PR 6.5 — Vereda do Pico Fernandes
Briefly
A high-altitude mountain path that connects the Paul da Serra plateau to the Levada do Alecrim. It offers wide, panoramic views over the central mountain range and the Rabaçal valley. The landscape is dominated by low-lying alpine vegetation and rock formations, providing a clear perspective of the island’s interior.
Basic Information
Start: ER 110 (Pico Fernandes area)
End: Junction with PR 6.2 (and back)
Distance: 2.4 km (round trip)
Time: 45 min – 1 hour
Elevation gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Entrance: €4.50
Parking: Roadside parking on ER 110
Best season: All year round
How to Get There
The trailhead is located on the ER 110 road, about 2 km before the main Rabaçal parking lot if coming from Paúl da Serra.
Open Pico Fernandes area on Google Maps
Important: Use this trail if you want to reach the Levada do Alecrim without going to the crowded main parking lot.
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen (completely exposed to the sun)
- Windbreaker (it is very windy on the plateau)
- Water
Key Points
- The View: On clear days, you can see all the way to the North coast from the higher sections.
- Short Cut: It is primarily used as a shortcut to join the PR 6.2 trail.
- Exposure: There is no shade or forest on this specific section.
Booking
Advance booking is mandatory.
Book here: SIMplifica
Madeira residents: Free entry, but booking still required.
Similar Trails
- PR 6.2 — Levada do Alecrim: The main levada this trail connects to.
- PR 17 — Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal: For a much longer version of this mountain ridge experience.
- PR 13 — Vereda do Fanal: For similar high-altitude views.
Hiked this trail? Share your photos and current conditions in the comments! 