Chao da Ribeira Valley: A Hidden Gem of Madeira’s “Untouched Beauty”

The Chao da Ribeira Valley is perhaps one of the most untouched tourist locations in Madeira. Green forests, mountain landscapes, numerous cascading waterfalls – all of this makes it one of my favorite places in Madeira. In this article, I will tell you about the unique hiking experience in Chao da Ribeira and what makes this trail so captivating.

Table of Contents

1. Route Description
2. Hazards and Recommendations
3. How to get to Chao da Ribeira

1. Route Description

The trail is a 10-kilometer circular route passing through Madeira’s laurel forests. First, you ascend the mountain, weave through abundant greenery, encounter several waterfalls along the way, and at the top of the trail, you’ll see the Desejal Meadow. Walking along this meadow, you’ll also see several stunning waterfalls, one of which is at the end of a tunnel, pouring its abundant waters into the entire floor of this tunnel. Exiting the tunnel, you’ll be amazed by the enormity of this waterfall and how it captures your imagination.

Honestly, I don’t even know how many waterfalls I saw on this trail, and no one can tell you exactly their number because it all depends on the weather the day before your hike. If there were rains, you’ll see no less than 15 waterfalls. If you go on this hike during the dry season, you’ll probably see only 3-4 waterfalls. At the end of the hike, you descend down the mountain, where you’ll need to cross a small river and return through the stunning laurel forest back to the parking lot.

2. Hazards and Recommendations

For the firs time I visited this trail with a local guide, and if you also want to explore it, I do not recommend doing it alone. Be sure to consult a certified guide.

The trail along the Desejal Meadow is on a cliff with light fences, and I wouldn’t recommend going there for people afraid of heights, or with children or pets. This trail is definitely not suitable for this category of hikers. Rather, this trail is more suitable for experienced hikers seeking adventures away from beaten paths.

I filmed a 10-minute video review of this trail and tried to capture the atmosphere of the hike. This is my premiere on YouTube, and I would be very grateful for likes, reposts, and comments. Be sure to watch it until the end – I’m confident you’ll like my signature sign-off.

3. How to get to Chao da Ribeira

By Car: Drive northwest from Funchal on the ER101 road towards Porto Moniz. After passing through Ribeira Brava and São Vicente, continue on the ER101 until you reach the left turn to Chao da Ribeira, than drive up the mountains to the Chao da Ribeira parking lot .

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By Public Transport: Take a bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz and get off at the nearest stop to Chao da Ribeira. From there, you may need to walk a short distance to reach the trailhead.

Guided Tours: Join a guided tour that includes transportation to Chao da Ribeira. Many tour companies on Madeira offer guided hikes to this scenic location.

Starting your trip to Chao da Ribeira lets you explore the amazing natural scenery of Madeira. You’ll see beautiful landscapes and waterfalls as you walk along the trail. Come join me on this adventure and see for yourself the beauty of Chao da Ribeira! If you want more destinations check out my interactive guide + map with all the tips and insights to explore the island.

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