PR12: Pico Grande (Caminho Real da Encumeada)

A beautiful alternative to the often crowded hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is the hike to Pico Grande. The first approximately 3.5 km follow the official PR 12 – Caminho Real da Encumeada, before the route branches off towards Pico Grande. As part of the hike therefore follows a paid PR trail, a reservation and the corresponding hiking fee are required. The route then continues along a beautiful trail high above the Nuns’ Valley, rewarding you with plenty of spectacular views on the way to Pico Grande. An absolute highlight is the rock at the end of the hike, which – after climbing it with the help of a fixed rope – offers an impressive 360° panorama. If you don’t need to return to the starting point, you can alternatively descend into Nuns’ Valley (Curral das Freiras), stop there for food or drinks and, for example, take the bus back to Funchal.