What to Expect

Ribeiro Frio is a place famous by its diverse attractions. Here the visitor can find a beautiful garden, a famous trout pond and the beginning of wonderful walking trails. This trail in particular, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in Madeira. You can enjoy the natural heritage of the island, since the trail is full of endemic species of regional flora and fauna. The magnificent vegetation fills the eyes and soul of the hikers, involving them in a peaceful environment. The shining sun infiltrates between the laurels and other plants of this area. In this quiet walk the hiker goes side by side with the levada that flows slowly along the trail. If you’re lucky you can see a trout swimming along that hides when feels our presence. Here and there arises a chaffinch that waits for generosity of those who are passing by to share some bread. ALTERNATIVE ACCESS  The detour to the alternative route must be made at kilometric point PK 7+200 (counting from the beginning, in Ribeiro Frio) and follows an old path to Pico do Suna (Suna Peak) and then along a forest path until it meets the levada at Lamaceiros. From here hikers may follow the original footpath in direction of Portela. This route has a total length of approximately 2.2 km (additional 1.1 km to the original route). This alternative route is more demanding than the original footpath, due to the difference in level, with an ascent of approximately 1000 meters in direction of Pico do Suna and then a descent of approximately 1200 meters til it reaches Levada do Furado.