PR 22 – Chão dos Louros
The Laurel Forest Loop
Distance
1.9 km (Loop)
Duration
45 min
Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This is a favorite spot for Madeiran families on Sunday afternoons for a “Espetada” BBQ. Visit on a weekday if you want the forest silence to yourself.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda do Chão dos Louros?
The PR 22 is a short, immersive loop through the heart of the Laurisilva forest. As the name suggests (“Plateau of Laurels”), you are surrounded by magnificent Laurel trees.
It involves a descent into the Ribeira do Rosário valley and a climb back up. It’s the perfect “taster” hike if you want to experience the deep forest without committing to a 4-hour expedition.
Trail Map
Circular route at Chão dos Louros Forest Park.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
The Picnic Park (Start)
Start at the main Chão dos Louros park entrance (next to the road). Follow the signs PR 22 downwards.
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2
The Descent
The path descends steeply via wooden and dirt steps into the lush green valley of Ribeira do Rosário.
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3
The Forest Floor
You reach the bottom section where the vegetation is incredibly dense with ferns and moss. It feels like a jungle.
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4
The Climb Back
The trail loops back up, following the Levada do Norte for a short section before returning to the picnic park.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The wooden steps leading down into the valley are often covered in bright green moss, creating a magical pathway.
Look up! The Laurel trees form a dense canopy that filters the sunlight into beautiful “god rays” on misty days.
This trail is great for macro photography. Look for mushrooms, lichens, and tiny ferns on the forest floor.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive towards Encumeada and then take the road ER 228 down towards São Vicente. The turnoff for Chão dos Louros is clearly marked.
🛑 Entrance Marker
Look for a large wooden sign and a dirt road leading slightly uphill into the forest park. There is plenty of parking under the trees.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Easy Forest Access
Just off the main road.
Our Rental Recommendation: The entrance to the park is a short dirt track, but any car can handle it if you drive slowly. It is a great spot to park a Family Station Wagon or SUV, open the trunk, and set up a picnic.
Essential Gear
- Picnic Food: This is the best place on the island for an outdoor lunch.
- Comfortable Shoes: Sneakers are fine, but be careful if it rained recently (mud).
- Jacket: It is shaded and cool under the trees.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Your Own Picnic!
Seriously, don’t rush off. Use the free BBQ facilities (bring charcoal) and stone tables. If you must buy food, Snack Bar Encumeada is just 5 minutes up the road.
