What to Expect

This trail starts at the viewpoint of Portela, where you can admire the beauty of the villages of Porto da Cruz and Faial, near the imposing rock of Penha dÁguia. The walk goes on along the forest road of Serra das Funduras until it enters into the beautiful Laurisilva forest. Along the way through this forest hikers can admire the extraordinary beauty of the endemic flora and fauna of Madeira Island. The greenery of the trees and vegetation, the melodious singing of birds and the whole environment make this walk almost magical and unrealistic. Enjoy nature as you walk and enjoy the sites suitable for making a snack and relax a bit. Further ahead you will find the “Casa das Funduras”, a beautiful house that gives support to the forestry activities of the area. Next to the house you will find the descent to the Maroços, which takes the walker to the center of population of that area. Along this descent the walker passes through the traditional terraces (“poios”) that make up this great agricultural landscape, very characteristic of this zone.