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PR 2 - Vereda do Urzal
Distance
10.6 km
Duration
4:30 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
About This Trail
This ancient 10.6 km pathway has connected Madeira's south and north coasts for centuries, beginning in Fajã dos Cardos in Curral das Freiras and ending in Boaventura. The route climbs to Boca das Torrinhas (1,450m) then descends through the UNESCO-protected Laurissilva Forest on its way to the coast. The trail spans diverse elevations from sea level to mountain heights, offering constantly changing vegetation and perspectives throughout the 4.5-hour journey. Part of this historic route is temporarily inaccessible, though hikers can still enjoy the section between Lombo do Urzal and kilometer 6.2, experiencing remnants of Madeira's traditional cross-island transportation network.