Caminho do Norte
Caminho do Norte (Encumeada – Ribeira Grande)
Trail Facts
- Distance
- 3,2 km
- Duration
- 1 h 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 518 m – 973 m(DEM approximate)
- Route Points
- Encumeada / Ribeira Grande
- Managing Entity
- IFCN
Trailhead Weather & Conditions
Altitude: 1000 m · Elevation-adjusted live forecast
Crisp visibility (~34.5 km). Great conditions for panoramic vistas.
Calm or light wind conditions favorable for hiking.
Recommended Hiking Window Today
11:00 – 14:00
Lowest rain chance (0%) and manageable gusts (~18 km/h).
Hourly Trail Conditions
Scroll for next 24 hours →3-Day Trailhead Outlook
Overview
Caminho do Norte (PR 21) is a classified walking route on the island of Madeira, officially listed by the regional nature agency IFCN. The official route list gives its length as 3,2 km and its main stops as Encumeada - Ribeira Grande. By name it is a historic caminho (path). Visit Madeira, the regional tourism board, rates it moderate and gives a walking time of 1:30 hours.
What to Expect
Mapped route data (OpenStreetMap, heights from a digital elevation model) puts the path between roughly 518 m and 973 m above sea level - treat this as approximate. Visit Madeira describes the start/end as Encumeada / Ribeira Grande. Entry is by reserved time slot - see Booking and fees below.
Booking & Fees
Reservation required: yes. Fee: EUR 4.50 per person over 12. Book and pay at https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259. Free for children aged 12 or under, Madeira residents (with proof) and people with a disability of 60% or more plus one guardian - registration/reservation is still required for all of them (IFCN FAQ 2.8-2.9). Landowners adjacent to the route are exempt from booking and fee (FAQ 2.10).
Safety & Advice
Official advice (Visit Madeira / IFCN): check the current state of the trail before you leave; tell someone your route and expected return time; confirm the walking time so you finish before nightfall; carry extra food and water, suitable clothing and shoes, and a mobile phone if possible; in heavy rain or strong wind do not continue and turn back by the same route; do not take risks. Follow the walking code: no fires, no litter, do not pick plants or disturb animals, keep to the signs.
Trail Route & Mapping
View full route geometry and trail details
Data: (c) OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caminho do Norte open?
The status is shown live at the top of this page and comes from the IFCN official table (last official update checked: 2 Oct 2026). Always re-check before you go.
How long is it and how long does it take?
IFCN lists 3,2 km. Visit Madeira gives about 1:30 hours.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Reservation is mandatory (also for exempt visitors) and is made online through the SIMplifica portal: https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259.
How much does it cost?
EUR 4.50 per person over 12; free for children up to 12, Madeira residents with proof, and eligible people with disabilities (they must still reserve).
Data: IFCN, Visit Madeira, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL); elevations approximate
