PR 15 – Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
The River’s Secret Path
Distance
2.7 km (One Way)
Duration
1.5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This is possibly one of the least used PR trails in Madeira. If you want true isolation and silence, this is your hike. It is a great alternative when Fanal is overrun with tourists.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda da Ribeira da Janela?
The PR 15 is an old footpath that was used by locals to access the timber resources of the forest. It follows the remnants of an old timber truck road.
It offers a unique perspective of the Ribeira da Janela, the longest river in Madeira. You are surrounded by tall Eucalyptus and Laurisilva forest, descending from the misty heights to the sunny agricultural lands below.
Trail Map
From Curral Falso (Fanal Road) to Ribeira da Janela village.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Curral Falso (Start)
Start at the junction on the ER 209 (Fanal road). Look for the sign PR 15. The path starts wide but narrows quickly.
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2
The Descent
The trail descends steadily. You will see old wooden logs laid out as steps—remnants of the old timber transport system.
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3
River Views
Through breaks in the trees, you get glimpses of the deep valley and the river far below winding towards the sea.
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4
Ribeira da Janela (Finish)
The trail ends in the upper part of the village, amongst terraced fields (poios) growing potatoes and sweet potatoes.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The old, moss-covered wooden logs embedded in the path create a rustic, textured leading line for photos.
Capture the sheer depth of the Ribeira da Janela valley, showing the scale of the mountains against the river bed.
At the end, the agricultural terraces (poios) offer a classic Madeiran cultural landscape shot.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
The trailhead is at **Curral Falso**, a junction on the ER 209 road between Fanal and Ribeira da Janela.
📍 GPS Note
The start point is the same location where PR 14 (Levada dos Cedros) ends. You can actually link PR 14 and PR 15 for a mega-hike!
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Steep Descent
The road to Ribeira da Janela is very steep.
Our Rental Recommendation: If you are driving to the pickup point or the start, ensure your brakes are good. The descent from Fanal to the sea is long and steep. Use low gears! An automatic from This is Madeira Island helps manage the engine braking.
Essential Gear
- Walking Sticks: The descent can be hard on the knees, and the wooden logs are sometimes slippery.
- Insect Repellent: This trail is lower and warmer, sometimes having mosquitoes near the river.
- Water: No sources until you reach the village.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Miradouro da Eira da Achada
Near the end of the trail, there is a fantastic viewpoint with picnic tables and a small cafe nearby. It overlooks the entire north coast towards Seixal and Porto Moniz.
