túnel do Canal Grande.” It is long and requires a light.
- The Pináculo: The “Pinnacle” rock offers one of the best viewpoints of the central mountain range.
- Biodiversity: The Folhadal area is a sanctuary for rare endemic plants that only grow in high-humidity zones.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 12 — Caminho Real da Encumeada: Another long-distance historic connection.
- PR 6 — Levada das 25 Fontes: If you want a shorter levada experience in the same region.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 