PR 19 – Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
The Waterfall Descent to the Ocean
Avstånd
1.8 km (One Way)
Varaktighet
1h (Down)
Svårighetsgrad
Måttlig
Status
✅ ÖPPEN
🕐 Bästa tiden att besöka
💡 Proffstips: This trail faces West. Hiking down during Sunset (Golden Hour) offers spectacular views of the sun dipping into the ocean, bathing the cliffs in orange light. Just bring a headlamp for the last bit!
⚠️ Teknisk svårighetsgrad
Why Hike Caminho Real do Paul do Mar?
Den PR 19 is a historic “Royal Path” that was the only access to the fishing village of Paul do Mar before the roads were built.
It zig-zags down a massive vertical cliff face. You walk past terraced farm plots (poios) and often encounter waterfalls that spill directly onto the path. The views of the ocean are constant and breathtaking.
Karta över leden
From Prazeres (Top) to Paul do Mar (Bottom).
Steg-för-steg-guide
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1
Prazeres (Start)
Start near the Hotel Jardim do Atlântico in Prazeres. The trail begins at the cliff edge with a stunning viewpoint.
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2
The Zig-Zags
The path descends steeply via switchbacks. The stone paving is ancient and polished. Watch your footing.
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3
The Waterfall
Halfway down, the path crosses a stream. In winter or after rain, this becomes a beautiful waterfall cascading down the cliff.
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4
Paul do Mar (Finish)
You arrive at the top of the village, passing through banana plantations. The trail ends near the harbour and the famous “Maktub” bar.
📸 Bästa fotoplatserna
From the start at Prazeres, you can photograph the entire village of Paul do Mar spread out like a map below you.
Capture the geometric zig-zag pattern of the ancient stone walls winding down the green cliff face.
As you descend, the sun sets directly in front of you. Great for silhouette shots of hikers against the glittering ocean.
Faciliteter och bekvämligheter
Hur man tar sig dit
Kör till Prazeres and head towards the “Hotel Jardim do Atlântico”. The trailhead is clearly marked near the hotel entrance.
🚕 Linear Hike Strategy
This is a one-way descent. Do not hike back up (it’s brutal). Park at the top (Prazeres), hike down to Paul do Mar, and take a pre-arranged taxi or the bus back up to your car.
Förarens perspektiv
🚘 Scenic West Coast
Relaxed driving in Prazeres.
Vår rekommendation för uthyrning: The drive to Prazeres is smooth via the VR1/VE3. Any car will do fine here. If you plan to drive down to the village of Paul do Mar to pick someone up, be aware the old road down is steep and winding.
Viktig utrustning
- Vandringsstavar: Essential to protect your knees on the steep stone steps.
- Sun Hat: The trail is west-facing and fully exposed to the afternoon sun.
- Swimsuit: A dip in the ocean at Paul do Mar is the perfect reward.
🍹 Efter vandringen: Var ska man äta?
Maktub Bar
Located near the end of the trail in Paul do Mar. This is the ultimate “Surfer Bar” in Madeira. Grab a Mojito or a cold beer and watch the sunset over the waves. The vibe is unbeatable.
