São Cristóvão and Ribeira do Porco: the Short Boaventura Royal Road: hiking in Portugal
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São Cristóvão and Ribeira do Porco: the Short Boaventura Royal Road

Distance
1.8 km
Time
1 h 29 min
Elevation gain
491 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

The short Boaventura royal road begins beside São Cristóvão Picnic Area and crosses Ribeira do Porco towards the eastern side of the valley. Walking this local north-Madeira passage reveals how an old route connects opposing slopes. The day can centre on a small historic road rather than a long levada outing. The endpoint is separate from the departure, so arrange the return approach beforehand.

Route status

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Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Paving stones 84% · Dirt / grass 14% · Artificial surface 1%

Surface is defined for 99% of the route.

Paving stones 84% · 1.50 km
Dirt / grass 14% · 0.26 km
Artificial surface 1% · 0.01 km
Asphalt 1% · 0.00 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
This passage introduces Boaventura’s valley through a compact walk with identifiable pauses: the named picnic place and the Ribeira do Porco crossing. The royal road gives the outing a place in Madeira’s overland history. A separate São Cristóvão Viewpoint visit can add a north-coast panorama to the day.
Length
1.8 km
Elevation gain
491 m
Surface
Paving stones 84%
São Cristóvão and Ribeira do Porco: the Short Boaventura Royal Road: route photo 6 in Portugal

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No data With a stroller: No data Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

São Cristóvão Viewpoint is a separate platform above the selected passage. It overlooks Boaventura, coastal terraces and the Atlantic; the approach is outside this short road. Other levadas and Boaventura’s parish centre also require separate visits. The restaurant beside the viewpoint has its own operating hours.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Regular connections to the two exact endpoints of this short passage are not confirmed. Ask the operator about the Boaventura area and agree the final approaches before travelling. Choose a drop-off point with a walking approach to São Cristóvão. Arrange collection near the eastern end for a one-way walk.
By car
Choose a road approach to the São Cristóvão area on the western side of the selected passage. Agree the actual drop-off location with the driver using the local road layout. The eastern end is separate; if the car remains at the departure, plan retrieval or a walking return. The old passage does not establish vehicle access along its whole line.
Parking
Parque is a mapped surface parking area near the old road. Confirm permission to leave a vehicle, current conditions and the permitted stay before using it. It is on a separate road approach, with a walking connection to the chosen passage. The map designation does not guarantee space or free long-stay storage.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
São Cristóvão Picnic Area the named place to pause beside the old-road departure.
Ribeira do Porco the watercourse crossed by the royal road between the valley sides.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 491 м.
SurfacePaving stones 84%, Dirt / grass 14%, Artificial surface 1%.
Риски Take care on wet paving and the watercourse crossing after rain. Watch traffic at road exits. Check the old passage and water conditions after severe weather; do not enter the streambed to shorten the walk. Use an agreed return approach rather than an improvised hillside exit.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 1 h 29 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow roughly 45–75 minutes for the one-way passage and short picnic-area and watercourse pauses. A return on the same road needs additional time and energy. São Cristóvão Viewpoint lies outside this passage and extends the programme. Allow margin when arranging collection.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Prefer a calm, dry day with good north-coast visibility. Check the old road and Ribeira do Porco crossing after heavy rain. Avoid lingering on exposed ground during wind or thunderstorms. Bring rain protection even for this short outing when the forecast is unsettled.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Footwear with a grippy sole
Water and a small snack
Light rain protection
A map of both ends and road approaches
A charged phone
Driver contact or a walking-return plan

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Regular connections to the two exact endpoints of this short passage are not confirmed. Ask the operator about the Boaventura area and agree the final approaches before travelling. Choose a drop-off point with a walking approach to São Cristóvão. Arrange collection near the eastern end for a one-way walk

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 1.8 km, moderate.

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