PR 13.1 – Vereda do Pal Paul
The Quiet Alternative to Fanal
Afstand
5.9 km (Round Trip)
Duur
2h
Moeilijkheid
Matig
Status
OPEN
Beste tijd voor een bezoek
Pro Tip: This trail is a “hidden gem”. While everyone flocks to Fanal (PR 13), this side trail offers the same ancient trees but with zero crowds. Perfect for solitude.
⚠️ Technische moeilijkheidsgraad
Why Hike Vereda do Pal Paul?
De PR 13.1 is a lesser-known branch of the Fanal trails. It takes you deeper into the pristine Laurisilva forest near the Paul da Serra plateau.
It connects the area of “Assobiadores” to the “Posto Florestal do Fanal” via a quieter, more intimate path. It feels wilder and more untouched than the main PR 13 route.
Parcours Kaart
Alternative route connecting ER 209 to Fanal Forestry Station.
Stap-voor-stap handleiding
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1
ER 209 Road (Start)
Start at the roadside parking near the “Assobiadores” area on Paul da Serra. Look for the PR 13.1 sign (distinct from PR 13).
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2
De afdaling
The trail descends gently into a valley filled with massive ferns and ancient Stinklaurel (Til) trees. It can be muddy.
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3
Pal Paul Area
You traverse the “Pal Paul” zone—a flat, open area often shrouded in mist, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.
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4
Fanal Junction (Finish)
The trail merges with the main Fanal area. You can explore the crater and then return the same way or loop back via PR 13.
Beste fotoplekken
This specific trail has some of the largest ferns on the island, creating a prehistoric jungle feel.
Because it sits slightly lower in a valley, mist often “hangs” here longer than on the exposed ridge.
Find a lone ancient tree in the open meadow sections for a minimalist, artistic photo.
Faciliteiten & voorzieningen
Hoe er te komen
Drive along the ER 209 road that crosses Paul da Serra towards Porto Moniz. The trailhead is about 2km before you reach the main Fanal parking.
🔄 Loop Option
Park at Fanal. Walk TO the start of PR 13.1 via the main PR 13 trail, and return via PR 13.1 to make a varied loop instead of a linear walk.
Het perspectief van de bestuurder
🚘 Same as Fanal
High plateau driving.
Onze huuraanbeveling: The road to Fanal (ER 209) is beautiful but can be potholed and foggy. A car with higher clearance like a **Compact SUV** is much more comfortable here. This is Madeira Island has the perfect SUV for these roads.
Essentiële uitrusting
- Waterdichte laarzen: This trail is less maintained than PR 13 and can be very muddy.
- GPS/Offline Map: The signage is not as frequent as on the main trail.
- Layers: It is damp and cool in the deep valley sections.
🍹 Na de wandeling: Waar eten?
Clube Naval do Seixal
After the hike, drive down to Seixal (20 mins). Have a swim in the natural pools and enjoy fresh fish at the Naval Club restaurant overlooking the black sand beach.
