PR 13.1 Vereda da Palha Carga

The route starts on the regional road (ER 209), next to Louro da Gota, and follows the first hundred metres along PR 13 Vereda do Fanal, until it meets, on the left, the diversion to 25 Fontes.
The route unfolds through high-altitude heathland, where Erica arborea ssp maderensis and Uveira da serra (Vaccinium padifolium) predominate. However, in clearings and on the banks of watercourses some endemics stand out, notably the grass Palha-carga (Festuca donax), which gives this trail its name.
From the various natural viewpoints, you can admire impressive views over the Rabaçal valley and the Ribeira da Janela, dominated by the characteristic green of the Laurissilva Forest, classified as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since December 1999, and part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance – Rede Natura 2000.
After crossing the Ribeira dos Cedros, the route follows the Levada Nova do Rabaçal, or das 25 Fontes, until it ends at the 25 Fontes lagoon.
The 25 Fontes is a magnificent example of a perched aquifer whose abundance and permanence of water were key to the construction of the numerous levadas. Due to its outstanding scientific value, this geological point of interest is classified as geosite CO1 – 25 Fontes.
From the 25 Fontes lagoon you can retrace your steps back to the starting point or, alternatively, follow PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes which will take you to Casa do Rabaçal.