PR13.1 Madeira: Vereda da Palha Carga guide

PR13.1 Madeira, Vereda da Palha Carga, is a short linear route from Louro da Gota on ER 209 to the 25 Fontes lagoon. It was listed as open when checked on 14 August 2026, but status and entry slots can change.

The trail in three sentences

The official PR13.1 route page gives a distance of 1.8km, an estimated one-way duration of 45 minutes, and elevations from 1,328m to 970m. The route crosses high-altitude heath and Laurissilva before reaching 25 Fontes. Reserve an available slot through SIMplifica before leaving.

Where it starts

The first 100 metres share the official path with PR13 Vereda do Fanal. The PR13.1 turn toward 25 Fontes is on the left, according to the tourism board’s route description. Use the current official map and signed path rather than a third-party pin.

Use only current signed parking that keeps the road, farm access, and emergency access clear. Do not park on grass or a verge because an old guide says it is customary.

What you actually walk through

The official description identifies high-altitude heath, clearings, watercourse slopes, and Festuca donax, the palha-carga grass that gives the route its name. Natural viewpoints look over the Rabaçal valley and Ribeira da Janela, with Laurissilva forming much of the landscape.

After crossing Ribeira dos Cedros, the route follows Levada Nova do Rabaçal or Levada das 25 Fontes to the lagoon. Stay on the current signed path and do not collect plants.

Combining it with another official route

The official page says walkers can return to Louro da Gota or continue from 25 Fontes on PR6 toward Casa do Rabaçal. Treat that as a combined-route plan: both routes must be open, each required reservation must be valid, and transport from the eventual finish must be arranged before starting.

Do not casually add PR13 or PR14 to the same day. Check their status, official duration, weather, parking, and daylight independently.

When to go

Paúl da Serra can differ sharply from Funchal. Check IPMA warnings and the plateau forecast, then reassess the route at the start. Cloud, strong wind, rain, or poor visibility can change a short walk into the wrong plan.

Carry water, a waterproof layer, sun protection, and footwear suited to the live surface. Do not let a paid entry slot override a warning or closure.

If the route and return leave time for another stop, use the Madeira things-to-do guide for current island context rather than treating Porto Moniz or another destination as a guaranteed add-on.

FAQ

How hard is PR13.1? The official page gives a 1.8km distance and 45-minute estimate in one direction, with a height difference of 358m. A return to the start adds the climb back; continuing on PR6 changes the distance and finish. Judge the complete plan, not only PR13.1’s headline length.

Do I need a permit? IFCN’s 2026 individual-route fee and exemption rules apply when this classified route is open. Book only through the official SIMplifica service and recheck the hiking permits guide for the current fee and process.

Can I link PR13.1 to PR6 and walk back via the Rabaçal car park? The official PR13.1 page allows continuation on PR6 toward Casa do Rabaçal. Do this only when both routes are open, the reservations and connection are valid, and licensed finish transport is confirmed. Do not rely on an old shuttle arrangement.

Is the trail well marked? Use the official route map and current signs. Download official information before leaving, but do not use a third-party track to override a barrier or closure.

What about children? Age alone does not determine suitability. Compare the complete distance, descent or return climb, weather, surface, and any connected route with the child’s ability.

A longer hiking stay

Banana House is a year-round, seven-room coliving in Ponta do Sol, normally designed around stays of one month or longer. Every room has a real desk and chair, and the house has 200+ Mbps fibre plus additional work areas. See the rooms and current monthly options.

For more routes, start with our Madeira hiking pillar. The famous sisters are PR13 Vereda do Fanal and PR14 Levada dos Cedros.