PR 22 – Chão dos Louros
The Laurel Forest Loop
Afstand
1.9 km (Loop)
Varighed
45 min
Sværhedsgrad
Let/moderat
Status
✅ ÅBEN
🕐 Bedste tidspunkt at besøge
💡 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.
⚠️ Teknisk sværhedsgrad
Why Hike Vereda do Chão dos Louros?
Den 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.
Kort over stier
Circular route at Chão dos Louros Forest Park.
Trin-for-trin-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
Nedstigningen
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
Opstigningen tilbage
The trail loops back up, following the Levada do Norte for a short section before returning to the picnic park.
📸 De bedste fotospots
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.
Faciliteter og bekvemmeligheder
Sådan kommer du derhen
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.
Chaufførens perspektiv
🚘 Easy Forest Access
Just off the main road.
Vores anbefaling af udlejning: 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.
Uundværligt udstyr
- Picnic Food: This is the best place on the island for an outdoor lunch.
- Behagelige sko: Sneakers are fine, but be careful if it rained recently (mud).
- Jacket: It is shaded and cool under the trees.
🍹 Efter vandreturen: Hvor skal man spise?
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.
