PR 12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada
The Royal Path of the Central Massif
Distance
12.5 km (One Way)
Durée de l'accord
5h - 6h
Difficulté
Modéré/dur
Statut
✅ OUVERT
🕐 Meilleure période pour visiter
💡 Conseil de pro : Like all high-altitude hikes in Madeira, the clouds usually roll in by 14:00. Start early to enjoy the views of Curral das Freiras before they disappear in the mist.
⚠️ Niveau de difficulté technique
Why Hike Caminho Real da Encumeada?
Les PR 12 is a historic “Royal Path” (Caminho Real) that was once the main road used by locals to cross the island’s central mountain range on foot and horseback.
It skirts the base of the highest peaks, offering incredible views down into the Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley). It is less technical than PR 1 (Pico to Pico) but still offers grand mountain scenery.
Carte des sentiers
From Boca da Corrida (Estreito de Câmara de Lobos) to Encumeada.
Guide étape par étape
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1
Boca da Corrida (Start)
Start at the viewpoint/parking lot above Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. The view down to Curral das Freiras is immediate.
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2
Pico Grande Base
The trail winds gently uphill around the base of Pico Grande. You can detour to the summit (extra 1h), but the main PR 12 stays lower.
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3
Boca do Cerro
You reach a saddle point with views of the sheer cliffs of Pico do Areeiro across the valley. A perfect lunch spot.
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4
Descent to Encumeada
The path begins a long, winding descent on ancient stone paving (calçada), ending at the snack bar on the main road.
📸 Les meilleurs endroits pour prendre des photos
The early part of the trail offers the best high-angle views looking straight down into the village of Curral das Freiras.
The imposing volcanic cone of Pico Grande dominates the skyline for the first half of the hike.
Capture the “Caminho Real” stones winding through the mountains, showcasing the history of the route.
Installations et commodités
Comment s'y rendre
Drive up through Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and follow signs for “Jardim da Serra” and then “Boca da Corrida”.
🛑 Stratégie en matière de transport
We recommend parking at the end (Encumeada Snack Bar) and taking a pre-arranged taxi to the start (Boca da Corrida). This way, you hike back to your car and can enjoy a Poncha immediately.
Le point de vue du conducteur
🚘 Steep Village Roads
The climb to Jardim da Serra is very steep.
Notre recommandation de location : You will be driving from sea level to 1000m in a short distance. A car with a strong engine (turbo) or an Automatique transmission is highly recommended to handle the steep inclines without burning the clutch.
Matériel essentiel
- Bottes de randonnée : The ancient stone paving can be uneven and slippery when wet.
- Chapeau de soleil : Much of the trail is exposed to the sun above the treeline.
- Knees: The descent to Encumeada is long. Hiking poles are very useful.
🍹 Après la randonnée : où manger ?
Snack Bar Encumeada
Vous terminez littéralement la randonnée à sa porte. Il est célèbre pour ses Poncha and simple Prego sandwiches. The view from the terrace down the Serra de Água valley is the perfect finish.
