If you’re looking for a destination that’s off the beaten path in Madeira, then you’re in luck! Porto da Cruz, a picturesque village on the northeastern coast of Madeira, awaits your discovery. This quaint little town has it all – stunning beaches, thrilling hikes, and a rich history. So, let’s dive into the enchanting world of Porto da Cruz and experience an unforgettable adventure!
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What is Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz is a small, charming town located on the northeastern coast of the island of Madeira in Portugal. This picturesque town sits at the foot of soaring mountains, overlooking the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its rugged natural beauty and laid-back way of life.
Porto da Cruz is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged coastline, towering cliffs, and lush greenery providing the perfect backdrop for hiking, surfing, and exploring. In fact, the town became a popular hotspot for surfing in Europe.
History of Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz – which translates to “Port of the Cross” – got its name from the navigators who discovered it in the early 15th century. They were captivated by the natural beauty of the place and decided to erect a cross on the shoreline to mark their arrival.
The town quickly became an important hub for trade and commerce. Its sheltered harbor made it an ideal location for ships to dock, and it soon became a key port for the export of Madeira wine.
Over the years, Porto da Cruz has weathered its fair share of challenges, including pirate attacks and devastating storms. But through it all, the town has remained a beacon of resilience and strength, with its proud inhabitants continuing to honor their rich cultural traditions and way of life.
How to get to Porto da Cruz
Getting to Porto da Cruz from Funchal is relatively easy, and there are several options available depending on your preference and budget.
One of the easiest ways to get to Porto da Cruz from Funchal is by car. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, and the route is well-signposted and easy to navigate. You can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies in Funchal, or book a private transfer with a local taxi company.
A more budget-friendly option is to take the bus. There are several daily bus services between Funchal and Porto da Cruz, with the journey taking around 1 hour. In addition to being a more affordable option, the bus also allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
From Funchal to Porto da Cruz by bus
The bus company connecting Funchal to Porto da Cruz is called Horários do Funchal, and they operate several daily bus services between Funchal and Porto da Cruz.
The main bus route that runs from Funchal to Porto da Cruz is the number 56/103. This bus departs from the Funchal bus station, which is located in the city center, and takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour to reach Porto da Cruz.
It’s worth noting that bus schedules and routes may vary depending on the day and time of year, so it’s a good idea to check the Horários do Funchal website or ask at the bus station for the most up-to-date information.
The perfect destination for backpackers in Madeira?
If you’re a backpacker looking for an affordable and unforgettable experience, Porto da Cruz checks all the boxes. The village offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations, from hostels to guesthouses. A stay at the Jaca Hostel, for example, provides comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, all within walking distance of the beach and the town center.
The village also has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal place for backpackers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a more authentic and traditional experience. The village’s small size makes it easy to navigate on foot.
If you plan on cooking your own food for example, there is a small supermarket named “Mercearia Penha D’ave”. It is quite basic, but it still has everything you need.
Although it is a small town, there’s no shortage of activities to fill your days in Porto da Cruz. From exploring the beaches and levadas to visiting the local sugar cane mill, you’ll find plenty of adventures to suit your interests and budget.
Best things to do in Porto da Cruz
There are plenty of things to do in Porto da Cruz, making it a great destination for travelers of all interests. Here are the best options:
1) Surfing in Porto da Cruz
Porto da Cruz has become a popular destination for surfing and surf weeks in Europe in recent years! With its rugged coastline and excellent waves, it’s no surprise that surfers from around the world are flocking to this charming town to catch some of the best waves in the region.
Porto da Cruz’s popularity as a surf destination is a testament to the town’s laid-back vibe and natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, there are plenty of surf schools and rental shops in town to help you get started. Here are a few of the main ones that you might want to consider:
- Salty: Salty is one of the most popular surf schools in Porto da Cruz, offering a range of surf lessons and packages for all skill levels. Their experienced instructors provide personalized coaching and guidance to help you improve your technique and catch more waves.
- Surfing Madeira: Surfing Madeira is another top surf school in Porto da Cruz, offering lessons and rentals for surfers of all levels. They also offer other outdoor activities, such as hiking and canyoning, making it a great option for adventure seekers.
- Madeira Surf Camp: Madeira Island Surf Camp is a surf school and accommodation provider that offers a range of packages for surfers of all levels. They offer personalized coaching and guidance, as well as accommodation in a comfortable surf house located just a short walk from the beach.
- Calhau Surf School: In addition to surf lessons, Calhau Surf School also offers equipment rental and organizes surf trips to other parts of the island. The school is located near the beach in Porto da Cruz, making it a convenient and accessible spot for surfers to learn and practice their skills.
- Madeira New Wave: Madeira New Wave is a well-established surf school that offers lessons and rentals for surfers of all levels. Their experienced instructors provide personalized coaching and guidance, and they also offer a range of other outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking.
2) Hiking in Porto da Cruz
The town is located at the foot of the soaring mountains, and there are plenty of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside. One popular hike is the trail that leads to Penha d’Águia, a towering rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other great hiking options include:
- Vereda do Larano: This hike takes you through the picturesque village of Machico and along the coastal cliffs. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains, and it’s just 11km from Porto da Cruz.
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: This is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira, taking you to the highest peak on the island, Pico Ruivo. The trail is approximately 10 km long and offers stunning views of the rugged landscape. Moreover. The closest starting point from Porto da Cruz is Achada do Teixeira, which is about 19km from Porto da Cruz.
