Vereda do Nateiro, numbered RB 2, is one of several short trails on the Banana Route (Rota da Banana) at Madalena do Mar on the island of Madeira. It runs as a line through banana plantations, and walking it takes about five minutes. It is not a classified trail and sits outside the booking and fee system of IFCN, the island's forestry and nature conservation body. It is known for close views of how bananas are grown, for fruit sold directly from the plantation and for being easy enough for young children.
Banana Route: Vereda do Nateiro (RB 2)
Local name: Rota da Banana: Vereda do Nateiro
Short walk between banana plants at Madalena do Mar, with fruit sold directly from the plantation.
Banana Route: Vereda do Nateiro (RB 2) on the map
- Route length
- 0.3 km · one way
- Entrance
- Free: outside the IFCN trail-fee system.
- Walking time
- About 5 minutes; about half an hour for all the Banana Route trails here.
- Difficulty
- Easy. Short, easy walk through banana plantations; young children manage it.
- Parking
- Free at the roadside; free car park about 360 m away; customers-only car park about 40 m away.
- Transport
- Stop named Rodoeste 80, about 370 m away in a straight line.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance or parking. Young children can walk it.
- Advance booking
- No booking: outside the IFCN booking system.
What makes it special
The bananas grow right beside the path, and you can buy one from the plantation and eat it on the spot. Vereda do Nateiro walks you through the plantations, close enough to see how the fruit is grown. Locals and cats share the paths.
At around five minutes it suits a break in a drive, and young children can wander through at their own pace. Several Banana Route trails run here, and all of them together take about half an hour, so plan it as a stop inside a longer day.
The route
Finding the way in, look for the guideposts: two stand about 190 m apart in a straight line.
Through the plantations, the path runs among banana plants and the walk is over in about five minutes. Go slowly, because the plants and the way they are grown are what you came to see.
At the far end, the route stops without looping back: it is a line. The other Banana Route trails are here too, and all of them together take about half an hour.
Good to know
- Bananas for sale: the plantation sells them directly, at around 50 cents each, so bring change.
- Toilets: free toilets stand about 300 m away in a straight line.
- Water: no drinking water nearby, so fill up before you come.
- Status: unclassified, so it is not on the SIMplifica portal and IFCN takes no responsibility for it.
Getting there
By car, leave the vehicle at the roadside, where parking is free. There is also a free car park about 360 m away in a straight line; a nearer one, about 40 m away, is for customers only.
By bus, the nearest stop is about 370 m away in a straight line and a second sits about 770 m away. From either, the rest is on foot. Day tours stop here as well.
Best time to visit
Best: a dry, sunny day. The walk is pleasant in the sun, and the leaves and hanging bunches are easy to see in good light.
Avoid: heavy rain and the hours after dark. Looking at the plants is the whole reason to stop, and neither gives you much of a look.
Things to do nearby
All tours in Madalena do Mar on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Sun & daylight
Along the route
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Banana Route: Vereda do Nateiro (RB 2) on the map
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Vereda do Nateiro take?
About five minutes. All the Banana Route trails here take about half an hour together.Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. The walk is short and easy, and young children can wander through the plantations.Can you buy bananas on the walk?
Yes, directly from the plantation. Bring some change.Is parking free?
Yes. Leave the car at the roadside, or in the free car park about 360 m away in a straight line.Do you need to book or pay to walk it?
No. It is an unclassified trail outside the IFCN booking and fee system, so it is not on the SIMplifica portal and carries no fee.