💭 Thinking
How this was derived · 5 steps
- Vereda do Urzal Directions
- Caminho Real da Encumeada Directions
- Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal Directions
- Caminho do Norte Directions
- Levada do Barreiro Directions
The Estanquinhos – Pico Ruivo do Paul – Fontes Ruivas hike is a community route on Madeira's Paul da Serra plateau — it's not part of the official IFCN PR trail network (it has no PR code), so it has no official open/closed status or signage guarantee. Here's what I found:
| Type | Loop (community route, not an official PR trail) |
| Distance | ~3.1 km (short loop) / ~10 km (extended loop via Vereda da Terra Chã) |
| Duration | ~1 h 30 min (short loop) / ~3–4 h (extended loop) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Start / End | Estanquinhos forestry house (ER 208, Paul da Serra) |
| High point | Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra (~1,640 m) |
| Trail code | EPRP (community designation) |
Starting from the Estanquinhos parking area and forestry buildings on ER 208, a narrow path leads through gorse and heath uphill to the summit of Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra — the highest point of western Madeira at around 1,640 m. Don't confuse it with Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the island's true highest peak in the central massif; this is a different mountain on the Paul da Serra plateau.
At the top, two viewpoints offer panoramic views over São Vicente valley and across Paul da Serra on a clear day. The terrain on the ascent is sandy, rocky and can be slippery, especially after rain — sturdy footwear is a must.
From the summit, the route descends on a broad track toward the Fontes Ruivas area — a peaceful picnic spot nestled in a planted pine forest. This section passes through open heathland and then taller vegetation before reaching the forest clearing.
If you want a longer day, the trail can connect to the Vereda da Terra Chã (which continues down to Chão da Ribeira) and then loop back through Fontes Ruivas to Estanquinhos, making it roughly 10 km. A blog by Paradies goes Madeira confirms that the connection between the Vereda da Terra Chã and Fontes Ruivas was recently cleared and is walkable again. This longer route includes passage through the Ribeira do Hortelã spring area, which can be very wet and flooded after heavy rain.
- No IFCN status — this is not an official PR trail. There's no guaranteed maintenance, signage, or rescue infrastructure specific to this route. Check local conditions before you go.
- No access fee mentioned for this route (it sits outside the SIMplifica ticketed areas).
- Slippery ground — the summit path is sandy/loose rock; take care on the descent.
- Weather exposure — at ~1,600 m, Paul da Serra can be foggy, windy, and dramatically colder than the coast. Check the mountain forecast before heading out.
- Gorse overgrowth — parts of the path can be encroached by vegetation; long trousers recommended.
Since this route sits at altitude on an exposed plateau, the mountain weather is the single most important factor. Want me to check the forecast and IPMA warnings for the Paul da Serra area for the day you're planning to go?