💭 Thinking
How this was derived · 4 steps
- Vereda das Funduras 3.9 Directions
The trail you're looking for is almost certainly the PR 5 — Vereda das Funduras, which starts at the Miradouro da Portela viewpoint on Madeira's ER-102 road. There isn't an official PR trail called "Miradouro da Portelinha" — the name likely refers to the well-known Miradouro da Portela viewpoint, which is the starting point of PR 5.
Here's everything about it:
| Status | Open |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Distance | 8.7 km (point-to-point) |
| Duration | ~3 h (official) |
| Start | Miradouro da Portela (ER-102, at ~670 m) |
| End | Maroços |
| Altitude | Max 624 m → Min 186 m |
| Route | Portela → Maroços |
| Managing authority | IFCN |
| Access fee | €4.50 (visitors > 12) / Free (≤ 12) — book via SIMplifica |
| Community rating | 3.9★ from 184 reviews on AllTrails |
The trail begins at the Miradouro da Portela, a dramatic mountain-pass viewpoint on the ER-102 between Machico and Porto da Cruz, with panoramic views over Machico bay and the towering Penha d'Águia rock. From there, it descends through the Serra das Funduras laurel forest (laurissilva, a UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem), passing terraced hillsides and viewpoints before reaching Maroços.
It's mostly downhill — the climbing is short and the rest is a gentle descent through the forest. The trail is well-marked with green-and-yellow PR5 markers. A few sections are steep and can be slippery when wet.
- Point-to-point, not a loop. Park at Miradouro da Portela, finish in Maroços. You'll need a taxi or second bus to get back to your car. Alternatively, you can walk it as an out-and-back from Portela — go about 4 km to the Larano viewpoint area and return the same way.
- Facilities: The viewpoint has a free car park and a small café (Restaurante Portela À Vista) across the road.
- Best time: Year-round, but especially beautiful March–May (wildflowers in bloom) and October–November (golden light through the laurels). The forest is at its lushest in the wet season.
- Gear: Hiking boots (can be muddy), rain shell, water.
🔗 Directions to the trailhead · Visit Madeira trail page
Want me to check the mountain forecast + IPMA weather warnings for the day you plan to go, or help you figure out how to get to the trailhead by bus from where you're staying?





