PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar

Beautiful route - technically closed but is still passable. There are bits of the track covered in water, bits where rocks have fallen, and parts where the side railing isn’t there. However, all fine and beautiful if you have proper shoes, it is a dry day, and you are happy navigating steep rocky sections. I’d never do it up though, nor in the middle of a hot day!

We hitchhiked to Prazeres from Calheta did this lovely downhill hike (that is open despite the signs and the internet saying otherwise) in 50 minutes and spend some time in the lovely yown of Jardim do Mar and hitchhiked back to Calheta from there. If you want to do a return trip, as said by others I'd recommend a combination with the PR19 but that is only possible at low tide!

The views are nice but going down hill it is very taxing on the legs. Path in general is good but narrow and at several places wet with streaming water over the path. Good shoes are required and good level of fitness. Not for people who are afraid of heights😉
At the end of the trail (if you go down), lovely little town and good bar /Cafe on the route further down to the sea if you want to do that.

Beautiful hicking trail! Despite the breathtaking views you have to keep in mind that you have to overcome an altitude of 500 meters. TWICE! Walking back next to the sea sounds fun at first, but to walk over thousands of loose stones for nearly 2km isn't that much fun afterall. Overall a beautiful and rewarding hicking trail. A certain amount of physical fitness is mandatory and one should really consider if they are fit enough to get through this.

Beautiful hike and that's why it gets 5 stars. I will warn you to not do this if you aren't in fair shape or if you have knee issues. Regarding hiking back up, make sure you have adequate water, as there is no shade and it is a steep incline. I would also avoid this if it's been raining as the path is mostly stones.