Location: Porto da Cruz
Top Things to do in Porto da Cruz
Top 10 Things to do in Porto da Cruz, Portugal
Porto da Cruz (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpoɾtu dɐ ˈkɾuʃ], is a civil parish in the municipality of Machico in the northeastern corner of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 2,597, in an area of 25.22 km².
Restaurants in Porto da Cruz
1. Madeira Calhau Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 88 reviews
Madeira Calhau Surf School has its own facilities with changing room and lockers, located on Alagoa black sandy beach in Porto da Cruz and you can take a fresh water shower in the end of the session. The classes last 2 hours and includes all the technical material (board and wetsuit) transfer from/to Funchal (requires a minimum number of students ), insurance and in the end we make a photo analysis of the surf section, allowing us to register the student’s progress in each class and we specify what you have learned , done well and whats needs to be improved. Each instructor will have only 6 students maximum in order to better support them. We provides several packages to its customers from a one time lesson, to short courses. We have available packs combining accommodation in Hotel Vila Bela and surf lessons.
Reviewed By MSTraveller1984 - Paris, France
In general good experience. Beautifully located between picturesque Mountains.
Good for hiking too. Location very isolated though and without good public transport (1h to Funchal, last bus early in the evening). Definitely recommend a car, otherwise not much to do in the evening. Personally would recommend to stay in Funchal and do day trips to Porto da Cruz (shuttles exist/check with hotels) for Surfing or hiking. Surfable Beaches are not too many but with a nice constant swell. Surf school has really good surf teachers, but owner can be a bit particular.
2. Quinta do Riacho
Overall Ratings
5 based on 466 reviews
Enjoy Madeira Island wonderful weather, breathtaking views and great trails on horseback. At Quinta do Riacho there's an equestrian activity for everyone. From calm trail riding to galloping through the Mountains.
Reviewed By rmdubois - Taunton, United Kingdom
A horse ride out from Quinta do Riacho in the Laurissilva, Madeira’s ancient forest hills, was one of the best experiences of our first visit to the island. We spent two weeks over Christmas/New Year 2017/18. My partner is a very experienced rider and in trying to find a ride for her we discovered there are relatively few horses on the island. Local stables seemed to have stopped offering rides over the holiday season but Paula and Paulo were keen and helpful. We found Quinta do Riacho easily, though they would have arranged pick-up from Funchal. There had been plenty of December rain up in the hills so the going was soft, making it dangerous to canter. But the ride was a very pleasant two hour walk, including some stunning woodland scenery alongside the levadas and tremendous vistas looking towards the coast. Paula runs a small operation with about 6 horses. She is an experienced horsewoman and they clearly care deeply for their horses - and dogs - all apparently ‘rescued’. She was considerate with the other rider, a beginner, on the morning ride and was eager to pass on very informative background and explanation of the island and its customs. We’d forgotten our camera and the photos she kindly forwarded when we returned to UK are wonderful souvenirs of a memorable and enjoyable morning. Our thanks to Paula. Quinta do Riacho is on our list for our next trip to Madeira.
3. Levada Caldeirao Verde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelGorm - Denmark
Not for people with vertigo, as the trail takes you on a narrow levada walk. At the end, continue the 100 meters up to the green lagoon with a stunning waterfall. 100s of photo opportunities on this walk!
4. Monte Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Penny.M - England
We were staying in Madeira and purposely chose to do the cable car when there were no cruise ships in to avoid the queues. It is a good trip that provides great views over Funchal. It is probably one of the must dos in Madeira. No good if you are afraid of heights but we felt very safe. The cars run continuously and it is all very organised. We felt it was good value for money. You would not need to be on an organised trip to do this. Just walk to the entrance and pay, avoid paying the inflated cruise trip prices. It is a 10-15 minute walk on the flat Promenade from the cruise ship port in Funchal.
5. Azul Diving Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 291 reviews
Azul Diving Center Madeira is a top service SSI and PADI dive center located at Quinta do Lorde Resort - Hotel - Marina on beautiful Ponta Sao Lourenco,Madeira Island. Our focus is on custom-tailored dive and snorkel trips, individual training and small, fun groups of people! Enjoy a morning or afternoon dive in our stunning house reef, easy accessible from the beach or our jetty.
