Trails
Machico - Ribeira do Natal
From Machico along the coast to the river mouth at Ribeira do Natal
The place
Ribeira do Natal is a river mouth on Madeira's east coast, in the Caniçal parish of Machico municipality. The setting is peaceful and fairly undisturbed, with green peaks rising on one side and clear Atlantic water on the other. A coastal footpath follows the shore between the Machico and Caniçal parishes, and the river mouth sits on that link.
The beach by the mouth has sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar and parking, and it is supervised during the swimming season. A promenade follows the cove towards Caniçal and suits both jogging and hiking. The Whale Museum is nearby, so the two make an easy combined outing.
Highlights
- Walk the coastal footpath that follows the shore between the Machico and Caniçal parishes.
- Swim or sit at the beach by the mouth, which has sunbeds, umbrellas and a bar.
- Take the promenade that traces the cove towards Caniçal, suited to jogging and hiking.
- Visit the Whale Museum, which is nearby.
When to come
Choose a dry day to keep the footpath firm, and a calm morning if you plan to swim.
Getting there
Park at the beach by the river mouth, which has parking, then walk the promenade towards Caniçal or the footpath towards Machico.
Worth knowing
- Beach facilities: sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar and parking by the river mouth.
- Lifeguards: the beach is supervised during the swimming season.
- Sea: the water is clear and gentle, and the beach holds a QUERCUS Gold award, given in 2016.
- Swimming: check the sea on the day before you go in.
- Sun: bring water and sun protection for the walk and the beach.
- Route: the coastal footpath between Machico and Caniçal passes the river mouth, so you can walk a section or the whole link.
- Museum: the Whale Museum is nearby if you want a stop away from the path.