PR 6.6 – Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo

The Secret Tunnel to Rabaçal

Distance

2.8 km (One Way)

Duration

1h – 1.5h

Difficulty

Moderate

Status

✅ OPEN

⚠️ TUNNEL WARNING This trail features a **200m long unlit tunnel**. It is dark, the ceiling is low, and the floor is uneven. Requirement: You MUST have a flashlight or a phone with a good light. Watch your head!

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Morning

Empty

Mid-Day

Quiet

Afternoon

Empty

💡 Pro Tip: This is a “local secret” trail. It is almost never crowded because tour buses do not stop here. Perfect for adventure lovers who want to escape the main Rabaçal crowds.

⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating

Vertigo Risk Low 🟢

Physical Effort Medium (Down) 🟠

Path Surface Tunnel/Mud 🟠

Claustrophobia Medium 🟠

Why Hike Túnel do Cavalo?

The PR 6.6 is an adventurous alternative route into the Rabaçal valley. Instead of taking the shuttle bus, you walk through the “Horse Tunnel” (Túnel do Cavalo).

This tunnel was originally built to transport goods (and horses) between the north and south sides of the mountain. Emerging from the dark tunnel into the lush green Laurisilva forest on the other side is a magical “Jurassic Park” moment.

Trail Map

From Calheta (South) through the tunnel to Rabaçal (North).

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Calheta Parking (Start)

Start near the “Casa do Caldeirão” near the ER 211 road. There is a small parking area. Follow the levada channel towards the mountain.
2

The Tunnel

You reach the tunnel entrance. It is about 200m long. Turn on your flashlight! The floor can be wet and muddy.
3

The Enchanted Forest

You exit the tunnel into a completely different world—dense, humid Laurisilva forest. The path descends through mossy trees.
4

Rabaçal Junction (Finish)

The trail connects with the main Rabaçal network near the Forestry House. From here, you can join PR 6 (25 Fontes) or PR 6.1 (Risco).

📸 Best Photo Spots

🚇 Tunnel Exit

Photograph the “light at the end of the tunnel” framing the green ferns outside. A classic silhouette shot.

🌿 Mossy Trees

The forest immediately after the tunnel is incredibly lush. The trees are draped in “Old Man’s Beard” lichen.

🔭 Calheta View

Before entering the tunnel on the south side, look back for a sweeping view of the Calheta coastline.

Facilities & Amenities

🚌 Bus None

☕ Cafe End (Rabaçal)

🚻 Toilets End (Paid)

🅿️ Parking Roadside (Free)

How to Get There

Drive towards Calheta and take the road up to **Casa do Caldeirão**. The trailhead is discreetly marked.

🔄 Loop Strategy

Hike through the tunnel -> Visit Rabaçal -> Take the Shuttle Bus up to Paul da Serra -> Walk down the road/paths back to your car (requires good navigation).

The Driver’s Perspective

🚘 Off the Beaten Track

Quiet country roads.

Road Condition Narrow/Paved

Traffic Very Low

Parking Easy

Our Rental Recommendation: The access road is a bit narrow but paved. A smaller car is easier to park on the roadside verge. This is Madeira Island has compact cars perfect for these hidden spots.

Find Your Perfect Car

Essential Gear

Flashlight/Headlamp: Essential for the tunnel. Phone light is okay, but a headlamp is better.
Waterproof Shoes: The tunnel floor often has puddles.
Jacket: The tunnel acts as a wind funnel and is often drafty and cold inside.

🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?

Pukiki Tiki Bar

Located in Calheta (Estreito da Calheta). After your adventure, head down for the island’s best cocktails and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere. A great place to unwind.