Vereda da Faja Escura

Vereda da Faja Escura is a difficult vereda (footpath) trail near Curral das Freiras in the south of Madeira. The route is 2.5 km one way, from PR 12 junction (ridge) to Faja Escura lane. Allow about 1 h 15 min (1 h 30 min at an easy pace). No permit is needed.

2.5 km one way · about 1 h 15 min · Difficult · No permit

Today's Trail Score (Sun, Oct 18): 39 out of 100, Terrible.

Trail facts

Distance
2.5 km one way
Time
Easy 1 h 30 min · Avg 1 h 15 min · Fast 55 min
Difficulty
Difficult
Area
Curral das Freiras, the south of Madeira
Start
PR 12 junction (ridge)
End
Faja Escura lane
Elevation
0 m up, 611 m down, 642 to 1,283 m
Route Registry code
VER 519
Permit
Not needed
Status
Unverified
Safety
A steep, sustained descent of about 640 m in 2.5 km. Walking poles help; do not attempt in wet weather, the stone steps get slippery.
Safety
The upper end joins the government PR 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada route on the ridge; reach it via PR 12 or walk this trail uphill from the valley.
Safety
The lower end sits on the Faja Escura lane just above the ER107; park by the lane in the valley.

About this trail

The steep old path from the mountain ridge into the Curral das Freiras valley, dropping through terraces to the Faja Escura hamlet. The top joins the official PR 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada route; the bottom meets the Faja Escura lane just above the ER107.

Questions about Vereda da Faja Escura

Do I need a permit for Vereda da Faja Escura?
No. It is not a classified PR trail, so no permit is needed.
Where does Vereda da Faja Escura start?
It starts at PR 12 junction (ridge).
How long does Vereda da Faja Escura take?
About 1 h 15 min at an average pace and 1 h 30 min at an easy pace, for 2.5 km one way.

Connected trails

Sunrise and sunset on this trail

This trail has 1 sunrise spots and 2 sunset spots. The exact spots, seasons and times are part of the Fun Pass.

All Madeira trails · Madeira hiking permits · The Madeira Fun Route Registry

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