Trails
Caminho dos Pessegueiros
A steep old path from the north coast up to Paul da Serra
The place
Caminho dos Pessegueiros climbs the north side of the island from the old ER 101 coast road between São Vicente and Seixal to Montado dos Pessegueiros, on the northern rim of the Paul da Serra plateau. In about 4.4 km it rises roughly 1,480 m, from near sea level to about 1,550 m, so almost the whole walk is a steady, steep ascent, with the north coast opening out below as you gain height.
It is a rough mountain path rather than an official trail. Expect narrow sections, overgrown stretches and places where the line is hard to follow, and allow about five and a half hours for the climb, with plenty of daylight in hand. At the top, tracks continue across the open plateau towards the ER 209, where the weather can turn cold and foggy quickly; fog is frequent on Paul da Serra.
Highlights
- A climb of about 1,480 m in some 4.4 km, from the coast road to the edge of Paul da Serra.
- The top is at Montado dos Pessegueiros, about 1,550 m up, on the plateau's northern rim.
- Views back down to the north coast open up as the path gains height.
- Tracks at the top lead on across the plateau towards the ER 209.
When to come
Start early on a clear, dry day: fog is frequent on Paul da Serra and mornings are usually clearest.
Getting there
The bottom of the path is by the old ER 101 coast road west of São Vicente, near the VE 2; there is no road at the top, so walk on across the plateau to the ER 209 to be collected, or come back the same way.
Worth knowing
- Distance and time: about 4.4 km one way; about five and a half hours on the way up.
- Climb: about 1,480 m, nearly all of it uphill from the coast.
- Difficulty: hard; a rough, steep mountain path, not an official PR trail.
- Navigation: download the route before you start, as parts of the path are overgrown and faint.
- Return: arrange a lift from the ER 209 on Paul da Serra, or allow for the long, steep descent.
- Weather: carry warm and waterproof layers for the plateau.
- Water: carry plenty for a long climb.