Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
Also known as: Royal Path to Paúl do Mar
Historic zigzag path, sea views, agricultural terraces, stone walls
Trail Overview
Caminho Real do Paul do Mar (PR19) is a hard vereda (steep coastal descent) trail located in Madeira, Portugal. Starting from Prazeres and ending at Paúl do Mar, this 1.8km route typically takes 1-1.5 hours to complete. Historic zigzag path, sea views, agricultural terraces, stone walls. Very steep descent (500m in 1.8km). Hard on knees. Cobbled stone steps can be slippery. Return uphill is extremely demanding.
Quick Facts
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Duration
- 1-1.5 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation Gain
- 500 m
Exposure & Heights
High exposure (4/5)
Steep coastal descent with exposure on the hillside; vertigo-inducing in sections.
Tunnels
- Has tunnels
- No
Route Details
- Starting Point
- Prazeres
- End Point
- Paúl do Mar
- Trail Type
- Vereda (steep coastal descent)
Parking & Access
- Parking Location
- Prazeres
- Parking Cost
- Free
- Best Season
- Year-round (avoid in heavy rain — slippery stones)
Essential Equipment
Sturdy shoes with grip, trekking poles helpful, water, sun protection
Safety Information
Very steep descent (500m in 1.8km). Hard on knees. Cobbled stone steps can be slippery. Return uphill is extremely demanding.
Weather Advisory
Check the local forecast before setting out. Madeira's microclimates mean conditions can vary significantly between the north coast (wetter), south coast (drier), and mountains (cooler, cloudier).
Best time for this trail: Year-round (avoid in heavy rain — slippery stones)
Permit Required
This route typically requires a paid permit. Always confirm the final requirements (price, timing, and who is exempt) in SIMplifica for your exact route and date.
Or skip SIMplifica entirely
ICNF protocol operators include the trail fee (at the discounted €3 rate) in their tour price and handle the booking for you. See verified protocol partners.
Similar trails
Prefer a guided experience?
If you prefer not to worry about logistics or safety, a certified guide is highly recommended.
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
Browse Guided Madeira Hiking Tours
We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the site free and updated.
May 2026 Edition
Take this with you offline
We packaged this trail into a print-ready field companion: route walkthrough, gear checklist, safety notes, and the protocol-operator shortcut - verified as of May 2026.
Free, no email required. The page is print-optimised (A4) - use your browser's Save as PDF to download.
Get your free Madeira trail guide
A printable 1-page summary with key stats, equipment checklist, emergency numbers, and booking links. Delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Need help planning?
We also run the leading guides for other activities in Madeira.
Boat Tours & Whale Watching
Relax after your hike on a catamaran or speedboat looking for marine life.
Jeep Safari Tours
Explore Madeira's rugged interior without the legwork. Great for rest days.
Canyon & Advanced Tours
For those who want more adventure! Rappel down waterfalls and jump into pools.
We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.