PR 3.1 – Caminho Real do Monte
The Historical Descent to Funchal
Etäisyys
4.2 km (One Way)
Kesto
1.5h (Down)
Vaikeusaste
Kohtalainen
Tila
✅ AVOIN
🕐 Paras aika vierailla
💡 Pro-vinkki: This trail is perfect for a lazy afternoon. Start at the top (Ribeira das Cales) around 15:00 and walk down to Monte just in time for a sunset drink overlooking Funchal.
⚠️ Tekninen vaikeusaste
Why Hike Caminho Real do Monte?
The PR 3.1 is a journey into history. This was once the main “highway” connecting Funchal to the mountains. The path is paved with ancient basalt cobblestones.
It passes through lush Eucalyptus and Mimosa forests, offering constant, stunning views over the bay of Funchal. It is the perfect extension to PR 3, allowing you to walk almost all the way from the peaks to the city.
Polun kartta
Descending from Ribeira das Cales (Ecological Park) to Monte.
Vaiheittainen opas
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1
Ribeira das Cales (Start)
Start at the gate of the Funchal Ecological Park (where PR 3 ends). Follow the cobbled path heading downhill towards the sea.
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2
The Eucalyptus Forest
The path winds through tall, fragrant Eucalyptus trees. The smell on a warm day is incredible.
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3
Terreiro da Luta
You will cross the road near the old cog railway station ruins. Continue following the brown PR 3.1 signs downhill.
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4
Monte / Largo da Fonte (Finish)
The trail ends in the heart of Monte, near the famous church and the wicker toboggan station.
📸 Parhaat valokuvapaikat
Numerous breaks in the trees offer perfectly framed views of Funchal harbor and the cruise ships below.
The winding, mossy stone path makes for great leading lines in photography, emphasizing the historic nature of the route.
Towards the end, you get a view of the twin towers of the “Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte” from above.
Tilat ja mukavuudet
Miten sinne pääsee
You can do this hike easily using public transport or taxis.
🚌 Public Transport Loop
Take the cable car or bus up to Monte. Take a cheap taxi or Bolt from Monte up to Ribeira das Cales (5 min drive). Hike back down to Monte. Take the Wicker Toboggans down to Funchal!
Kuljettajan näkökulma
🚘 Steep Urban Driving
Monte is famous for steep, narrow streets.
Vuokraussuosituksemme: Maneuvering in Monte requires a small, agile car or a car with hill-hold assist. An automatic transmission is a life-saver on these 25% gradient streets. This is Madeira Island recommends their compact automatics.
Essential Gear
- Shoes with Grip: We cannot stress this enough. The dry cobblestones are slippery; wet ones are ice.
- Walking Sticks: Very helpful to stabilize yourself on the uneven stone surface.
- Camera: One of the most photogenic short trails near the city.
🍹 Vaelluksen jälkeen: Missä syödä?
Pátio das Babosas
Located right next to the cable car station in Monte. It offers a spectacular terrace overlooking the valley you just hiked. Great for a cold drink or a full meal before heading back to Funchal.
