Trails
Vereda da Ladeira
From the Pombais viewpoint down to the pebble beach at Achadas da Cruz
The place
The Vereda da Ladeira is a round trip from the Pombais viewpoint near Porto Moniz down to the pebble beach at Achadas da Cruz. It covers about 4 km in total and takes two and a half to three hours. On the way down you pass disused farmland, old stone farm sheds and beehives, with prickly pear common on the cliffs and endemic plants close to the path.
What makes it demanding is the terrain. The path is irregular and sharp, and parts of it run along cliff sides, where the exposure can bring on dizziness. It is rated for experienced walkers only. At the bottom, the pebble beach at Achadas da Cruz has a promenade, but swimming is not advised there and there are no lifeguards.
Highlights
- The Pombais viewpoint at the start has wide views over the Atlantic and along the coast towards Achadas da Cruz.
- The Ponta da Ladeira viewpoint on the way down has picnic tables, a good place to rest.
- Old stone farm sheds, beehives and endemic plants line the route, a reminder of how the land was worked.
- After crossing the Ribeira do Calvário, the path forks, with one branch down to the beach and the other up to the cable car.
When to come
Go on a dry day, when the sharp, irregular ground is firm, and start in the morning so the walk and the climb back up fit into daylight.
Getting there
Start at the Pombais viewpoint near Porto Moniz and walk down to the beach at Achadas da Cruz. You can come back on foot up the path or by the Achadas da Cruz cable car.
Worth knowing
- Allow about two and a half to three hours for the round trip of around 4 km.
- The route is very demanding and suits experienced hikers only.
- Wear proper footwear and bring walking poles.
- Some passages run along cliff sides and can bring on dizziness, so keep well back from the edge.
- Near the end the ground is loose from erosion, so go slowly on the last stretch.
- There are no lifeguards on the pebble beach at Achadas da Cruz, and swimming is not advised there.
- The Achadas da Cruz cable car is an alternative to climbing the path back up.
- Download the GPS track before you set out, and check that you are fit enough for the descent and the climb back.