PR 5 – Vereda das Funduras
Into the Deep Laurel Forest
Distance
8.7 km (One Way)
Duration
3h – 3.5h
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: The start at Portela offers one of the best views in Madeira. Go early (before 10:00) to see Penha de Águia clearly before the clouds roll in from the North.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda das Funduras?
The PR 5 is one of the best trails to experience the indigenous Laurisilva Forest without the crowds of Queimadas or Fanal. It feels wilder and denser.
The trail connects the iconic Portela Viewpoint to the rural village of Maroços, passing through the “Casa das Funduras” forestry station. It offers a mix of grand coastal views and deep, fern-filled jungle tunnels.
Trail Map
From Portela Viewpoint to Maroços.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Portela Viewpoint (Start)
Begin at the Miradouro da Portela (600m). Enjoy the view over Porto da Cruz before taking the forestry road (Estrada Florestal).
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2
Into the Forest
The wide track narrows into a footpath (“Vereda”). You enter the dense Laurisilva zone. The trees here are covered in moss and lichen.
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3
Casa das Funduras
You reach the forestry support house. It’s a great spot for a picnic in the clearing surrounded by giant trees.
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4
Descent to Maroços (Finish)
The trail descends steeply through agricultural terraces (“poios”) towards the village of Maroços in Machico.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The classic shot of the “Eagle’s Rock” (Penha de Águia) dominating the north coast. Best light in the morning.
Deep in the Funduras forest, the path is often completely enclosed by giant ferns, creating a natural green tunnel.
At the end, capture the geometric patterns of the traditional stone-walled fields (poios) used by local farmers.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
This is a Linear Trail. You start high (Portela) and end low (Maroços/Machico).
🚕 Logistics Strategy
Park your car at the end (Maroços) and take a taxi up to Portela to start. This way, you hike back to your car and avoid the uphill struggle to retrieve it later.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Scenic Mountain Roads
The drive to Portela is beautiful but winding.
Our Rental Recommendation: The road from Machico to Portela is full of hairpins. A compact car with good handling is ideal for enjoying the curves. This is Madeira Island offers agile cars perfect for these roads.
Essential Gear
- Waterproof Shoes: The forest section is muddy all year round due to the humidity.
- Hiking Poles: Useful for the steep final descent into Maroços.
- Picnic: The Casa das Funduras is a perfect halfway stop, but bring your own food.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Restaurante Portela à Vista
If you return to the start (Portela), don’t miss this spot. Famous for Sopa de Tomate (Tomato Soup with Egg) and Espetada. The view from the window is the best seasoning.
