Fanal(edit)

approx. 3,5 - 4 hours | 11 km | +150 m | -350 m Organizational At 09:00 you will be picked up from your hotel by a transfer organized by Eurohike and taken to the starting point on the Paul da Serra plateau. On your drive there, you will experience the mighty mountains and rugged peaks of Madeira's interior and Massif Central. From the starting point you will then hike to the Fanal forestry house, where you will meet the transfer driver again. The exact pick-up time will be given to you at the start, after approx. 4 hours of hiking. In the afternoon you will reach the pretty coastal town of Porto Moniz, where you should definitely visit the volcanic pools. If the weather is too bad for a hike on the plateau, drive directly to Porto Moniz for an optional round trip hike to Santa (option). Your hike Today you will hike the Vereda do Fanal, a wonderful trail that leads across the Paul da Serra plateau to the Fanal forest and pasture area. You will start on a path through broom, juniper and fern growth in gentle ups and downs across the plateau. Along the longest valley cut of the island (to your left) you will pass viewpoints, partly on wooden steps and again and again through the laurel forest. In Fanal, you'll encounter warped trees and grazing cattle. Fog can rise very quickly up here and also clear up again. This often creates mystical atmospheres! Pay close attention to the colored markings and signposts. The path is always marked in color. Always stay on the main path and follow the route descriptions. Options In case of dense fog, very poor visibility, strong storm or very cold, the hike on the plateau is not recommended. If the weather is very bad, the transfer will take you directly to Porto Moniz. From there you can take a short hike to Santa. An approximately two-hour tour leads you on old connecting paths with great views up to the small mountain village of Santa, with a bar and a pretty church. Return the same way. The option is marked in pink and listed as a separate route. In Porto Moniz, be sure to visit the volcanic pools and walk along the promenade. There is also an aquarium to visit, info at the tourist office.