Eastern Madeira

This is where it all began! Specifically, in the town of Machico, where the first Portuguese settlers arrived in 1419.

Right after the capital of Madeira, Funchal, this is the most populated part of the island. The largest city is Machico, where Portuguese explorers first set foot in 1419. There are also picturesque towns here, where the residents still primarily engage in agriculture and fishing.

The map with marked locations is at the very bottom! (click here)

Table of contents:

1. Saint Lawrence Peninsula *** (Ponta de Sao Lourenco)
2. Ponta do Garajau
3. Santa Cruz Airport
4. Viewpoint – Miradouro do Rosario
5. Machico

Saint Lawrence Peninsula *** (Ponta de Sao Lourenco)

Sun-scorched, barren, abandoned, yet majestic – these descriptions best characterize the Saint Lawrence Peninsula. Completely different from the rest of the island, which is densely covered with vegetation. The rocky coastline is often buffeted by very strong winds, with no shelter to be found. At the end of the peninsula, there is a viewpoint overlooking the ocean and two rocky islets.

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint and back takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Before the last stretch, there is a shelter where you can sit, have a snack, drink coffee, and rest. The most difficult part is at the very end, where the ascent is quite steep. It took us over 4 hours for the round trip, including a stop for coffee and detours to all the viewpoints.

You can reach the parking lot by car or bus from Canical. The later you arrive, the further you will have to park from the starting point of the trail.

Note! You cannot walk to the peninsula from Canical – the industrial zone beyond the city is completely closed to pedestrians.

Time: 2.5–3 hours (round trip)

Distance: just under 8 km

Difficulty: easy/medium

Clothing: windproof/waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood (there may be occasional rain and strong winds), trekking shoes/approach shoes (rocky trail), hat/headband (not with a brim, you’ll lose it after a few meters in strong wind), sunscreen (the strong wind and sun can quickly burn your face)

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Ponta do Garajau

A rocky promontory to the east of Funchal, marking the entrance to the capital’s bay. At its peak stands the statue of Christ the King (Cristo Rei), a monument reminiscent of one of the wonders of the world in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). Since 1927, it has greeted sailors with its open arms. An interesting fact is that until 1770, the bodies of all non-Catholic deceased on Madeira were thrown from the promontory.

On the promontory, there is also a cable car (Teleferico do Garajau) that takes you down to the famous stony beach (Praia do Garajau). Along the promontory, there is a nature reserve, which includes the underwater part of the coastline. It is one of the best spots for diving!

We were on the Ponta do Garajau promontory at sunset, returning from the Saint Lawrence Peninsula, and the view took our breath away. The illuminated capital of Madeira at dusk looks absolutely beautiful!

Garajau cable car

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tickets: one-way €2, round trip €3

Santa Cruz Airport

Santa Cruz is visited by all tourists, as it is home to the only airport on Madeira. Once infamous due to its very short runway and challenging landing approach, the runway initially measured only 1,600 meters. However, after three crashes in the 1970s, the airport was extended to 2,781 meters. Why wasn’t this done earlier? The obstacle was… the ocean. The extended platform stands partly on the ocean and is supported by 180 columns. Madeira’s airport is one of the 10 shortest airports in the world!

Despite the runway extension, the airport remains very dangerous due to strong and gusty winds, which from time to time cause the airport to close. In such cases, flights are usually redirected to the Canary Islands or Porto Santo.

Viewpoint – Miradouro do Rosario

One of the best spots to watch landing airplanes is Miradouro do Rosario, located near the Santa Maria café. The frequency of flights to Madeira is quite high, but it’s also worth checking the landing times of the nearest flights before your arrival. We waited only 15 minutes without checking the arrivals.

Machico

Machico holds historical significance for Madeira – it is here, in 1419, that Portuguese explorers first set foot, introducing the island to the modern world. Today, it is the largest city in the eastern part of the island, slowly developing in terms of tourism.

While in the area, it is worth visiting the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), located near one of the larger squares. Heading towards the beach, you’ll encounter the yellow fort (Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo), shaped like a triangle. Personally, it didn’t intrigue me enough to enter, as it appeared damaged and neglected. Not far from there, you’ll find the modest Chapel of Miracles (Capela dos Milagres). And of course, you can’t forget the beach, along which runs a modest promenade. It is also one of the favorite spots for surfers!

Map

If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!