PR 6.5 – Vereda do Pico Fernandes
The Secret Descent to Rabaçal
Afstand
2.5 km (One Way)
Varighed
1h (Down)
Sværhedsgrad
Moderat
Status
✅ ÅBEN
🕐 Bedste tidspunkt at besøge
💡 Pro-tip: Almost nobody uses this trail compared to the 25 Fontes. It is the perfect “Secret Backdoor” into the Rabaçal valley, avoiding the crowds on the main asphalt road.
⚠️ Teknisk sværhedsgrad
Why Hike Pico Fernandes?
Den PR 6.5 offers one of the most scenic ways to enter the Rabaçal valley. Instead of walking down the boring asphalt road with the shuttle buses, you take a beautiful, ancient stone path.
It winds through mature Laurisilva forest with constant views of the “Janela” valley gorge. It connects the high plateau directly to the 25 Fontes levada.
Kort over stier
From Paul da Serra (Pico Fernandes) down to Levada das 25 Fontes.
Trin-for-trin-guide
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1
The Plateau Start
Park at the small dirt clearing on ER 110 (Paul da Serra). The sign says “PR 6.5 Pico Fernandes”. The view here is already amazing.
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2
The Stone Staircase
The path immediately descends via well-maintained stone steps. You enter a tunnel of Heather (Urze) and Whortleberry bushes.
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3
The Viewpoint
Halfway down, there is a natural balcony. You can see the 25 Fontes levada line cutting through the mountain far below you.
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4
Joining 25 Fontes
The trail ends by merging onto the PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes. Turn Right to go to the lagoon (2km), or Left to go to the Rabaçal House (1km).
📸 De bedste fotospots
The very top of the trail offers a 180° panoramic view of the entire Rabaçal basin before you even take a step.
This path has some of the oldest, moss-covered Til and Laurels in the area because it is less disturbed by tourists.
The point where the stone path meets the flowing water of the levada is a picturesque spot with a small bridge.
Faciliteter og bekvemmeligheder
Sådan kommer du derhen
The trailhead is on the ER 110 road (not the main Rabaçal parking on ER 105). It is marked “Pico Fernandes”.
🔄 The “Pro” Loop
1. Park at Pico Fernandes.
2. Hike Down PR 6.5.
3. Walk PR 6 to Rabaçal House.
4. Take Shuttle Bus up to ER 105.
5. Walk 2km along the road/trail back to your car.
Chaufførens perspektiv
🚘 Plateau Crossing
Access via the high Paul da Serra road.
Vores anbefaling af udlejning: The Paul da Serra plateau is flat and easy driving, but often foggy. A car with good fog lights is helpful. Any reliable vehicle from This is Madeira Island is suitable.
Uundværligt udstyr
- Vandrestave: The descent is constant stairs. Your knees will thank you for using poles.
- Trail Shoes: Sneakers are okay, but trail shoes are better for the rocky steps.
- Varmt lag: You start at 1400m altitude where it is windy and cool.
🍹 Efter vandreturen: Hvor skal man spise?
Rabaçal Nature Spot
Since the trail leads you directly into the Rabaçal network, the Forestry House Cafe is your natural rest stop. Grab a Brisa Maracujá before deciding your next move.
