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Tell me about the Calhau São Jorge - Quinta do Furão - Faias hike in Madeira
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The user is asking about a specific hike called "Calhau São Jorge - Quinta do Furão - Faias" in Madeira. Let me search for this trail using the find_hikestool.The user is asking about the "Calhau São Jorge - Quinta do Furão - Faias" hike. This specific trail name doesn't appear in the official IFCN PR trails, but I can see some relevant community trails in the results. Let me look more closely: 1. "Calhau de São Jorge - Caminho Real nº 23" - This is a community trail that mentions Calhau de São Jorge and the ruins of São Jorge, rated 4.5★ with 145 reviews. It's 9.2 km, hard difficulty, out and back, 4-4.5 hr. 2. "Ponta de São Jorge via Ramal do Caminho Real nº23" - Another community trail, 2.7 km, moderate, out and back, 1-1.5 hr. 3. "Santana - Ponta de São Jorge - Ramal do Caminho Real №23" - 6.9 km, hard, loop, 3-3.5 hr. The user specifically asked about "Calhau São Jorge - Quinta do Furão - Faias" which doesn't exactly match any trail in the results. However, "Calhau de São Jorge - Caminho Real nº 23" is the closest match since it involves Calhau São Jorge. The user's trail name includes "Quinta do Furão" and "Faias" which are localities along that coastal path. Let me also check if there's a more specific match. The user's trail name "Calhau São Jorge - Quinta do Furão - Faias" sounds like it could be a variant name for one of these Caminho Real trails in the area. The "Caminho Real nº 23" (Royal Path 23) connects these places along the north coast. Since the exact trail name doesn't match an official PR trail or any community trail exactly, the closest match is "Calhau de São Jorge - Caminho Real nº 23" from the community trails. Let me describe what we have and be clear about what's available. I should also look for a video of this trail to offer theuser.
How this was derived · 1 step
Trails near São JorgeMap & photos
6 photos
Levada do ReiLevada do ReiLevada do ReiLevada do ReiLevada do ReiLevada do Rei
Official PR trail (IFCN) Community route (AllTrails — not official)
Photos: walkmeguide.com · green = official IFCN PR trail · amber = community route (AllTrails)

The trail you're asking about — Calhau São Jorge – Quinta do Furão – Faias — isn't one of Madeira's official IFCN PR (Percurso Recomendado) trails, but there is a closely related community-mapped route on AllTrails that covers this coastline:


Calhau de São Jorge – Caminho Real nº 23

Community route (mapped on AllTrails) — not part of Madeira's official PR trail network managed by IFCN (the regional government's forests & nature authority), so it has no official open/closed status and no maintenance/signage guarantee. Check access and conditions locally before going.

DifficultyHard
Distance9.2 km (out and back)
Estimated time4–4.5 hours
Rating4.5★ from 145 hiker reviews on AllTrails
Start pointCalhau de São Jorge area
Route typeOut and back
What it's like

This route follows the Caminho Real nº 23 (Royal Path 23) along the dramatic north coast near Santana. It passes through Calhau de São Jorge, past the old ruins, and along coastal cliffs with natural viewpoints, Santana's typical thatched houses, and the Lagoa do Calhau de São Jorge. The path has challenging and exposed sections, and attention is needed at higher altitudes — some walkways are broken and the cliff-edge sections are quite dangerous. Final access to the ruins may be restricted or forbidden; respect any signs and barriers.

⚠️ Heads-up: This is a hard trail with exposed, potentially dangerous sections. Wear proper footwear, check weather conditions, and don't attempt it in wet or windy weather.

How to get to the trailhead

Directions to trailhead ↗


Nearby official (PR) trails

If you'd prefer an officially maintained and status-monitored trail, the closest ones near São Jorge are:

TrailDifficultyDistanceDurationDrive from São Jorge
Levada do Rei (PR 18)Moderate5.3 km (+ 5.3 km return)3h30~7 min
Vereda da Ilha (PR 1.1)Moderate–Hard8.2 km3h~11 min
Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR 9)Moderate8.7 km (+ 8.7 km return)6h30~18 min

All three require a €4.50 access fee (via the SIMplifica portal; free for children ≤ 12).


Would you like me to check the mountain weather forecast and any IPMA warnings for the day you plan to hike, or show you a video of the trail so you can preview it?

OpenMadeira can make mistakes — check the sources.