Trails on the steep slopes of Pico do Suna reach up to 1,200 metres. At Praia da Maiata, black sand and rounded pebbles shape the shoreline; the Engenhos do Norte tell the story of sugarcane processing. Porto Da Cruz offers a choice of very different ways to spend your stay: mountain trails, coast and culture.
Hiking and Mountain Ridges
Pico do Suna borders the Laurisilva forest, which has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Trails on the steep slopes reach up to 1,200 metres; hiking and horseback riding are possible on the mountain. Penha d’Águia lies between Porto da Cruz and Faial in the municipality of Machico. The natural monument is almost 600 metres high. The Vereda da Penha d’Águia is estimated to take about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Near Porto da Cruz, Boqueirão lies on its eastern boundary: a roughly 190-metre-high cliff within the Natura 2000 protected area network. The Porto da Cruz Natura Trail offers a different focus: it is rated difficult, starts at Praia Alagoa and ends in Porto da Cruz. The Porto da Cruz–Machico trail-running route is 15.5 kilometres long. The estimated duration of the hiking trail and the distance of the running route offer different ways to plan your day. Trail conditions may change, as may access to the hiking trail. Check the latest conditions before setting out.
Coast, Surfing and Swimming
Praia da Maiata consists of black sand and rounded pebbles. Its dark tones contrast with the clear water and the green mountains nearby. Alagoa and Maiata are considered Porto da Cruz’s two main surfing beaches; their conditions are described as particularly suitable for beginners. Conditions depend on the season and the weather. Praia da Maiata has no support facilities or lifeguards. As access and safety measures may change, check the latest conditions before visiting.
The bathing and swimming complex in Porto da Cruz has two pools: a larger one for adults and a smaller one for children. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, toilets and a snack bar. Sun loungers and permanently installed parasols can be rented; parking is available on the public road. As operating facilities may change, it is advisable to check current availability before visiting.
Sugarcane History and Local Culture
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe was built in 1574, in the second half of the 16th century. The Engenhos do Norte offer a different perspective on local history: built in 1927, the facilities are among the most important living records of Madeira’s historic sugar production and are equipped with 19th-century machinery. Visitors can watch sugarcane schnapps or rum being made using traditional methods. Visiting arrangements and seasonal operations may change; check current availability in advance.
Casa do Rum is located right next to the Engenhos do Norte. Visitors can sample various sugarcane schnapps there; tasting availability may also change. The church and sugarcane processing offer two different cultural perspectives: the history of a church building and a production tradition that remains visible to this day.
Discover more destinations: São Vicente, Campanário, Ponta Do Pargo, Sao Jorge, Machico, Porto Moniz, Arco De São Jorge, Paul Do Mar
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