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Trails

Passeio Marítimo (Lido - Doca do Cavacas)

The seafront promenade west from the Lido to Doca do Cavacas

AI illustration of this part of the island, not a photograph of Passeio Marítimo (Lido - Doca do Cavacas)
AI illustration of this part of the island, not a photograph of Passeio Marítimo (Lido - Doca do Cavacas)

The place

This is the start of the seafront promenade that runs west from Lido in Funchal towards Câmara de Lobos. Visit Madeira dates the first section to August 1993, when it was known as the Jardins do Lido. The route passes the marine biology station and the Ponta Gorda bathing complex, with its saltwater pools, before it reaches Ponta da Cruz and the Doca do Cavacas.

The Doca do Cavacas is a natural pool of volcanic origin with direct sea access, showers, toilets, changing rooms and a bar, and it suits a beach day at any time of year. The walk is fairly flat and easy going, with cobbles at the start and cliff edges along the way. The stretch from Ponta Gorda to Câmara de Lobos takes about 70 minutes at a steady pace, so Lido to Doca do Cavacas is a short morning's walk.

Highlights

  1. Swim in the saltwater pools at Ponta Gorda, which include a tidal pool.
  2. Stop at the natural pool of the Doca do Cavacas, set among volcanic rocks, with showers and a bar.
  3. Pass the marine biology station on the way out of Lido.
  4. Look out for date palms and cliff plants along the route.

When to come

The Doca do Cavacas pools work for a beach day at any time of year, so the weather matters more than the season. Shade is limited along the route, so walk in the cooler part of the day and bring sun protection.

Getting there

Start at the Lido end of Funchal's seafront and walk west along the promenade to the Doca do Cavacas. The promenade carries on towards Câmara de Lobos if you want to keep going.

Worth knowing

  • Time: about 70 minutes from Ponta Gorda to Câmara de Lobos at a steady pace, so allow longer for photo stops.
  • Ground: cobbles at the start, then promenade; walking shoes are better than sandals.
  • Facilities: showers, toilets, changing rooms and an on-site bar at the Doca do Cavacas.
  • Cliffs: the path runs along cliff edges, so keep to the path.
  • Sea: the Doca do Cavacas has direct sea access, so check the sea on the day before you swim.
  • Sun: shade is limited, so bring water and sun protection.
  • Works: the promenade closed for repairs in early 2024, so check that the section you plan is open.

Nearby

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