Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal, forest and mountains around Encumeada
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Partially openToday: checkCentral mountains

PR 17

Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

Lombo do Mouro - Caramujo - Folhadal - Encumeada. Highlights: Folhadal, Laurissilva, high-mountain panoramas.

mountains and viewpointsLaurissilva forest
Distance
15 km
Time
about 6 h 15 min
Difficulty
Hard
Fee
from 4.50 EUR
Altitude
970 - 1490 m

What IFCN actually says

IFCN lists the trail as passable but describes access only along the segment named below.

PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal - percurso transitável entre a Encumeada e a Bica da Cana
Quoted from the IFCN list (original, untranslated)

Decision for today

Check conditions

The trail may be possible, but status, weather and booking need verification.

  • The trail has restrictions or partial opening.

Trail partially open? We will let you know when it fully opens

Leave your e-mail and we will send a message when the official trail status changes to fully open. No need to check the IFCN page every day.

Your address is used only for alerts about this trail; they may include labelled partner links. One click unsubscribes you.

Access and parking

Lombo do Mouro / Encumeada

check

How will you get to the trail?

Quick access check

Parking pointTaxi / transfer likelyPlan the return
Parking / start

A long point-to-point trail through the central part of the island. It requires careful transport planning and an assessment of the weather conditions.

Coordinates for navigation

Start32.75423, -17.01929

Enter them into an offline map or the car's navigation before you set off: on mountain roads the signal can drop out for long stretches.

Bus / transfer

Check connections for Encumeada and Lombo do Mouro; an organised transfer is often needed.

Search in SIGA: Encumeada, Lombo do Mouro, Serra de Água.

Logistics

linear trail. Start: Lombo do Mouro. End: Encumeada.

Access plan

By car

Lombo do Mouro / Encumeada. Set the start point in maps and check whether parking is available in the morning and afternoon.

Without a car

Search in SIGA: Encumeada, Lombo do Mouro, Serra de Água.

Return

This is a linear or logistically harder trail. Plan pickup, taxi or two transport legs.

Transport information is planning guidance. Confirm schedules, parking and access in official sources before you go.
Parking in Google Maps SIGA schedules

Logistics tip. Confirm current departures, access restrictions and parking with SIGA or locally before heading out.

Trail map

Start point and area

Porto MonizSão VicenteSantanaMachicoFunchalPonta do Sol
PR 17

Orientation point

Encumeada - Folhadal · start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Parking / access

Lombo do Mouro / Encumeada

A long point-to-point trail through the central part of the island. It requires careful transport planning and an assessment of the weather conditions.

Prepare for this hike

Trail booking and entryTrail weatherWhat to pack and how to stay safe
Guides

Still have time after the hike?

Consider these places as a separate stop that day. Check transport, access and local conditions. These are not suggestions for walking directly from the trail.

If you booked a transfer, confirm the return time first. An extra stop may require separate transport. A beach is not a safe alternative in every weather condition; check the sea and warnings.

Hike plan

Day plan for this trail

Hike

15 km · about 6 h 15 min · Hard

Conditions

Check conditions. The trail may be possible, but status, weather and booking need verification.

Checklists and timing

Before you go

  • Check the current IFCN notice for this trail.
  • Save the start point and route offline.
  • Book and check the fee in SIMplifica.
  • Read the partial-opening restrictions and passage variant.
  • Check the weather forecast and warnings from IPMA and Civil Protection before starting.
  • Verify wind and visibility before starting.
  • Allow extra time to turn back if conditions change.
  • Take extra water, food and a rain layer.

Gear

Offline map / saved start

Signal in mountains and valleys can be unstable.

Water and snacks

A longer trail requires more supplies.

Windproof layer

On ridges and cliffs, wind cools your body quickly, especially during gusts.

Power bank

A longer day outside increases battery use for maps and photos.

Daylight

Estimated time: about 6 h 15 min. Latest reasonable start: 11:03 (60 min buffer before dark).

Data confidence

What is reliable and what to check

Trail status

IFCN live

Last read: 30/10/2026, 16:43.

Difficulty

official

Shown as official or consistent with the source label.

Map point

start

This is an orientation point, not a full GPS trail.

Access

check

Checked: 14/05/2026, 01:00. Confirm schedules in SIGA.

Weather now

Open-Meteo

Updated: 30/10/2026, 16:43. Refresh about every 1h.

After the hike

Where to eat nearby

Taberna da Poncha

Serra de Água

4.7(6,346 reviews)Google Maps rating, checked on 27 July 2026

Not a restaurant but a poncha institution on the ER104 below Encumeada: walls covered in business cards, peanuts with your glass, poncha also bottled to take away. After PR 12, PR 17 or the ridge descent it is the natural first stop; for a full meal drive on.

Hours
usually open morning to evening, but days and hours do vary: confirm before you drive down
Prices
1 to 5 €
Open in Google Maps

We checked the ratings and hours once, on the date shown, and this kind of data ages fast: confirm before you drive out. We have no agreement with these places and earn nothing on these tips.

Trail FAQ

Common questions before you go

Is the trail currently available?

Partially open. Trail status and weather can change quickly. Before you go, check IFCN, SIMplifica, IPMA/ProCiv and local signage.

How long does the hike take?

Roughly 6 h 15 min at a calm pace without longer breaks. Add time for photos and rest.

How much does entry cost?

Entry costs €4.50 for visitors over 12. Pay online in SIMplifica and keep the confirmation for checks.

Do I need to book or pay?

This trail requires booking or entry verification in SIMplifica before you start.

Where do I park and how do I get there?

Lombo do Mouro / Encumeada. Check connections for Encumeada and Lombo do Mouro; an organised transfer is often needed.

Is this a good trail with a dog?

not recommended with a dog. Conditions, exposure or difficulty make another dog-friendly trail a better choice.

Trail profile

Who it suits and what to watch

Best for

Scenic mountain trail, good in stable weather.

demandinglongscenicexposurerestrictions

With a dog

not recommended with a dog

Conditions, exposure or difficulty make another dog-friendly trail a better choice.

Risks

  • Avoid in strong wind, low visibility or icy ridge conditions.
  • Leave a larger time buffer and do not start late in the day.