Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixera
As with any walks, it is recommendable to start this trip from the third highest peak to the highest peak of the island in the very early morning. The weather is usually pretty stabile until the early afternoon and on a sunny day, you thus escape that very strong sun which shines down on you with such intensity at these heights. The path is well prepared; railings and ion cables secure all the more difficult sections.
This is certainly the most famous and the most beautiful walk you can experience on Madeira.
From both peaks, Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, you can enjoy fantastic views which are fair compensation for your efforts. To experience the sunrise from the highest point on the island is just spectacular.
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Boca da Corrida – Pico Grande – Encumeada
The view down to Curral das Freiras, still in the shade. already enchants us at the starting point in Boca da Corrida.
Via Passo de Ares we proceed to Boca do Cerro. We come to a crossroad: up to Pico Grande or down to Curral das Freiras. We enjoy the last view of the impressive scenery of Curral das Freiras and walk along the steep slopes of the Pico Grande. Further on we come to a charming emerald valley.
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During the walk we are impressed by the power of the rugged mountains around us; we stop for a short pick-nick at the viewpoint Piquinhos.
Then we walk towards Serra de Agua and arrive at Encumeada. We can look down to the newly built access road to the tunnel which way beneath us leads through to the north side of the island. It always feels as if one is viewing a map spread out at one’s feet from up here.
After 4,5 – 5 hours we reach the road which connects the south and the north of the island via the Encumeada pass.
North Coast walk from Porto da Cruz to the tunnel of Caniçal
The natural scenery around our starting point in Porto da Cruz is so beautiful that we could just stay there all day and enjoy the view.
The first half hour we walk on an asphalt road until we reach the village of Larano, the actual beginning of the north coast walk.
Before we enter the forest we take a last look at, as landmarks, the church of Santa Cruz and the chimney of the old sugar refinery. The eagle’s rock makes an impressive figure on the horizon. Now we walk on a narrow path at about 300 – 350m altitude along the coast as far as Boca do Risco. Far away we can see the contours of the island of Porto Santo.
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This is without doubt a path full of rugged beauty, in the sunshine unbeatable on the island. Before leaving the coast, we take a last look at this path weaving its way along the rocks and slopes.
After about 20 minutes we reach the Levada do Caniçal and follow it as far as the tunnel leading to Caniçal. For those who are still not tired, there is another 15 minute walk to Pico do Facho, which affords you a great view to the peninsula São Lourenço to the east and Machico and the airport to the south.
Now we can be really proud to have finished the 5-hour tour!!
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