PR 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada

Caminho Real da Encumeada is a 12.5 km trail which takes 4 hours and crosses part of the mountain massif of the island of Madeira, near the foot of the highest peaks in the archipelago. This is an old cobbled 'Royal Path', which used to be one of the main routes in the region.

Beginning at Boca da Corrida Viewpoint, Caminho Real da Encumeada is a moderate difficulty trail. It was once much used by landlords, who would travel on horseback while their wives would lie in hammocks carried by men. There is record of a grocery store that used to be a stopping point for those crossing the island.

The Caminho Real da Encumeada trail runs at altitudes between 830 and 1323 metres, allowing views of the parish of Curral das Freiras, a village sheltered by mountains, which served as a refuge for the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent during pirate raids on Funchal in 1566.

While walking along Caminho Real da Encumeada, pay attention to the water courses that cut through the mountains and the Laurissilva forest that covers them. As you go around Pico Grande, the appearance of the villages of Serra d'Água and Encumeada indicates you are reaching the end.