Porto da Cruz, nestled between the ocean and the mountains, is a picturesque village to explore if you’re visiting Madeira. We enjoyed discovering its historic heritage of rum and sugarcane production, its breathtaking scenery and its pleasant seaside. It’s a concentrate of authenticity and beauty.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Porto da Cruz, Madeira, and some useful tips for planning your visit!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Stroll along the waterfront
Why visit?
We really enjoyed the promenade linking the Praia da Alagoa and Porto da Cruz beaches. Wandering around is conducive to meditation and wonder. You’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves caressing the rocks, enjoy sea views and observe the island’s geological wealth. We enjoyed examining the volcanic and basalt rocks intertwined in the cliffs.
This beautiful walk will take you on a journey of discovery:
- Penha d’Aguia (Eagle Rock)
- a magnificent view of the island’s north coast as far as Ponta de Sao Lourenço
- seawater pools and the village
Practical advice
- Allow about 1 hour for a leisurely stroll.
- No difficulties to be expected, the paved road turns into a path, but the whole thing is flat.
2. Visit the town and the Church of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe
Why visit?
Porto da Cruz is a large village with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. We found it very charming! It’s not very large, so you’ll easily get around it. It was once a major sugarcane producer. This is what you’ll find when you visit the city’s museums, which we’ll cover in the rest of this article.
Strolling through the village, we enjoyed discovering the church dedicated to Virgem Guadalupe, which gave its name to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe). The history of the building is closely linked to that of Porto da Cruz. Indeed, we learned that it was inaugurated when electricity was brought to the town in 1957.
Practical advice
- Allow around 1 hour for a tour of the village and its various points of interest.
- If you come by car, please note that there are a few parking spaces around the church.
- The building is open daily from 8am to 8pm. For your visit, we recommend that you avoid service hours.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Swimming in Porto da Cruz’s pools
Why visit?
One of Porto da Cruz’s main attractions are the 2 seawater swimming pools. We loved swimming and enjoying the breathtaking coastal and ocean views. Both young and old can enjoy a swim. In fact, the largest pool offers acceptable depth, while the smallest is suitable for children, for safe bathing. We really liked these pools and their incredible setting, even though they’re not natural like those in Porto Moniz.
If you like swimming, check out our article dedicated to Madeira’s 10 natural (and coastal) pools.
Practical advice
- Opening hours: 10am – 7pm Tuesday to Sunday, summer
- Price: €1.50
- There are showers, toilets and sun loungers.
4. Discover the Engenho do Norte distillery and museum
Why visit?
The Porto da Cruz sugar cane and rum factory is well known. We enjoyed discovering this factory dating from 1927 and its equipment from the 1800s. We discovered that between the 15th and 16th centuries, Madeira was one of the most famous sugar-producing areas in the world! We also learned that today, sugar is used to produce Rum da Madeira, a protected appellation.
Practical advice
- The museum is located to the west of Porto da Cruz, close to Alagoa Beach.
- You can only visit between June and February, as the factory is busy producing rum between March and May.
- The museum is open every day except Sunday.
- Opening hours: 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes for your visit
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
5. Surfing and sunbathing on the beaches of Porto da Cruz
Why visit?
Our favorite part of Porto da Cruz is definitely the waterfront, from which the views are spellbinding. Take time to admire the cliffs, lulled by the sound of the waves.
The village has 2 beaches:
- Praia da Alagoa, to the west, overlooked by the cliffs of Penha d’Aguia. We were impressed by this 590m-high rock with its lush green tones.
- Porto da Cruz Beach, to the east. Here you’ll find the Calhau surf school.
Porto da Cruz is a well-known spot for surfers, who practice here all year round, but especially in winter, which is the best period here. Whether you’re just curious or a fan of extreme sports, make the most of a visit to the village’s beaches to tame the waves.
Let yourself be tempted by a surfing lesson on one of Madeira’s best spots! – see prices, times and bookings.
Practical advice
Praia da Alagoa:
- Easy access via a few steps
- Nearby facilities include benches, a restaurant-bar, parking, a children’s playground and deckchairs and parasols for hire.
- The beach is not very long and is covered with volcanic pebbles.
Porto da Cruz beach and Calhau surf school:
- There are no facilities in the vicinity of this pebbled and rocky beach.
- It’s a renowned surfing spot, where you’ll find the island’s oldest surf school: Calhau.
- The school is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers lessons for young and old, as well as rental boards. Find out more here.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
6. Admire the view from Miradouro da Portela
Why visit?
We recommend a visit to the Miradouro da Portela between Porto da Cruz and Machico. You’ll discover breathtaking panoramic views of the famous Penha de Águia mountain (Eagle Rock) and the village of Porto da Cruz below. We think it’s a remarkable vantage point from which to admire Madeira’s rugged coastline, with its towering cliffs and crashing waves.
