PR2 Madeira: Vereda do Urzal route guide

The trail in three sentences

PR2 is an official 10.6km linear route from Curral das Freiras to Lombo do Urzal, estimated at 4 hours 30 minutes and rated moderate. The figures and open status were checked on 14 August 2026; confirm them again on the live Visit Madeira hiking list. The finish requires a confirmed return plan. The Madeira hiking guide provides wider context.

Where it starts: Fajã dos Cardos, Curral das Freiras

Use the current IFCN record and signed approach for the exact Curral das Freiras start and Lombo do Urzal finish. From Ponta do Sol this is a mountain crossing with a linear return; check traffic, road conditions, and both transport points without relying on a fixed drive time.

The route combines a sustained climb with a long descent through forest. Carry the route and reservation offline because mobile coverage can vary, and use the official elevation profile rather than old kilometre-by-kilometre directions.

What you actually see

The route passes through the Urzal forest. It offers a different laurissilva walk from PR13 Fanal, but neither crowd levels nor walking time through a particular section are fixed.

The permit and the logistics

The bigger question is the return. PR2 is a one-way traverse, so arrange both endpoints before starting. Options include:

• Car shuttle. Confirm legal parking at both official endpoints before moving the cars.
• Licensed transfer. Pre-arrange the finish pickup, current quote, and a no-signal procedure before starting.
• Public transport. Check the exact date and both endpoints in SIGA. Do not assume the connection suits the hiking window.
• Qualified guided option. Confirm the current operator, route status, reservation, pickup, and finish transport.

If you cannot arrange the return, choose a different open route such as PR13 Fanal after checking its own status and transport.

When to go

Do not assume PR2 is open year-round. Check IFCN and the destination forecast; a seasonal guide can provide broad context, but not a status promise.

After-hike: where to eat on the north coast

Choose a current venue in the direction of the confirmed return. Check opening hours, menu, and drink-driving plan directly; a trail guide cannot promise a restaurant or detour.

If the current legal route requires a car shuttle, confirm both parking points and the return before starting. Choose food on the verified route home; this guide does not make permanent “best restaurant” claims.

FAQ

How hard is PR2 compared to PR1? PR2 is rated moderate and covers 10.6km over an estimated 4 hours 30 minutes. PR1 has a different current route, terrain, and access situation. Compare the live official records rather than reducing the choice to fitness or nerves.

Can I hike PR2 as a loop? No. The official route is linear from Curral das Freiras to Lombo do Urzal. Do not improvise a loop on roads or unsigned paths. For an official out-and-back, consider PR18 Levada do Rei after checking its live status.

Is the permit actually checked? Enforcement frequency is irrelevant: check the live IFCN status and reserve through the official SIMplifica service when the route is open and subject to booking. The permits guide has the current 2026 rules.

Can I hike PR2 with a dog? Check the current IFCN and protected-area rules before bringing an animal. Carry enough water and do not infer suitability from the absence of tunnels alone.

Which weather forecast should I check? Check conditions for both the Curral das Freiras start and Lombo do Urzal finish, plus IPMA warnings and the live trail status. Cloud, rain, or wind cannot be turned into a blanket claim that the trail is safe.

The bigger picture

PR2 is a point-to-point crossing rather than a viewpoint loop. It includes a pass with views of both coasts and a long descent through laurel forest, but the shuttle logistics take more planning. If you want to combine PR2 with other north-coast walks, the full hiking pillar covers more PR routes.

A longer hiking stay

A longer stay gives more room to arrange the linear-route transport and wait for suitable conditions. It does not guarantee an empty trail or a particular restaurant.

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