Fontes walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

A real mountain walk with spectacular views for almost the whole route, well away from the popular tourist areas and the widespread sporadic development which blights so much of the coastal area of southern Madeira. A long ascent at moderate gradients is followed by a visit to the splendid viewpoint at the summit at Chao dos Terreiros (4739ft). All tracks are comfortably wide, without any dangerous sections. Fontes is a small village of no particular distinction, set high on the hillside behind Campanario.

1. Pass a recently restored cottage with red and grey bandson its chimney bearing left to continue the ascent, winding around the hillside, with views soon opening up to the North, including the Encumeada Pass and a large modern hotel. The track, still rising, passes a little way below the summit of Pico da Cruz. The central area of the mountains, including the highest peaks, is now in view.

2. At this point there is a major fork. To the left can be seen a cattle gate on a rising grass track. To the right the track descends. Take the left fork for the detour to Chao dos Terreiros. (Going right here to head back to Fontes shortens the walk but it would be a pity to miss the wonderful views from the summit). Pass the gate using the stile carefully as its construction does not give the walker confidence about its strenght! Continue on the path around another gate and on until you reach a grassy col where the path is none to clear but is marked with some cairs. The path bears left and then right to the obvious summit covered in bracken and brome. There is a trig point but the brome shields it from view. The views, in all directions, include Funchal harbour, Curral das Freiras and most of the mountains of the wonderful central massif.

3. Retrace the route back to the junction at point 2, looking out for cattle fitted with Alpine type bells. Turn sharp left at the junction to continue to steady descent, largely through woodland, passing two cattle grids and an open cattle gate. Pass the Posto Florestal Trompica house before reaching a concrete road bypassing a large ‘waterworks’. Go straight ahead along the road. As the road bears right, Fontes comes into view.

4. Join a public road ‘Estrada das Fontes’, turning right. Cross the bridge over a dry stream bed before rising to the left to pass through the lower part of the village, soon reaching the starting point.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.