PR 13.1 – Vereda do Pal Paul
The Quiet Alternative to Fanal
Distance
5.9 km (Round Trip)
Duration
2h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This trail is a “hidden gem”. While everyone flocks to Fanal (PR 13), this side trail offers the same ancient trees but with zero crowds. Perfect for solitude.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda do Pal Paul?
The PR 13.1 is a lesser-known branch of the Fanal trails. It takes you deeper into the pristine Laurisilva forest near the Paul da Serra plateau.
It connects the area of “Assobiadores” to the “Posto Florestal do Fanal” via a quieter, more intimate path. It feels wilder and more untouched than the main PR 13 route.
Trail Map
Alternative route connecting ER 209 to Fanal Forestry Station.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
ER 209 Road (Start)
Start at the roadside parking near the “Assobiadores” area on Paul da Serra. Look for the PR 13.1 sign (distinct from PR 13).
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2
The Descent
The trail descends gently into a valley filled with massive ferns and ancient Stinklaurel (Til) trees. It can be muddy.
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3
Pal Paul Area
You traverse the “Pal Paul” zone—a flat, open area often shrouded in mist, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.
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4
Fanal Junction (Finish)
The trail merges with the main Fanal area. You can explore the crater and then return the same way or loop back via PR 13.
📸 Best Photo Spots
This specific trail has some of the largest ferns on the island, creating a prehistoric jungle feel.
Because it sits slightly lower in a valley, mist often “hangs” here longer than on the exposed ridge.
Find a lone ancient tree in the open meadow sections for a minimalist, artistic photo.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive along the ER 209 road that crosses Paul da Serra towards Porto Moniz. The trailhead is about 2km before you reach the main Fanal parking.
🔄 Loop Option
Park at Fanal. Walk TO the start of PR 13.1 via the main PR 13 trail, and return via PR 13.1 to make a varied loop instead of a linear walk.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Same as Fanal
High plateau driving.
Our Rental Recommendation: The road to Fanal (ER 209) is beautiful but can be potholed and foggy. A car with higher clearance like a **Compact SUV** is much more comfortable here. This is Madeira Island has the perfect SUV for these roads.
Essential Gear
- Waterproof Boots: This trail is less maintained than PR 13 and can be very muddy.
- GPS/Offline Map: The signage is not as frequent as on the main trail.
- Layers: It is damp and cool in the deep valley sections.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Clube Naval do Seixal
After the hike, drive down to Seixal (20 mins). Have a swim in the natural pools and enjoy fresh fish at the Naval Club restaurant overlooking the black sand beach.
