09/28/2026
The misty mountains of Madeira.
I found this route on AllTrails, nearby my cute little Airbnb. Throughout the day the fog moved in and out, giving me little glimpses of the valley before swallowing me up again.
The landscape was incredible; volcanic in some areas, rich and green in most others. I was surprised by how quiet it was. Only running into a handful of other hikers all day.
I found out a couple days later from a couple of German tourists that you’re supposed to book a reservation and pay a fee to hike Vereda da Encumeada.
… Explains the gate & sign I found at the end. 😅
A little over 11km (one way) and around 6,000ft elevation gain.