PR 3

Vereda do Burro

OpenLast checked September 11, 2026

The gentler way down from Pico do Areeiro, 7.2 km to the Ribeira das Cales reception of the Funchal Ecological Park. IFCN grades it easy and allows 2 h 40, with the height falling from 1805 m to 1130 m. It is the usual way to leave the summit on foot without committing to the ridge.

Vereda do Burro
Anita Kieseler · Pexels licence

Route facts

Start and end
Pico do Areeiro → Ribeira das Cales
Municipality
Funchal
Length
7.2 km one way
IFCN walking time
2 h 40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1805 m
Lowest point
1130 m
Start coordinates
32.73493, -16.92882

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 1805 m. Cloud, wind and temperature at that height are often nothing like the coast.
  • Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo are the classic places to watch the sun come up, so check today's times before you fix a start.

Plan the day

Other trails nearby