Trails
Vereda dos Zimbreiros
A short walk down to the fishing village of Paúl do Mar
The place
The Vereda dos Zimbreiros is a short, one-way walk that ends in Paúl do Mar, a fishing village on Madeira's south-west coast. Much of the path is cobbled, with some loose stones and uneven ground, so each step needs attention even though the distance is small. Its start and finish are on village streets, so it is easy to combine with a stop in Paúl do Mar.
It takes one to one and a half hours, and the climb is steep in places. Some exposed stretches have little fencing, so keep children close. The walk suits people who are comfortable on rough ground and open edges.
Highlights
- The cobbled path, with some loose stones and uneven ground, needs careful steps from start to finish.
- Steep stretches and exposed sections with little fencing make the climb the main effort.
- At about 1.6 km the route is short, so it works as a compact outing.
When to come
Choose a dry day, because the cobbles and loose stones are harder to keep your footing on when wet, and start early enough to finish in daylight.
Getting there
The walk starts on Rua Doutor Mário Correia Sardinha and finishes on Avenida dos Pescadores Paulenses in Paúl do Mar, so it is one way and you need transport waiting at the finish.
Worth knowing
- Allow one to one and a half hours for the one-way walk of about 1.6 km.
- The walk is rated medium, with a steep climb in places.
- The surface is mostly cobbled, with some loose stones and uneven ground, so wear shoes with good grip.
- Some exposed stretches have little fencing, so step carefully near the open edges.
- Driving directions from Funchal use the E.R. 101 and E.R. 223 roads.
- The walk is one way, so arrange a return to the start before you set out.