PR17 – Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

Epic variety hike: tunnels, waterfalls, forests and mountain views – one of Madeira’s most underrated trails.

This hike has everything: levadas, tunnels, waterfalls, open ridges, and Laurissilva forest. It’s 15 km long (+ 3 km along the street to have a loop) and easily one of the most diverse trails on Madeira – and yet barely anyone does it. That’s why I love it.

“How is this not famous?” You get insane mountain views towards the peaks, to São Vicente and Paul da Serra, quiet forest paths, and those surprise tunnels where you pop out to a waterfall. It feels like four hikes in one.

Insider tip

• Start from Encumeada and hike up the road for the first stretch – this way you go against the flow and the climb feels less intense.

• The Lombo do Mouro section has the best ridgeline views – worth every step.

• Bring a headlamp – multiple tunnels and some are long and wet.

• Spring is unbeatable for waterfalls; summer is drier but clearer for views.

Distance 15 km one way (≈ 6.5 hours)
Difficulty Hard (long with elevation changes)
Start point Encumeada pass (ER228), ascend toward Lombo do Mouro
Official info Visit Madeira – Hiking Overview

Official PR trail – quiet compared to PR1 or PR6, even on weekends. For guided versions with transfers and secret viewpoints along the route, DM me or check instagram.com/madeira_hiking.