This is a beautiful hike near Caniçal, Madeira that offers some stunning panoramic views. The official guide we used listed the trail as a 4.2 mile loop but we didn't want to do that entire thing so just did the coastal side as far as we wanted and it was stunning!
Driving Out Of Funchal
Our route, on ER101 here took us through cool tunnels and past all sorts of gorgeous scenery. Then we took ER109 and followed directions to where we parked which is at Miradouro do Calhau da Furna do Bode where we got a great view looking down on the town of Canical and the surrounding area.
The Hike Begins
Then we began to follow our hiking guide and began climbing around the incredible landscape which looks like you're on the moon. The ground and rocks were amazing colors with super cool formations and the contrast to the blue water was just stunning.
As we got closer to the cliff edge and higher we had the most incredible views of the formations around the cape and Ponta de São Lourenço.
The Climb Continues
We continued following our path (make sure you download the trail route because it can get a little confusing when you're first starting) and couldn't stop taking pictures! Looking one direction we had the amazing water and inland we had the mountains.
Northern Coastline Views
When we came to the part where we walked along the edge looking out over the sweeping views of the northern coastline we were basically speechless.
It's hard to capture the majesty of it with a camera! Here's two short videos that give you a little more perspective.
The Return Route
Then we decided to turn around and head back on a different inland trail that met up with a levada working our way back to the car. You can also just backtrack the way you came if you don't want to attempt to find your way to the levada through the trees.
Visiting Machico
On our way home we stopped here for some lunch and to see the black sand beach which was really beautiful. You have to catch it at lower tide or it's covered by the waves and all you see is the rocky beach. They also have a manmade beach here in a protected cove which looked wonderful to swim in so we'll be back!
October 2022
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