Comments on: Ribeiro Frio to Portela

By: Ricardo

Ricardo — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:54:26 +0000

Ribeiro Frio to Portela dangerous? No. If you want a dangerous walk do from Curral das Freiras to Funchal. There is another one in Serra de Água to Ribeira Brava which is probably the most dangerous. For example in the first example there are lots of places with only a 8 inch slipery path (with no protection at all) with a levada on one side and a sheer drop of 200 meters on the other side.

By: em

em — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:12:05 +0000

I have also done this walk many times..Wonderful but I do It from Portela to Ribeiro Frio much easier that way cause as you walk you see the rocks in front of you and not the drop !Plus there is a bus back to Funchal at arround 6pm

By: Steffen Kragh

Steffen Kragh — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:43:29 +0000

I have done this -very spectacular- walk at least six times. The walk needs great care in wet conditions, but there is no mortal danger, and the rewards are incredible. At some points its like being in the Himalaya. At the end of the walk do not miss the sirloin spit at the restaurant in Portela . Do not be scared, just careful. Steffen

By: richard gregory

richard gregory — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:28:11 +0000

i did this walk in july 2008 ….if this was in the uk it would be closed off ……it is one of the most dangerous walks i have ever been on with sheer drops being protected by a single wire being supported by rusted out angle iron posts. I did try another walk between monte and camacha but turn back because i came across the same problem of unprotected sheer drops and later i found out the previous day two women fell one of which died.
I would like point out i did read about these walks in several guide books before going on them and both times they said the walks were safe.
just be very careful and keep your children away from these dangerous walks.
richard