Trails
Vereda da Fajã do Barro
A short coastal path near Porto Moniz down to Fajã do Barro
The place
The Vereda da Fajã do Barro is a hiking path on Madeira's north-west coast, a short distance from Porto Moniz. Its name refers to a fajã, the flat ground at the foot of the cliffs that many of the island's coastal paths drop down towards.
The walk is about the coast rather than a summit, so the sea and the cliffs are the setting to expect. Porto Moniz makes the natural place to base yourself for the day.
Highlights
- It is a footpath rather than a levada, so the walk runs along the ground itself rather than beside a water channel.
- It sits close to Porto Moniz on the north-west coast, so it fits easily into a day in the village.
- Its name points to a fajã, so the route is about the sea rather than the high ground.
When to come
A dry day with calm weather suits a coastal path best, because wet rock is slippery. Start in the morning so the walk finishes in daylight.
Getting there
The trail lies close to Porto Moniz on Madeira's north-west coast, so the village is the easiest place to base yourself for the walk.
Worth knowing
- Pick a dry day, since wet rock and mud make coastal paths slippery.
- Wear shoes with good grip for footpath ground.
- Carry water and snacks for the whole walk.
- Stay on the path and keep well back from any cliff edge.
- Download the route to your phone before you start.
- Check the forecast the day before, since the north-west coast can change quickly.