Vereda da Cavaca

The Vereda da Cavaca is a route that starts on Caminho Idelfonso de Castro in the parish of Seixal and is one of the many paths in Chão da Ribeira that lead to the highest elevations of the Porto Moniz municipality.

At the start, the path takes us toward the Fanal, an emblematic site on Madeira Island due to its unique natural and scenic characteristics.

Shortly after the climb begins, we reach a clearing from which the entire Chão da Ribeira valley can be admirably observed at an altitude of approximately seven hundred and fifty meters. From this point the vegetation becomes rather dense, but opens up in places, allowing superb views of the northern coast.

The trail then leads to an open area with virtually no vegetation other than the grass covering the meadow. Follow the path; a mandatory stop is the Fio do Fanal viewpoint. It is a short detour well worth taking because of the landscape potential you will find. The "fio" was the transport system used to move materials and food supplies to Chão da Ribeira, a crossing that avoided arduous physical transport by the local population.

Leaving the Fio viewpoint and resuming the trail, the panorama changes to another kind of scene: the contemplative setting of the centuries-old, idyllic Tis do Fanal.

At the next signpost, descend left toward the Fanal picnic area and Posto Florestal do Fanal (forest station), where it is very common on weekends to see families enjoying the fireplaces for the traditional espetada madeirense. We cross another sign indicating the way to Paul da Serra.

To finish the route, simply descend to the Posto Florestal toward E.R.209.