September

Perfect one-way descent through the Rabaçal laurel forest

Good footing for once on the Cedros levada, forest still lush

Ideal: stable air, long views, and the summer walkers gone

Warm and clear from Portela across the eastern hills

Ideal conditions on the terraces, sea still warm at the bottom

Excellent conditions to Caldeirão Verde with the crowds gone

Best of the year on this traverse: stable air, dry rock, fewer walkers

Reliable footing on the levada path and few other walkers

Excellent visibility from Balcões with the summer crowds gone

Quiet village start, dry levada path, warm afternoons

Warmest sea of the year waiting at Paul do Mar

Best of the year here: clear air, dry ground, and Ruivo to yourself

The waterfall is still low after summer, but Rabaçal is quieter