The PS PR2 Vereda do Pico Castelo Hiking Trail has two hypotheses to be explored, 3.2 km or 4.6 km, taking 1:30 hours or 2:15 hours, offering magnificent views and the possibility of contact with the fauna and flora of the island of Porto Santo.
This trail begins at Moledo, next to the Regional Road and continues up the forestry road, with two alternative routes to go: the north side or the south of Pico do Facho. The latter is the longest route of the island of Porto Santo.
At the top of Castle Peak faced with a tribute statue to Antonio Schiappa de Azevedo, the driving force behind the reforestation of Porto Santo. The whole process of afforestation allowed to control the effects of erosion patents on this island. exotic species were introduced that, by its rustic nature, have greater resistance to adverse factors, such as the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), the Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa).
Indigenous species that can be found include the dragon tree (Dracaena draco), the olive tree (Olea sp), the holm oak (Quercus ilex ssp. Rotundifolia), some fire trees (Myrica faya), heather (Erica scoparia) and (Echium nervosum).
The route offers magnificent views and the possibility of contact with the island’s wildlife, envisioning flocks of partridges (Alectoris rufa), prey birds like buzzards (Buteo buteo) and the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis), the colorful house sparrow (Passer domesticus) Save and impressive (Upupa epops).
Distance: 3.2 Km / 4.6 Km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.30 hours / 2.15 Hours
Start/Finish: Moledo / Pico Castelo
Highest point/Lowest point: 435 m / 225 m
Warning tips: Take drinking water;