Vereda da Ribeira Funda

The Vereda da Ribeira Funda is a route located entirely within the freguesia of Seixal and should be undertaken only by experienced people in good physical condition.
The route starts on António Germias de Sousa road where the paved path between houses and threshing floors still remains, as do the always pleasant paired stone walls. The ascent is constant for almost the entire route; in the initial phase of the climb you can find cultivated fields and haylofts supporting agricultural activity.
The landscape perspective begins to take shape within the first metres of altitude gained, and walkers will appreciate the harmony between the imposing northern coast and the Atlantic Ocean.
The slopes are places where tributaries of the streams are often found and are sensitive to erosion, so extra care is required.
Already in the heart of the Laurissilva forest, you will find a first junction where you should turn left towards Fanal. From there on, the route unfolds entirely within the Laurissilva forest, accompanied by many loureiros and tis.
At the second junction you should turn right toward Fanal to encounter the fantastic heather tunnels typical of high-altitude zones. After passing through them, the centenary Tis do Fanal appear, brightening the end of the route. On clear days you can enjoy the area, as the scenic setting is simply fabulous.
On cloudier days you must be very careful because there is no marked trail for orientation.
Walking across the plateau toward the forest station you should follow the trail track. The Fanal area has several arteries that can easily direct you to other paths, many of which are mentioned in the Porto Moniz itinerary, notably PR13 – Vereda do Fanal and Vereda da Cavaca. Once in this area, there are two reference points to note in case you lose your way: the Fanal forest station and the E.R. 209. Upon completing the hike, these two points also mark the end of the Vereda da Ribeira Funda.