otal Time 1.30 H
Total Distance 2.7 Km
Highest Altitude 820 m
Lowest Altitude 400 m
DIFFICULTY medium
Car or taxi: ER209 to Curral Falso (about 8km from Paúl de Serra crossroads. Signpost on left)
This path follows the remnants of an old footpath used by the inhabitants when fetching wood from the forest, which was essential for their daily lives. It was also the path used by the inhabitants to connect them with settlements on the south side of the island, mainly Calheta and Ponta do Sol. Robust young men climbed the mountain slopes, their backs laden with barrels or goatskins filled with wine to be sold or traded for other goods. At Ribeira da Janela you can come in contact with this traditional and unique agricultural area with its typical terraced farm plots, held in place by laboriously built stone walls, where sweet potatoes, potatoes, beans, maize and the indispensable vineyards of Ribeira da Janela are cultivated. The houses are scattered among the terraces, from the mouth of the stream to an altitude of 400 metres, with the church located halfway up the slope. The settlement’s name, Ribeira da Janela, comes from the name of Madeira’s longest waterway, which runs about 15.7 km.
Plants: maritime pines (Pinus pinaster) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Lily-of-the-Valley tree (Clethra foetens), Montbretia, Himalayan Ginger (Hedychium Gardeniarum).
Birds: Madeira long-toed pigeon (Columba trocaz), an endemic bird exclusive to Madeira. During the migratory seasons, some migrating bird species may be seen in the mouth of Ribeira da Janela as they pass through: the little egret (Egretta garzetta), the purple heron (Ardea purpurea), and mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).
The trail ends at the ER209 but if you continue for about 600 metres, taxis can be found at the Bar Achada.