Caminho Real do Monte
Caminho Real do Monte (Ribeira das Cales – Monte)
Trail Facts
- Distance
- 5,5 km
- Duration
- 2 h
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation Range
- 590 m – 1158 m(DEM approximate)
- Route Points
- Ribeira das Cales - Funchal Ecological Park Welcome Centre / Monte
- Managing Entity
- Câmara Municipal do Funchal
Trailhead Weather & Conditions
Altitude: 1120 m · Elevation-adjusted live forecast
Crisp visibility (~30.8 km). Great conditions for panoramic vistas.
Calm or light wind conditions favorable for hiking.
Recommended Hiking Window Today
10:00 – 13:00
Lowest rain chance (0%) and manageable gusts (~13 km/h).
Hourly Trail Conditions
Scroll for next 24 hours →3-Day Trailhead Outlook
Overview
Caminho Real do Monte (PR 3.1) is a classified walking route on the island of Madeira, officially listed by IFCN and managed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal. The official route list gives its length as 5,5 km and its main stops as Ribeira das Cales – Monte. By name it is a caminho real (a historic "royal road" path). Visit Madeira, the regional tourism board, rates it moderate and gives a walking time of 2 hours.
What to Expect
Mapped route data (OpenStreetMap, heights from a digital elevation model) puts the path between roughly 590 m and 1158 m above sea level - treat this as approximate. Visit Madeira describes the start/end as Ribeira das Cales - Funchal Ecological Park Welcome Centre / Monte.
Booking & Fees
This trail is managed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal, not IFCN. According to the IFCN fee FAQ the SIMplifica booking and fee regime covers only IFCN-managed trails, so no booking or fee is expected - check on site signage for any local rules.
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 Real do Monte 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 5,5 km. Visit Madeira gives about 2 hours.
Do I need to book?
This trail is managed by Câmara Municipal do Funchal, not IFCN. According to the IFCN fee FAQ the SIMplifica booking and fee regime covers only IFCN-managed trails, so no booking or fee is expected - check on site signage for any local rules.
How much does it cost?
No fee is expected for this trail (managed outside the IFCN regime) - not explicitly confirmed, see notes.
Data: IFCN, Visit Madeira, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL); elevations approximate
