VCVerified
Vereda do Calhau
Porto Moniz, Madeira
Info updated 51 days ago
Status
Open
Distance
5 km
Duration
2h30
Difficulty
ModerateType
Out and Back
Classification
PL
Official code
VC
GPX track
Unavailable
About the trail
Fajã da Quebrada Nova is one of the most visited sites in the parish of Achadas da Cruz. The Vereda do Calhau takes us to the pebble beach of Achadas da Cruz, following the path once used by local farmers. This access route is the best option for those who want the challenge of descending on foot, being a more advisable route than the neighboring Vereda da Ladeira, as it doesn't show much damage caused by mother nature.
You can easily park next to the Achadas da Cruz cable car and marvel at the imposing slope and the crystal-clear water of a site classified by the Natura 2000 Network as a site of community interest.
The cable car that descends to the pebble beach is one of the attractions of this parish in Porto Moniz, normally used by hikers on the return journey after descending via the Vereda do Calhau.
The descent begins on the right side of the cable car and maintains good navigability conditions until the end of the route. Despite the good trail conditions, the suggested hike inherently includes all the technical and physical requirements demanded by a descending route. Therefore, make sure you bring good footwear and a walking stick to assist you in the descent.
The view found during almost the entire route is imposing and characteristic of trails that traverse the slopes. Ribeira do Tristão is one of the reference points of this route, a stream that carries waters flowing from the Moinho and Brasileiro levadas down to the pebble beach of Achadas da Cruz. The intersection found near the end of the route crosses with the Vereda da Ladeira, where you should turn left toward the pebble beach.
Once at the pebble beach, we recommend that you don't venture to swim, as the access points don't guarantee you can do so safely. The location is not supervised, the stones are large, and the sea's agitation felt at the Achadas da Cruz pebble beach is imposing.
Turning left you'll reach the promenade, and the existing circuit at Fajã da Quebrada Nova is a place of worship for those wanting to relax and enjoy moments of tranquility. Calm reigns in this location.
When it's time to return, you can choose to climb back up the route taken or experience the emotions of the Achadas da Cruz cable car.
Surface
Terra batidaRocha
Permitted activities
✓Hiking
✓Caminhada
Code of Conduct
- - Plan your route: Before hiking, study in detail the weather conditions forecast for the hiking day and ensure you have all the equipment necessary for the route's specific requirements. Footwear, hiking poles, and appropriate clothing are essential.
- - Analyze the technical sheet that Porto Moniz Municipality prepared for you and ensure the route you chose to undertake suits your physical capacity.
- - Download the GPS track of the route that Porto Moniz Municipality prepared for you and don't leave the planned route.
- - Always inform someone about your plans. We recommend informing the reception of your accommodation or your family members about the planned itinerary. Take with you the emergency numbers we provide.
- - Pay attention to whether you're carrying energetic foods and liquids necessary and sufficient to satisfy the physical demands of the route.
- - If your hike is at high elevation, pay attention to fog that may suddenly appear. Always bring warm clothing even if the weather is favorable. Be aware that microclimates are more frequent as elevation increases.
- - It's common to encounter waterfalls during the routes. Bring a raincoat with you and don't feel tempted to run when passing under a waterfall. Cross with caution as the surfaces are extremely slippery.
- - If you undertake a route where you have to cross a tunnel, ensure you bring a flashlight with adequate voltage and sufficient battery. Your phone's flashlight may not be adequate. Porto Moniz Municipality has 4 routes that require this equipment.
- - It's common to lose mobile network signal, especially in enclosed valleys. Make absolutely sure you inform someone about the route you're going to undertake. Don't neglect this situation.
Useful Contacts
Trail information
- Official code
- VC
Sources & Official Information
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