Practical advice
- Between Porto da Cruz and Machico
- To get there, you have to take a winding but perfectly passable mountain road.
- From Porto da Cruz, take the ER101 road west towards Machico, then follow the signs to the Miradouro.
- Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to get the first glimpse of the panoramic view.
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What to do in Porto da Cruz: other ideas
Visit the Engenho Velho Museum
The Engenho Velho Museum is located in the village. Here you can discover the history of cane sugar production on the island. We learned that it’s housed in an old sugar refinery dating back to the 17th century! The various stages in the sugar and molasses production process, as well as the tools and machines used at the time, are presented.
We recommend a visit if you want to understand the historical importance of sugarcane cultivation in Madeira and its role in the island’s economy for centuries. The museum offers guided tours and demonstrations.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Admire the view from the city balcony
We fell in love with what we’ll call the Porto da Cruz Balcony. A small, lush square with benches facing the sea. It’s the ideal place to admire the scenery, relax or meet the locals!
Excursions around Porto da Cruz
Visit the town of Faial and its fortress
We enjoyed discovering Faial, a picturesque village on the island’s north coast. It is best known for housing the Fortim do Faial, an 18th-century defensive fort. We learned that it was built to protect the island from enemy invasion. Its typical military architecture and breathtaking panoramic view of Madeira’s north coast are well worth the detour!
Discover Santana and its traditional houses
Santana is the best-known town in the north of the island. We enjoyed visiting the open-air museum, where you can discover Madeira’s vernacular architecture. Here you can see some fifteen triangular houses with characteristic thatched roofs: the Casas de Colmo.
Discover Santana and northern Madeira on a guided tour!
Find out more and book
Hiking to explore Madeira’s nature
Here are our 4 favorite hikes within a 40-minute drive of Porto da Cruz:
- Pico do Arieiro
This hike is one of Madeira’s must-dos! You’ll discover the island’s 3 highest peaks, starting with Pico do Arieiro at 1818m. We loved it! Find out more in our dedicated article. - Sao Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is located at the eastern tip of Madeira, in the island’s only semi-desert environment. It boasts one of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints! - Caldeirao Verde
This Levada is one of the best Levadas in Madeira! We loved its enchanting setting, where you can observe the lush, endemic flora that lines the path. The path leads to the Cascade de Caldeirao Verde. Find out more in our dedicated article (coming soon).
Marvel at the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with round-trip transfer
See prices and book
Here are some more confidential hikes near Porto da Cruz:
- Penha d’Águia Summit – This volcanic rock, 320m high, is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. However, its ascent via a footpath is a little difficult and involves some dangerous passages.
- Levada Do Castelejo – Discover one of Madeira’ s famous Levadas and immerse yourself in the island’s lush vegetation!
- Boca do Risco – This 15km trail, considered very difficult, is located in Machio, where the Portuguese landed when they discovered Madeira. If you feel up to it, we recommend you take this path, which offers magnificent views of the island, sea and rock formations.
- Levada Nova – Discover breathtaking scenery in the Ponta do Sol Valley. Impressive waterfalls and unique flora and fauna punctuate this moderate-level walk.
- Trail Natura – The more sporty among you may be familiar with Porto da Cruz’s famous Trail Natura, offering 43km, 22km and 10km circuits in the mountains. Remember to check the dates here, so you don’t explore the trails on race days!
Experience Madeira’s famous Levadas at Castelejo
on a guided tour – See prices, availability and bookings
Is Porto da Cruz worth a visit?
Yes! We think Porto da Cruz is a charming village. Despite its small size, it has many assets that make it an interesting stopover during your stay on the island.
We loved its breathtaking natural setting, black pebble beaches and oceanfront pools. The Engenho Velho Museum, a converted sugar factory, offers a unique insight into the island’s history and Madeira’s sugar-making past. Last but not least, Porto da Cruz is an excellent starting point for hikes along the rugged coastline or to the famous Miradouro da Portela. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island. In conclusion, we loved the unspoilt authenticity of Porto da Cruz.
Useful tips for visiting Porto da Cruz
Where is Porto da Cruz?
- On Madeira’s northeast coast
- Funchal to Porto da Cruz = 35min drive
- Santana to Porto da Cruz = 15min drive
- The town is served by Route VE1
Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Porto da Cruz
The easiest way to get to Porto da Cruz is by car. There is public transport, but you’ll be very limited in terms of timetables and destinations. Find out more here.
Parking in Porto da Cruz
There are several parking lots in Porto da Cruz:
- One near the church
- One near Praia da Alagoa
- One at the end of the seafront promenade
Where to eat in Porto da Cruz
There are very few restaurants in Porto da Cruz. We didn’t eat there, but we did notice that Restaurant A Pipa had garnered some very good reviews. Here you can dine on local dishes.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
