PR 27 – Glaciar de Planalto
The Ice Age Trail of Madeira
Distance
4.6 km (One Way)
Duration
1h 30m
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
⛔ CLOSED
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This trail is on the Paul da Serra plateau (approx 1500m). It is fully exposed to the elements. Do not hike here if it is very windy or foggy, as the landscape offers no shelter.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Glaciar de Planalto?
The PR 27 – Glaciar de Planalto is a geological journey back in time. It explores the remnants of an ancient ice field that covered the Paul da Serra plateau during the Last Glacial Maximum (approx. 25,000 years ago).
Unlike the lush green levadas, this trail showcases the raw, volcanic, and erosive history of the island. You will see U-shaped glacial valleys, circular erosion basins (“covões”), and ancient volcanic cones like Fonte do Juncal.
Trail Map
From Bica da Cana to ER 105 (Paul da Serra).
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Bica da Cana (Start)
Start at the Bica da Cana viewpoint area on the Paul da Serra plateau. The trail begins by descending into a shallow valley.
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2
The Glacial Valley
You walk along a U-shaped valley profile, evidence of ancient ice movement. Look for the circular depression known as a sub-glacial erosion basin.
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3
Fonte do Juncal
The trail climbs to the eroded top of this ancient basaltic volcanic cone. From here, you have a commanding view of the flat plateau landscape.
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4
Miradouro das Rabaças
A detour leads to this viewpoint, offering spectacular sights over the headwaters of the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol and massive basalt columns.
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5
Fajã Redondo (Finish)
The trail concludes near the “Sítio das Pedras” at the glacial circus of Fajã Redondo, where you can see ruins of old shearing corrals.
📸 Best Photo Spots
One of the best sunrise spots in Madeira, offering views of Pico Ruivo and the central massif emerging from the clouds.
Capture the stark, open landscape of the plateau from the top of this volcanic cone. The contrast of red earth and green scrub is striking.
The view down into the deep valley of Ponta do Sol shows the dramatic vertical scale of the island’s erosion.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trail is located on the **Paul da Serra** plateau. Access is via the ER 110 or ER 209 roads.
📍 Start Point
Look for the Bica da Cana picnic area and viewpoint. This is a well-known spot near the wind turbines.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 High Plateau Road
Flat and scenic, but foggy.
Our Rental Recommendation: The roads on Paul da Serra are generally good, but the weather can change instantly. Fog lights are essential. A Compact SUV is comfortable for the long drive up to the plateau.
Essential Gear
- Warm Layers: At 1500m, it is much colder than at sea level. Bring a fleece or windbreaker.
- Sun Protection: The UV index is high on the open plateau with no shade.
- Water: There are no cafes or shops on this route. Bring everything you need.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Jungle Rain Cafe (Rabaçal)
Drive towards the Rabaçal car park area. While options are limited on the plateau itself, the cafe at the Rabaçal house (if open/accessible) or descending to Calheta or São Vicente for a proper meal is recommended.
