Canical

Hiking & trekking tours

Join a tranquil walk along a trail at the eastern end of the island in Caniçal, part of the Natural Park of the island. On this full-day walk, take the opportunity to see both the north and south coasts of Madeira. Discover and enjoy the unique fauna and flora, including hundreds of species, or take a moment to explore the curious rock formations, created as a result of the volcanic origin of the island. Witness the rocky and contrasting alternative to the evergreen levada paths. Enjoy magnificent views over the Desertas islands in the south, and Porto Santo to the north, excellent sights which are present all through your walk.  At the end of the walk, take the chance to go for a swim in the clear ocean, making your tour a unique and memorable experience.

Look for whales and dolphins and discover other marine life off the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço coast in Madeira on a small-group boat tour with a crew of marine biologists. Climb aboard the 300 hp engine boat with a sleek design and listen to informative commentary about the sea life and places of interest of Madeira as you start the trip. Encounter different groups of dolphins, whales, and turtles in the water. Marvel as the animals breach and splash about in the water and learn amazing facts about them from your marine biologists guide. See endemic marine birds and get up-close to the unique rock formations on the coast as you speed across large distances in little time. If you are visiting in summer, get the chance to snorkel and swim in Ponta de São Lourenço.

Take part in this fascinating full-day journey, through rich agricultural land and crops from the city of Machico, complemented with superb views over São Lourenço Península, Porto Santo Island and the northeastern coast. In the past, this was the only way to travel from Machico or Caniçal to the village of Porto da Cruz, located in the Northeast. Starting from a lower altitude, you will walk up through the more challenging section of this beautiful path, where you will traverse a section of a cliff and mountain that takes you all the way to the northern part of the island.    Your walk lasts from around 9 AM to 5 PM. The 12-kilometer path takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Come and explore this beautiful walking tour!

Head out for a day of boating and snorkeling along the enchanting coasts and bays Madeira. Begin with a briefing from an experienced snorkel guide, who will show you a map of the area and give you some important information to ensure maximum safety and comfort during the whole trip. If you need a little help with buoyancy, life jackets and wetsuits are available. After the briefing, hop onboard and hold on tight. Travel in just a few minutes by boat along the breathtaking cliffs the Garajau Marine reserve. Stop at the most scenic and naturally abundant spot to go snorkelling, always accompanied by your expert guide. Don't worry if you've never tried snorkelling before – your guide will ensure you know how to use the simple equipment and have a good time in the water. You will be back in Funchal after about 2 hours.

Start at Marina Quinta do Lorde with a water taxi to Cais do Sardinha. Your guide will help you with anything you need and share recommendations on the best way to enjoy the kayaks. Then, head off to explore the bay at your own pace by kayak. After kayaking, stay at Cais do Sardinha and enjoy the beach a bit longer before the return boat to Marina Quinta do Lorde. You can also visit the Casa do Sardinha Natur Spot Café to enjoy the views and grab a snack or lunch.

This walk runs along the eastern peninsula of Madeira Island, where you can see different vegetation from the rest of the island with its lack of trees and low vegetation such as the Everlasting (Helichrysum devium Johns) and the Ice Flower (Mezembryanthenmum crystallinum).  The Ponta de São Lourenço is classified as a partial natural reserve and part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000. At this location, several protected seabirds such as the Cory's shearwater, the Madeiran storm-petrel, the Bulwer’s petrel and the common tern nest here. You can see other bird species such as the Berthelot's pipit, the goldfinch and the canary. Along the way, you will be amazed by the fantastic scenery with Deserted Islands to the south and the Islands of Porto Santo to the north (if the weather permits). From this walk, it is possible to see the northern and southern coasts of Madeira. When arriving to the end of this path, you will reach Casa do Sardinha. After a few minutes of rest, return by the same path.

Embark on a boat trip to admire a 150-year-old lighthouse, the oldest in Madeira Archipelago. See Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro, the North Coast, its beautiful caves and calm bays. This islet is a protected conservation area for its rich biodiversity. The Farol da Ponta de São Lourenço is a lighthouse located on the islet of São Lourenço. It lies on the extreme east of Madeira Island. The lighthouse was built in 1870 on top of a small extinct volcano. Spot several species of animals and plants that are unique to this area along the way. Marvel at the flowering plants of Marmulano, endemic to Madeira Islands. Soak in spectacular views from the Baía d´Abra Viewpoint over Ponta de São Lourenço and its coastline. There are different starting and ending point options for the tour. Choose the one that fits your needs. If you decide to end at Marina da Quinta do Lorde, you will see the Elephant rock before completing the tour.

The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning trail that winds along the eastern tip of Madeira. Spanning around 8 kilometers, this trail is a part of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hike showcases the unique semi-arid landscape of the area, with its rugged cliffs, fascinating rock formations, and diverse flora and fauna. Hikers can expect a moderately challenging but immensely rewarding experience, surrounded by the natural beauty of this remarkable region.

The minibus picks you up at an agreed location and time. You will then be taken on a guided tour to the first stop at Pico Arieiro(1818 metres), where you can marvel at the breathtaking Alpine type terrain, while you explore the area on foot. The guide will then transport you slowly to the World heritage site at Ribeiro Frio, where you will be afforded the opportunity to do a short levada walk, through the green Laurel forest. Next you will be taken to Santana, where you can admire the traditional triangular thatched roof houses and where you will be given more time , to enjoy , a lunch break. From Santana you will be transported to Porto da Cruz , where you stop at the old Sugar mill , which still produces rum and molasses. At this Sugar mill ,it will be mostly possible to taste some of the aged rum produced there. The next viewpoint we visit , will be in the region of Machico , which was the first main town on the island, the Portuguese sailors having set foot there , for the first time ,in 1419. You will then be driven passed Caniçal, the island's export harbour, to the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint , where you can see both the North and the South coasts, the airport , the Caniçal export harbour and on a clear day , the neighbouring golden beach island of Porto Santo, all from this same strategic viewpont. Ponta do Rosto , being our last stop , we then head back towards Funchal. At the Guide's discretion and due to safety ,weather and or congestion due to excessive traffic , your Guide could conduct this tour in reverse order.

Travel easily between Marina Quinta do Lorde and Cais do Sardinha with this water taxi service. On the horizon to the south you will be able to see the Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and to the north, the Porto Santo Islands.  You will also be able to enjoy the sea views of Ponta de São Lourenço bay, and the Baía d’Abra. From the pier at Cais do Sardinha you will be able to walk to visit the Casa do Sardinha Natur Spot Café. You can do a one-way tour if you decide to do the walk to Ponta de São Lourenço and want to come back by boat. You can also book a one-way boat in the opposite direction, or a return service to do both.