PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha

Starting at the Pico Ruivo shelter, and after climbing to the island's highest peak following the PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo trail, this route offers a descent to the small parish of Ilha.
This trail is characterized by an elevation change of 1,274 meters, and the descent or ascent should be taken slowly while appreciating the landscape.
The route crosses two types of ecosystems that are part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance – Natura 2000 Network: the Central Mountain Massif and the Laurisilva Forest. In the first, from the highest peaks down to 1,200 meters altitude, we encounter herbaceous and shrub vegetation characteristic of high-altitude heathland, with notable century-old specimens of heath (Erica scoparia), once exploited for charcoal production. As altitude decreases, we find the Laurisilva Forest – classified as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since December 1999, located in the fog zone between 1,200 and 400 meters altitude. This forest takes on special importance as a "water producer," as it can condense water from fog on plant leaves, directing it to the ground and recharging springs and streams.
When passing over the Vale da Lapa tunnel, you will cross the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail, which starts and returns to the Queimadas Forest Park.
Once you reach Ilha, following the paved road, don't miss visiting Achada do Marques, a small settlement characterized by traditional "poios" (agricultural fields) and old thatched shelters.