Trails
Caminho do Norte (PR21)
The old path of traders and pilgrims from Encumeada to Ribeira Grande
The place
Caminho do Norte is the official PR21, a one-way route of 3.2 km from Boca da Encumeada, at 1,000 m, down to Ribeira Grande, at 320 m, in the municipality of São Vicente. IFCN gives it about 1 hour 30 minutes. It follows the line of an old path that villagers used between the south and north of the island, to trade and to attend the romarias, the religious festivals.
The Encumeada viewpoint, at the start on the island's central ridge, looks south down the Ribeira Brava valley and north over the São Vicente valley, and PR17 and PR1.3 also meet here. The first part of the path runs through the laurissilva, the laurel forest UNESCO listed in 1999; after it crosses the ER 228 it enters a transition forest where exotic trees dominate. Ocean Trails says the path was cut into the mountainside, with drops beside much of it. A link from the PR22 loop at Chão dos Louros, with a picnic area and toilets, joins it. The village at the end has a tradition of wicker work: willow branches are the raw material for baskets, furniture and the Monte toboggans.
Highlights
- The Encumeada viewpoint at the start looks south over the Ribeira Brava valley and north over the São Vicente valley.
- The first stretch runs through the laurissilva, part of the Natura 2000 network.
- Beyond the ER 228 the path enters a transition forest where exotic trees dominate.
- Ribeira Grande, at the end, keeps a tradition of wicker work made from willow branches.
When to come
A dry day with a warm layer: the weather changes often on this route, and the path can be slippery.
Getting there
Start at Boca da Encumeada, where the panel shows parking, a bus stop, a restaurant and a viewpoint. The route ends at Ribeira Grande, which also has parking, so leave a car at one end, arrange a lift, or book a taxi from São Vicente, +351 291 842 238, or Ribeira Brava, +351 291 952 349.
Worth knowing
- Booking and fee: pay through SIMplifica; €4.50 in 2026 for visitors over 12, with children 12 and under exempt.
- Distance and time: 3.2 km one way, about 1 hour 30 minutes, downhill from Encumeada.
- Heights: between 320 m and 1,000 m.
- Difficulty: moderate, as Visit Madeira rates it.
- Caution: the weather changes often, so bring warm clothing.
- Caution: the path can be slippery, so wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Caution: carry water, as the English text of the panel advises.
- Caution: Ocean Trails describes drops beside much of the path, so keep to it and give way on narrow stretches away from the edge.
- Status: open on the IFCN list on 4 November 2026; check IFCN or SIMplifica before you go.
