Pico De Ana Ferreira is a rock formation in Porto Santo that will delight many a visitor, thanks to its basalt organ and cave with a view over almost the entire island.
The place is well worth the effort!
Here are 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.
Is Pico Ana Ferreira worth a visit?
Yes, absolutely. The Pico Ana Ferreira rock formation is the highest point in western Porto Santo. The summit reaches an altitude of 288m. There are 3 points of interest depending on your hiking abilities: the basalt organ, the cave with a magnificent view and the summit with 360° views.
This is one of Porto Santo’s must-see attractions.
The rock formation is an 1100 m long ridge, a long volcanic chimney that has been eroded by the elements.
In this article, we present the different structures and end with our practical tips for accessing them.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Porto Santo
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- The island is small and easy to drive.
- A car gives you plenty of freedom to explore every corner of Porto Santo
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Porto Santo’s basalt organ
Your first stop on the climb, and the easiest to reach (on foot or by 4WD), is the basalt organ. It stands 118m above sea level
It’s a geological site of national interest.
These clearly cut basalt columns are impressive.
When you’re up against the wall, you feel so small! Here’s Claire at the foot of a geological formation formed millions of years ago!
The comparison with organ pipes is understandable!
The prisms are clearly cut into the rock.
The lava cooled rapidly and cracked, forming straight hexagonal columns.
Then the movements of the earth and tectonic plates caused some of them to bend.
This created a magnificent sculpture of Nature.
We’ve seen them before in Corsica and Iceland, among other places, but we still found the place particularly impressive.
Find out more about this geological phenomenon:
As the lava cools, it hardens and contracts, forming cracks on the surface.
Under certain conditions (stress vs. rock strength), these cracks propagate downwards, creating columns perpendicular to the basalt flow (over the height of the flow).
The wider the column, the slower the cooling.
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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Pico de Ana Ferreira cave (sunrise cave)
You can then continue above the organ. First on a path, then climbing rock walls.
It’s essential to wear good shoes that can grip the rock, and be aware that the slope is quite steep. Those who suffer from vertigo will have some difficulty.
There are no signs to tell you when to leave the path and explore the rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for the cave in the distance.
But the place is worth the effort. It’s fun enough to see it from the outside, this little opening under a dome of rock. Excitement builds as we approach.
And once inside, you’ll discover one of Porto Santo’s most famous views.
You can see the entire center of the island and the mountains to the east.
The colors are magnificent, with a touch of green for the golf course in the foreground and variations of blue in the sea.
The view from outside is the same, but having a rocky setting all around makes the panorama even more spectacular.
It’s perfectly aligned for sunrise in the window. But we were there in the middle of the day.
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto Santo
Option 1 : Vila Baleira (north beach)
For access to a small town and the beach
- Hotel Torre Praia – prices, pictures and availability
- Vista Dourada apartment: see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Central or southern beach
Tourist areas near the beach
- Pestana Porto Santo, 5 stars – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, 4 stars – prices, pictures and availability
Hiking to the summit
If you don’t mind semi-climbing the rocks, and you’re not afraid of heights, you can also continue to the top of the mountain.
Once again, there is no signpost indicating the way. Climb above the cave and continue to the highest point.
Beware, you’re on a ridge with slippery rocks, so this is for experienced hikers only.
At the summit, you can see the crest of this rock formation a little more clearly and enjoy additional views towards the west of the island.
There are also other caves on the south face of the ridge.
We’re sorry, but we don’t have any photos because I’m afraid of heights (Claire, the traveler).
Pico Ana Ferreira: access
Where to find Pico Ana Ferreira
- Western half of Porto Santo
- Access over the last few hundred metres on a bumpy track from the road.
- From the port = 10 min drive
- From Ponta da Calheta = 10 min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
Access and parking
The course is very long. Access to the organ and cave is via the northern tip of Crete, on the golf side.
The end of the road is a track to the parking lot. But it’s not long. It just has a few big dents. Depending on conditions, you may or may not be able to get there by normal car. Otherwise, you’ll have to park around the start of the runway.
Visiting difficulties
Access to the organ is via a dirt track of varying length, depending on where you park. No technical difficulties.
To reach the cave on foot, you’ll need good hiking boots and some semi-climbing on the slippery rock walls.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Porto Santo
Depuis Ponta Calheta, découvrez la côte et les grottes en Kayak.
An unforgettable experience close to the volcanic cliffs.
Useful tips
Schedules and prices, how long
Free access.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for the organ, depending on where you park.
Add 30 to 45 minutes for the grotto.
Best moment
The wall and cave face east.
So the light is best in the morning.
You can admire the sunrise from the cave, then the gentle rays of the morning sun will bring out the angles of the basalt organ.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Porto Santo
Best of
Best things to do in Porto Santo
The most beautiful landscapes in photos
Porto Santo’s most beautiful beaches
The dunes
Salemas natural pools
Best restaurants
Terra Cha hiking trail
Pico Ana Feireira
Practical advice
How to get to Porto Santo
Getting around Porto Santo
Rent a car in Porto Santo
Where to stay in Porto Santo – best hotels
