PR 21 - Caminho do Norte

The trail starts at Boca da Encumeada and ends at Ribeira Grande, in the municipality of São Vicente, between 1000 and 320 meters altitude.
This route follows the traces of an old path used in former times by the population to connect the localities of the southern and northern areas of the island, for commercial exchanges and to participate in traditional pilgrimages.
The trail unfolds, in its first part, through the interior of the exuberant Laurissilva Forest – classified as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO since December 1999, and part of the Natura 2000 Network. After crossing regional road ER228, the route passes through a transitional forest, where exotic forest species predominate.
Upon arrival at Ribeira Grande, don't miss appreciating the wicker culture. It is from the branches of the wicker plant that the wicker is extracted, which serves as raw material for making the most varied traditional utilitarian baskets, furniture, and in the construction of the famous toboggan sleds from the mountains.