PR 3.1 – Caminho Real do Monte

The Historical Descent to Funchal

Distance

4.2 km (One Way)

Duration

1.5h (Down)

Difficulty

Moderate

Status

✅ OPEN

⚠️ SLIPPERY SURFACE This is a historic cobblestone path. The stones are worn smooth and can be incredibly slippery, even when dry. Hiking boots with good grip are essential. Avoid running.

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Morning

Fresh

Mid-Day

Warm

Sunset

Golden

💡 Pro Tip: This trail is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Start at the top (Ribeira das Cales) around 15:00 and walk down to Monte just in time for a sunset drink overlooking Funchal.

⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating

Vertigo Risk None 🟢

Physical Effort Easy (Down) 🟢

Surface Slippery Stone 🔴

Navigation Very Easy 🟢

Why Hike Caminho Real do Monte?

The PR 3.1 is a journey into history. This was once the main “highway” connecting Funchal to the mountains. The path is paved with ancient basalt cobblestones.

It passes through lush Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests, offering constant, stunning views over the bay of Funchal. It is the perfect extension to PR 3, allowing you to walk almost all the way from the peaks to the city.

Trail Map

Descending from Ribeira das Cales (Ecological Park) to Monte.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Ribeira das Cales (Start)

Start at the gate of the Funchal Ecological Park (where PR 3 ends). Follow the cobbled path heading downhill towards the sea.
2

The Eucalyptus Forest

The path winds through tall, fragrant Eucalyptus trees. The smell on a warm day is incredible.
3

Terreiro da Luta

You will cross the road near the old cog railway station ruins. Continue following the brown PR 3.1 signs downhill.
4

Monte / Largo da Fonte (Finish)

The trail ends in the heart of Monte, near the famous church and the wicker toboggan station.

📸 Best Photo Spots

🏙️ Funchal Bay

Numerous breaks in the trees offer perfectly framed views of Funchal harbor and the cruise ships below.

🛤️ Cobblestone Curves

The winding, mossy stone path makes for great leading lines in photography, emphasizing the historic nature of the route.

⛪ Monte Church Towers

Towards the end, you get a view of the twin towers of the “Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte” from above.

Facilities & Amenities

🚌 Bus No. 20, 21, 22

☕ Cafe Many in Monte

🚻 Toilets Ecological Park

🚠 Cable Car At Finish (Monte)

How to Get There

You can do this hike easily using public transport or taxis.

🚌 Public Transport Loop

Take the cable car or bus up to Monte. Take a cheap taxi or Bolt from Monte up to Ribeira das Cales (5 min drive). Hike back down to Monte. Take the Wicker Toboggans down to Funchal!

The Driver’s Perspective

🚘 Steep Urban Driving

Monte is famous for steep, narrow streets.

Road Condition Paved/Narrow

Traffic High (Tourists)

Parking Paid Garages

Our Rental Recommendation: Maneuvering in Monte requires a small, agile car or a car with hill-hold assist. An automatic transmission is a life-saver on these 25% gradient streets. This is Madeira Island recommends their compact automatics.

Find Your Perfect Car

Essential Gear

Shoes with Grip: We cannot stress this enough. The dry cobblestones are slippery; wet ones are ice.
Walking Sticks: Very helpful to stabilize yourself on the uneven stone surface.
Camera: One of the most photogenic short trails near the city.

🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?

Pátio das Babosas

Located right next to the cable car station in Monte. It offers a spectacular terrace overlooking the valley you just hiked. Great for a cold drink or a full meal before heading back to Funchal.