PR 12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada

The Royal Path of the Central Massif

Distance

12.5 km (One Way)

Duration

5h – 6h

Difficulty

Moderate/Hard

Status

✅ OPEN

💡 LINEAR TRAIL LOGISTICS This trail connects Boca da Corrida (South) to Encumeada (Central Pass). It is a one-way hike. You cannot easily loop back. Arrange a pick-up at the end or use two cars.

🕐 Best Time to Visit

Sunrise

Epic

Mid-Day

Good

Afternoon

Clouds

💡 Pro Tip: 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.

⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating

Vertigo Risk Medium 🟠

Physical Effort Medium/High 🟠

Path Surface Stone Path 🟢

Navigation Easy 🟢

Why Hike Caminho Real da Encumeada?

The 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.

Trail Map

From Boca da Corrida (Estreito de Câmara de Lobos) to Encumeada.

Step-by-Step Guide

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.
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.
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.
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.

📸 Best Photo Spots

🏘️ Nuns Valley

The early part of the trail offers the best high-angle views looking straight down into the village of Curral das Freiras.

⛰️ Pico Grande

The imposing volcanic cone of Pico Grande dominates the skyline for the first half of the hike.

🛤️ Ancient Paving

Capture the “Caminho Real” stones winding through the mountains, showcasing the history of the route.

Facilities & Amenities

🚌 Bus None at Start

☕ Cafe Start & End

🚻 Toilets Encumeada (End)

🅿️ Parking Easy (Both Ends)

How to Get There

Drive up through Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and follow signs for “Jardim da Serra” and then “Boca da Corrida”.

🛑 Transport Strategy

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.

The Driver’s Perspective

🚘 Steep Village Roads

The climb to Jardim da Serra is very steep.

Road Condition Paved/Steep

Gradient Very High

Parking Easy at Top

Our Rental Recommendation: You will be driving from sea level to 1000m in a short distance. A car with a strong engine (turbo) or an Automatic transmission is highly recommended to handle the steep inclines without burning the clutch.

Find Your Perfect Car

Essential Gear

Hiking Boots: The ancient stone paving can be uneven and slippery when wet.
Sun Hat: Much of the trail is exposed to the sun above the treeline.
Knees: The descent to Encumeada is long. Hiking poles are very useful.

🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?

Snack Bar Encumeada

You literally finish the hike at its doorstep. It is famous for its Poncha and simple Prego sandwiches. The view from the terrace down the Serra de Água valley is the perfect finish.