PR 12

Caminho Real da Encumeada

RestrictedLast checked September 11, 2026

The old royal road from the Boca da Corrida viewpoint above Curral das Freiras across to the Encumeada pass, 12.5 km and five hours. It runs high, from 1323 m down to 830 m, along the western flank of the central massif. A long point to point route, graded medium, with nothing in the middle.

Caminho Real da Encumeada
Fernando B M · Pexels licence

Route facts

Start and end
Boca da Corrida → Encumeada
Length
12.5 km one way
IFCN walking time
5 h
Difficulty
Medium
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1323 m
Lowest point
830 m
Start coordinates
32.71107, -16.98719

Figures as IFCN publishes them on the trail's own page. A row is missing where the official sheet does not state it, and IFCN publishes no cumulative elevation gain for any route.

Before you go

  • Walking a classified trail requires a paid reservation through the regional SIMplifica portal. The official trail pages list the fee as 4.50 € per visitor over 12; children of 12 and under are exempt. Book before you set off. Reserve on SIMplifica
  • This route starts and finishes in different places, so settle how you will get back before you set off.
  • The route reaches 1323 m. Cloud, wind and temperature at that height are often nothing like the coast.

Plan the day

Other trails nearby