Vereda da Ladeira is a footpath on the north-west coast of Madeira, in the Porto Moniz area, running from Pombais down to Calhau das Achadas on the shore. The route is about 3 km there and back, with about 500 metres of descent and the same again on the climb out. It is known for its views of waterfalls, the ocean and the cliffs opposite, and for plants that change with height. It is not a classified trail and sits outside the official booking and fee system.
Ladeira Trail
Local name: Vereda da Ladeira
Sea-cliff path dropping about 500 metres from Pombais to Calhau das Achadas, with waterfalls and ocean views.
Ladeira Trail on the map
- Entrance
- Free. The trail is not classified, so the IFCN trail fee does not apply.
- Walking time
- 60–90 minutes each way with few stops, so 2–3 hours there and back.
- Difficulty
- Hard. About 500 m of descent, then the same climb back, on a route of about 3 km.
- Parking
- Free parking about 985 m away in a straight line.
- Transport
- Nearest public transport stop about 1,087 m away in a straight line.
- Accessibility
- Not for wheelchairs or pushchairs: a cliff path with about 500 m to climb. Does not suit children or unfit walkers.
- Advance booking
- No booking: the trail is not in the SIMplifica booking system.
What makes it special
The sea is about 500 metres below you when the path leaves Pombais, roughly one and a half Eiffel Towers of descent on a route of about 3 km there and back. The plants change as you lose height, and waterfalls, the ocean and the cliffs opposite open up on the way down.
Sunset shows it at its best. The cable car at Achadas da Cruz serves the same stretch of coast, but here you earn the shore on foot, and on the way up your legs and lungs will tell you about it.
The route
At Pombais the path heads downhill, with about 500 metres of height to lose before the sea. The plants change as you descend, and the views take in waterfalls, the ocean and the cliffs opposite.
About 100 metres above the coast, the path beside the Achadas da Cruz cable car joins this one. Keep going down for Calhau das Achadas.
At Calhau das Achadas the path ends on the shore. Turn back up the same way, or carry on to Achadas da Cruz, where the cable car and the path beside it run.
Good to know
- Climb second. The way back regains all of the roughly 500 metres you came down, so keep something in reserve at the bottom.
- Fitness decides it. Walkers in decent shape manage it; it does not suit children or anyone short on fitness.
- Footwear. Wear hiking shoes, and carry water for the climb back.
- No official cover. The trail is not classified, and IFCN, Madeira's nature institute, neither recommends it nor takes responsibility for it.
- Toilets. There are none nearby, so use one before you set off.
Getting there
The walk starts at Pombais, in the Porto Moniz area of north-west Madeira. Free parking lies about 985 m away in a straight line, a public transport stop about 1,087 m away and a guidepost about 735 m away, and each of those comes out longer on the ground.
The path ends at Calhau das Achadas, at the foot of the cliff, so the day has to include a way back: the same climb, or on to Achadas da Cruz and its cable car. Check the cable car's hours before you count on it.
Best time to visit
Best: a dry, clear late afternoon, setting off early enough to finish the climb by last light. Sunset is when the coast looks its best, and the climb back alone takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Avoid: rain and the hours after it. Wet rock on a cliff path gives poor grip underfoot and can bring stone down from above.
Things to do nearby
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Sun & daylight
Along the route
Similar Places
Ladeira Trail on the map
The path descends a sea cliff with open edges and rock that can fall from above, worst in and after rain, so stay off it in wet weather. At the bottom the shore takes breaking waves: keep well back and never turn your back on the sea.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Vereda da Ladeira take?
Allow 60 to 90 minutes each way with few stops, so 2 to 3 hours there and back.How hard is it?
You lose about 500 metres of height and climb it again on a route of about 3 km there and back. Walkers in decent shape manage it, but it does not suit children or anyone short on fitness.Do I need to pay or book?
No. The trail is not classified, so it sits outside the IFCN booking and fee system.How do I get back from Calhau das Achadas?
Climb back up the same path, or carry on to Achadas da Cruz, where a cable car and a second path run. Check the cable car's hours before you count on it.Is there parking?
Yes, free parking about 985 m away in a straight line, so the way on foot is longer than that.