Caminho Real da Encumeada
Caminho Real da Encumeada is a difficult official PR hiking trail near Camara de Lobos in the south of Madeira. The route is 12.5 km one way, from Estrada da Corrida to Caminho Real da Encumeada. Allow about 4 h (4 h 55 min at an easy pace). A government permit is needed (4.50 EUR per visitor over 12). Book the PR 12 Permit with Madeira Fun
12.5 km one way · about 4 h · Difficult · Permit needed
Today's Trail Score (Tue, Nov 3): 59 out of 100, Poor.
Trail facts
- Distance
- 12.5 km one way
- Time
- Easy 4 h 55 min · Avg 4 h · Fast 3 h
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Area
- Camara de Lobos, the south of Madeira
- Start
- Estrada da Corrida (bus stop CORRIDA, 959 m)
- End
- Caminho Real da Encumeada
- Elevation
- 255 m up, 573 m down, 822 to 1,331 m
- Route Registry code
- PR 12
- Permit
- Needed: 4.50 EUR per visitor over 12
- Status
- Unverified
About this trail
The Caminho Real da Encumeada is a 12.5 km medium-difficulty trail that takes approximately 4 hours, following an ancient cobblestone Royal Road that once served as a major route across Madeira's central mountain range near the archipelago's highest peaks. Beginning at the Boca da Corrida viewpoint, this historic path was once traveled by wealthy landowners on horseback, with their wives carried in hammocks by servants, and even featured a small grocery store serving as a rest stop for travelers crossing the island. ⚠️ Status: Partially open. Accessible from Boca da Corrida to km 3.5.
Questions about Caminho Real da Encumeada
- Do I need a permit for Caminho Real da Encumeada?
- Yes. It is a classified PR trail, so every visitor over 12 needs a government permit (4.50 EUR). Book the PR 12 Permit with Madeira Fun
- Where does Caminho Real da Encumeada start?
- It starts at Estrada da Corrida. The nearest bus stop is CORRIDA, about 959 m away.
- How long does Caminho Real da Encumeada take?
- About 4 h at an average pace and 4 h 55 min at an easy pace, for 12.5 km one way.
Connected trails
- Branch: VER 526 Vereda da Trompica
- Branch: VER 518 Vereda do Pico Grande
Sunrise and sunset on this trail
This trail has 2 sunrise spots, 2 sunset spots and 1 golden hour spots. The exact spots, seasons and times are part of the Fun Pass.
All Madeira trails · Madeira hiking permits · The Madeira Fun Route Registry