Pico Castanho – Pico das Roçadas – Túnel do Caniçal is a community route mapped on AllTrails — it is not part of Madeira's official PR (Percurso Recomendado) trail network managed by IFCN, the regional government's forests & nature-conservation authority. That means it has no official open/closed status and no guaranteed signage or maintenance — check access and conditions locally before setting out.

The hike starts by climbing the rugged path to Pico Castanho (589 m), which rewards you with sweeping views over the municipalities of Machico and Caniçal. As you progress, the forest becomes denser and more exotic. The route then descends toward Pico das Roçadas (379 m), where you can gaze out at dramatic cliffs and the sea. The return leg follows the Levada do Caniçal and passes through the Caniçal Tunnel, completing the loop.

▶ Directions to the trailhead ↗

• No official status — this is not an IFCN-managed trail, so there's no official open/closed status, waymarking, or maintenance guarantee. Check local conditions before you go.
• Hard difficulty — expect steep, rugged sections; proper footwear and fitness are essential.
• Bring water, sun protection, and a headlamp for the Caniçal Tunnel section.

There's also a longer variant — Miradouro do Paraíso – Boca do Risco – Vereda do Larano (12.2 km, 6–6.5 hr, ⭐ 4.6/5, 30 reviews) — which goes beyond Pico Castanho to the spectacular Boca do Risco viewpoint and then follows the coastal Vereda do Larano. It's also not an official IFCN PR trail.

Want me to check the mountain weather forecast and IPMA warnings for the day you're planning to go, or find the closest official PR trails near Pico Castanho as alternatives?