- Levada do Rei: This hike takes you through the lush forest of Madeira and along the Levada do Rei, an irrigation channel that was built in the 1940s. The trail is approximately 10 km long and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This hike is located approximately 17km from Porto da Cruz.
- Caldeirão Verde/Caldeirao do Inferno: This is another popular hike that takes you through the lush forest of Madeira and along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. The trail is approximately 13 km long and leads you to a stunning waterfall that cascades into a natural pool. The starting point of the hike is about 13km from Porto da Cruz.
- Levada do Furado: This hike is approximately 14 km long and takes you through the lush forest of Madeira. The trail follows the Levada do Furado, an irrigation channel that was built in the 18th century, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The hike is about 12km from Porto da Cruz.
- Agua D’Alto Waterfall: This is a beautiful waterfall located near the town of Porto da Cruz in Madeira. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. It is easily accessible by foot and is a popular spot for hiking and nature walks. Visitors can hike through the forest to reach the waterfall, or simply enjoy the view from a nearby viewpoint.
Porto da Cruz is also relatively close to the hikes of Ponta de São Lourenço, Levada do Castelejo and Levada dos Balcões.
3) Visit Engenho do Norte (North Mills Distillery)
Did you know that Porto da Cruz is home to one of the last remaining sugar cane mills in Madeira? Engenho do Norte has been operating since 1927, and it’s a fascinating place to learn about the island’s sugar cane production. You can take a guided tour of the mill and witness the age-old process of turning sugar cane into rum and molasses.
Madeira Wine is the most well-known alcoholic beverage produced on the island, but rum also plays a significant role in Madeiran culture, as it is the base ingredient for the traditional Poncha cocktail. Made from sugar cane grown on the island, the rum produced at Engenho da Cruz is a popular local spirit and a favorite among visitors to the mill.
During a tour of Engenho da Cruz, visitors can learn about the process of making rum, from the fermentation of the sugar cane juice to the distillation and aging of the final product. The tour (which is completely free!) includes a visit to the distillery, where you can see the traditional copper stills and other equipment used to produce the rum.
After the tour, visitors can sample some of the rum produced at the mill, as well as other local products such as honey cake and poncha. Samples are often free of charge, but you can also order full glasses of anything you like.
4) Relax on the Beach
Porto da Cruz has several beautiful beaches, including Praia da Alagoa and Praia da Lagoa. These beaches offer a chance to relax, soak up the sun, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic.
- Praia da Alagoa: Located right in Porto da Cruz, Praia da Alagoa is a beautiful black sand beach that is popular among surfers and beachgoers. The beach is dominated by the majestic peak of Penha d’Águia, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Praia do Porto da Cruz: This beach is located on the western side of the town, near the harbor. It is a small, sheltered beach with calm waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also home to a diving center, where visitors can take lessons and explore the underwater world of Madeira.
- Piscinas Naturais: Another gem of Porto da Cruz is the natural swimming pool complex called Piscinas Naturais. Carved out of volcanic rock, these pools provide a unique and refreshing experience. The crystal-clear water is perfect for cooling off after a long day of exploring.
- Praia da Maiata: For those who prefer a more rugged experience, the rocky shores of Praia da Maiata are perfect for exploring marveling at the power of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by scenic views.
5) Try the Local Cuisine
Madeira is known for its delicious cuisine, and Porto da Cruz is no exception. The town is home to several restaurants and cafes that serve up traditional Madeiran dishes, such as Espetada (grilled meat on a skewer) and Bolo do Caco (a type of bread).
Undoubtedly our favorite place in Porto da Cruz is A Pipa, a traditional bar and restaurant. Backpackers love it for its vibrant evenings and affordable yet delicious meals. In alternative, check out Dino’s Bar or Snack Bar Praia Da Alagoa for a few ponchas at night.
Another good option in town is Praça Velha, a restaurant located right by the sea. If you’re looking to venture out of Porto da Cruz and explore more of what Madeira has to offer, two popular choices are Adega do Compadre and Restaurante Quinta do Furão.
Looking for more activities on the island of Madeira? Don’t miss the best things to do in Madeira!
Jaca Hostel: our favourite hostel in Madeira
Jaca Hostel is a popular accommodation option for backpackers in Madeira, located in the town of Porto da Cruz. If you ask us, Jaca Hostel in Porto da Cruz is hands-down the best hostel in Madeira, thanks to its nice and cozy common areas (which are pretty rare on the island).
One of the highlights of staying at Jaca Hostel is their famous pizza night, which takes place every Friday evening.
On pizza night, guests can enjoy delicious homemade pizzas made with fresh local ingredients, including vegetables, meats, and cheeses. The pizzas are cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, giving them a crispy crust and a smoky flavor that is hard to beat.
Pizza night is a great opportunity to socialize and meet other travelers staying at the hostel, as guests gather around the communal table to enjoy the food and conversation. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, making it easy to make new friends and connect with like-minded travelers.
Looking for more hostels in Madeira? Check out our full guide to the best hostels in Madeira.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Nestled in the town of Santo Antonio da Serra, just 10km from Porto da Cruz, lies Mercado Santo Antonio da Serra, a hidden gem that offers a more affordable and less touristy alternative to the famous Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal.
Unlike its bustling counterpart, this local market is frequented mostly by locals, with only a few tourists in sight. It operates only once a week, on Sundays, from 9AM to 6PM. In addition to a variety of fresh local produce, you can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and food stalls, offering delicious meals and snacks.
