Porto da Cruz

A summit in the parish of Porto da Cruz, near the boundary with Santo António da Serra, edged by the Laurissilva listed as World Heritage since 1999. The paths that cross its steep slopes climb to 1,200 m. From there the view runs from the parish of Santana to Ponta de São Lourenço, taking in the island's highest peaks, Pico Ruivo included, with the Atlantic behind. People come on foot or on horseback.

On the north-east coast, at Porto da Cruz, a picture of contrasts: the clear blue of the water, the great green mountain overlooking the sea and, between them, black volcanic sand — which, depending on the season and currents, sometimes gives way to rounded pebbles. Good access to the sea, a restaurant, a bar, changing rooms, toilets, loungers and parasols for hire, a playground and public parking. A spot much loved by the surfing community. Bathing season 2026: 8 June – 27 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

The village of the north-east coast, in the municipality of Machico, at the foot of Penha d'Águia, the rock of about 600 m that separates Machico from Santana. Seen from the Portela pass, its small orange-roofed houses scatter down the slopes to the lively sea; below, the black volcanic-sand beach of Alagoa — sometimes turned to pebbles by the currents — much loved by surfers, and the bathing complex of the Passeio Marítimo with its two pools. It is the northern end of PR 10 Levada do Furado via Portela and the starting point for views of Faial.

At Chão das Feiteiras, in the Poiso area — one of the places most visited by Madeirans, on the road to Pico do Areeiro — a wide upland plain whose relief allows the organised grazing of a flock of sheep, within the Poiso forest perimeter (municipality of Machico). Several picnic areas with tables, benches, fountains and fireplaces, with spots for your own stove, a camping area and public parking; no toilets or catering, public-transport access possible.