PR 9.1 – Um Caminho Para Todos
The Inclusive Forest Walk
Distance
2.1 km (One Way)
Duration
45m
Difficulty
Very Easy
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: Since this trail shares the parking with the popular PR 9, arrive before 10:00 AM or after 15:00 PM to easily find a parking spot close to the entrance.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike PR 9.1?
The PR 9.1 – Um Caminho Para Todos (A Path for Everyone) is a beautiful initiative to allow everyone to experience the magic of the Laurisilva forest. It is wide, safe, and completely flat.
It runs through the same ancient forest as the famous Caldeirão Verde but without the dangers, mud, or tunnels. It is perfect for families with young children, elderly visitors, or anyone looking for a relaxing forest bathe.
Trail Map
From Queimadas Park to Pico das Pedras Park.
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Queimadas (Start)
Start near the thatched houses in Queimadas. Look for the wide path marked “Pico das Pedras”. Do not take the narrow path along the levada.
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2
The Green Tunnel
The path winds through a dense forest of Japanese Cedars and ancient Laurels. It is wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass side-by-side.
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3
Silent Forest
Unlike the PR 9 which follows the water, this path goes slightly inland through the trees. It is incredibly quiet and peaceful.
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4
Pico das Pedras (Finish)
You arrive at another parking and picnic area called Pico das Pedras. You can have a picnic here or return the same way.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Near Queimadas, the path is lined with massive Cryptomeria (Cedar) trees that create a towering green corridor.
The traditional houses at the start (Queimadas) are the most photogenic buildings in the Madeira mountains.
The wide, flat path looks mystical when the morning fog rolls through the tree trunks. Great for atmospheric shots.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
You can start at either Queimadas (popular, busy) or Pico das Pedras (quieter).
🚗 Accessibility Tip
If you require a wheelchair-accessible parking spot, Pico das Pedras often has more space and easier paved access than the tight Queimadas lot.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Forest Road
Beautiful but narrow lanes.
Our Rental Recommendation: The road from Santana up to the forest parks is narrow with passing places. A smaller car is easier to manage when meeting traffic. This is Madeira Island has compact automatics perfect for this.
Essential Gear
- Comfortable Shoes: You don’t need hiking boots; sneakers are fine.
- Warm Layer: It is damp and cool in the forest, even in summer.
- Camera: To capture the ancient trees without the effort of a long hike.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Cantinho da Serra (Santana)
Drive back down to Santana. This restaurant offers traditional Madeiran food in a cozy setting. Try the Grilled Trout (Truta Grelhada), a local specialty of the Ribeiro Frio area.
