Vereda das Voltas

The Caminho das Voltas route is another access point to the plateau from the picturesque Vale do Chão da Ribeira, in Seixal. It is a pleasant walk that winds up the mountain, taking you from the valley floor to the mountaintop, ending at the main road on Paul da Serra.
The route starts at the entrance of Snack-bar/Restaurante Laurissilva, an evocative name that foreshadows the landscape you will encounter from the outset. From the beginning of the walk you are surrounded by forest and rural activity, as pens and agricultural plots harmoniously interweave with the natural and human-shaped landscape. Chão da Ribeira is a perfect example of how people can live in balance with nature.
From a scientific point of view, this path is excellent for anyone interested in botany, because there are no significant areas of exotic forest or man-made structures that disturb the zone.
For the first few metres, the Levada do Seixal runs parallel to this path, heading toward the stream as it enters the forest, dominated by the presence of Madeira mahogany. The path is well defined and easy to follow. After crossing the stream, you will begin the ascent toward the plateau.
Most of the hike is framed by the Laurissilva Forest; however, there are some spots with fantastic aging lauroid-stink laurels (loureiros-fétidos), the largest tree species in this habitat.
This route is considered quite old and little used, so extreme care is required due to loose stones on the trail.
It involves a demanding climb, but the stunning views along the way more than reward the effort. In particular, the incredible vistas over Seixal and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance make any fatigue disappear in an instant.
The route finishes at regional road 209 at 1,300 metres altitude, where you will find yourself in the heaths, with the scent of Madeira thyme filling the air.