PR 6.5 – Vereda do Pico Fernandes

The Secret Descent to Rabaçal

Etäisyys

2.5 km (One Way)

Kesto

1h (Down)

Vaikeusaste

Kohtalainen

Tila

✅ AVOIN

⚠️ LINEAR TRAIL This is a one-way descent from the plateau to the valley floor. If you park at the top (Pico Fernandes), you must hike back UP (very steep) or catch the Rabaçal shuttle bus back to the main road and walk 2km to your car.

🕐 Paras aika vierailla

Any Time

Tyhjä

Auringonlasku

Suuri

Cloudy

Best

💡 Pro-vinkki: 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.

⚠️ Tekninen vaikeusaste

Huimausriski Alhainen 🟢

Fyysinen ponnistus Easy (Down) 🟢

Polun pinta Kiviportaat 🟠

Navigointi Helppo 🟢

Why Hike Pico Fernandes?

The 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.

Polun kartta

From Paul da Serra (Pico Fernandes) down to Levada das 25 Fontes.

Vaiheittainen opas

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.
2

The Stone Staircase

The path immediately descends via well-maintained stone steps. You enter a tunnel of Heather (Urze) and Whortleberry bushes.
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.
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).

📸 Parhaat valokuvapaikat

⛰️ The Start Point

The very top of the trail offers a 180° panoramic view of the entire Rabaçal basin before you even take a step.

🌲 Ancient Trees

This path has some of the oldest, moss-covered Til and Laurels in the area because it is less disturbed by tourists.

🛤️ Levada Junction

The point where the stone path meets the flowing water of the levada is a picturesque spot with a small bridge.

Tilat ja mukavuudet

🚌 Sukkula Only at bottom

☕ Cafe At bottom (Rabaçal)

🚻 Vessat Ei polulla

🅿️ Pysäköinti Small layby (Free)

Miten sinne pääsee

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.

Kuljettajan näkökulma

🚘 Plateau Crossing

Access via the high Paul da Serra road.

Tien kunto Excellent (Paved)

Sumuriski Korkea

Pysäköinti Limited Spots

Vuokraussuosituksemme: 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.

Löydä täydellinen autosi

Essential Gear

Vaellussauvat: 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.
Warm Layer: You start at 1400m altitude where it is windy and cool.

🍹 Vaelluksen jälkeen: Missä syödä?

Rabaçalin luontokohde

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.