The Chao da Ribeira Valley is perhaps one of the most untouched tourist locations in Madeira. Green forests, mountain landscapes, numerous cascading waterfalls – all of this makes it one of my favorite places in Madeira. In this article, I will tell you about the unique hiking experience in Chao da Ribeira and what makes this trail so captivating.
DISTANCE
10.6 km / 6.6 mi loop
ESTIMATED TIME
3 hr 40 min
ELEVATION GAIN
1325 m / 4347 feet
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Table of Contents
1. Route Description
The trail is a 10-kilometer circular route passing through Madeira’s laurel forests. First, you ascend the mountain, weave through abundant greenery, encounter several waterfalls along the way, and at the top of the trail, you’ll see the Desejal Meadow. Walking along this meadow, you’ll also see several stunning waterfalls, one of which is at the end of a tunnel, pouring its abundant waters into the entire floor of this tunnel. Exiting the tunnel, you’ll be amazed by the enormity of this waterfall and how it captures your imagination.
Honestly, I don’t even know how many waterfalls I saw on this trail, and no one can tell you exactly their number because it all depends on the weather the day before your hike. If there were rains, you’ll see no less than 15 waterfalls. If you go on this hike during the dry season, you’ll probably see only 3-4 waterfalls. At the end of the hike, you descend down the mountain, where you’ll need to cross a small river and return through the stunning laurel forest back to the parking lot.
2. Hazards and Recommendations
For the firs time I visited this trail with a local guide, and if you also want to explore it, I do not recommend doing it alone. Be sure to consult a certified guide.
The trail along the Desejal Meadow is on a cliff with light fences, and I wouldn’t recommend going there for people afraid of heights, or with children or pets. This trail is definitely not suitable for this category of hikers. Rather, this trail is more suitable for experienced hikers seeking adventures away from beaten paths.
I filmed a 10-minute video review of this trail and tried to capture the atmosphere of the hike. This is my premiere on YouTube, and I would be very grateful for likes, reposts, and comments. Be sure to watch it until the end – I’m confident you’ll like my signature sign-off.
3. How to get to Chao da Ribeira
By Car: Drive northwest from Funchal on the ER101 road towards Porto Moniz. After passing through Ribeira Brava and São Vicente, continue on the ER101 until you reach the left turn to Chao da Ribeira, than drive up the mountains to the Chao da Ribeira parking lot .
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By Public Transport: Take a bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz and get off at the nearest stop to Chao da Ribeira. From there, you may need to walk a short distance to reach the trailhead.
Guided Tours: Join a guided tour that includes transportation to Chao da Ribeira. Many tour companies on Madeira offer guided hikes to this scenic location.
Starting your trip to Chao da Ribeira lets you explore the amazing natural scenery of Madeira. You’ll see beautiful landscapes and waterfalls as you walk along the trail. Come join me on this adventure and see for yourself the beauty of Chao da Ribeira! If you want more destinations check out my interactive guide + map with all the tips and insights to explore the island.
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