Reviewed By AlanCScotland - Scotland
Just had a fantastic kayaking experience with Pedro from Azul. As keen kayakers we spoke to them in advance of our trip, and they responded quickly. We got booked up, and then the trip was rescheduled due to weather conditions. They communicated well to ensure we got on the water. In the end we had a fantastic outing, the scenery and caves were amazing and Pedro was a very good guide and great guy to chat to. As strong paddlers we got a customized trip, which we really appreciated. Thoroughly recommend
6. Ponta de Sao Lourenco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Lesterbeach - Winnipeg, Canada
There is a large parking lot but no washrooms. The trailhead is easy to spot behind the sign. The walk is quite desolate. There are no trees but lots of wildflowers. We walked halfway to Esperito which is quite a climb. The stairs are good but there are hundreds of them. There are some gorgeous lookout points where you can see the sea on both sides. It was rainy in Funchal but beautiful blue skies here.
7. Engenho do Norte
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
The Porto da Cruz `Engenho´ (mill) is a testimony to the importance sugarcane had and still has on an economic and cultural level in Madeira. A visit to our mill is like taking a journey through time, visitors can walk the original circuit that goes from the collection of sugar cane, through to the various stages of production and ending in a visit to the Rum House.
Reviewed By EnglishHugh - Swindon, United Kingdom
An interesting short stop where you can see some old rum making machinery (steam operated) which are still used each year. There is a shop where you can taste and buy a range of interesting rums.
8. Parque Ribeira Primeira
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
CARE FOR NATURE; NATURE WILL CARE FOR YOU The “Parque Ribeira Primeira” (First Creek Park) main objective is to offer a close contact with Nature. Besides fishing Rainbow Trout and tasting your catch grilled on site, it is also possible to know their life cycle and understand how they live and reproduce. The entire Park is design and thought to be as Nature wisely is and allows, working with Nature, respecting Life and the Natural succession of seasons, with a constant and beautiful change in the landscape. The open air barbecue area is not a restaurant but a place where friends can gather to taste the freshest fish in Madeira. Everything is cooked with wood and in front of everybody. We can offer you: - Normal visit or Guided visit (30 to 45 minute walk “All about Nature and how we are also part of it” - minimum 8 people) - Trout fishing (we have all that is needed) - Explanation about all the lies fisherman truly say - Explanation about what is really fresh fish - Barbecue meals (your fresh trout or traditional “Espetada (beef) on a fresh laurel stick - Sandwiches, toasts, coffee, tea, scones and home made cakes - Special events on request. You can also experience a Levada Walk along the Levada da Serra do Faial (10 minutes walk from the Park) while we prepare your meal. Please come and visit us. This a magical place where children act as children and adults become children.
Reviewed By chris g - Exeter, United Kingdom
I booked a 4x4 landrover type off road safari into the hills of eastern Madeira island. we were not told that our lunch stop was to be a fantastic trout farm created cleverly and lovingly by mr Paulo Rodrigues in a beautiful valley. what a bonus treat and surprise this was, we were given rods and bait to catch our own lunch although non fish eaters also enjoy a delicious meat feast. the owner takes you on a really interesting tour of the farm explaining the eco and breeding systems which both use and protect the natural resources in this almost jungle habitat. he demonstrates the arts of gutting and cooking perfectly reared and totally fresh fish. our lunch was amazing and extremely generous. everyone in the party agreed that this visit had provided the best possible excursion which is highly educational and fun, particularly for children. if you get the chance you must do this adventure which includes spectacular mountain scenery and exciting roads and tracks. a big hit and real value for money. worth booking the farm alone and going by taxi for lunch if you don't take the day long safari. top marks and memorable.
9. Reserva Natural da Rocha do Navio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By VirginiaGuildford - Guildford
Easy access by car for a day trip out of Funchal, this scenic area is beautiful. Be prepared for lots of photo stops. We accessed this having driven across the island via the route passing Ribeiro Frio, so we drove Funchal, the peak at Pico do Ariero, Rib Frio (visiting the Trout Farm) then to the coast at Faial. Even before we hit the coast, we'd stopped a dozen time for pics, driving through loads of different terrains and tree lines. The coast road from Faial to the north central town of Sao Vincente takes you along very windy narrow roads, in and out of cliff top views and beautiful woodland, with views of the ocean and surf below. Well worth visiting and make sure you fill up with petrol as there aren't many petrol stations in between the towns. We left around 11am from Funchal and arrived back around 5:30, so very easy day for driving. Recommend that you choose a sunny day, as the views are stunning. There were a number of local buses, small tour groups and other tourists doing similar visits, but generally we found the roads to be fairly clear of traffic with very few other cars. Take your time!
10. Praia de Machico
Overall Ratings
4 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By debdancing - Littlehampton, United Kingdom
The weather in Funchal was heavy cloud and heavy rain...so it was lovely to arrive at this pretty sandy beach in glorious Sunshine. It is a small bay just a couple of minutes walk away from the centre of Machico and quite self-contained, with wc and changing facilities, sun lounger hire and cafes just steps away.
TAGS
