Trails
Vereda Boca do Risco - Caniçal
Cliff paths west from Caniçal to the Boca do Risco viewpoint
The place
The walk begins at the cemetery above Caniçal, on Madeira's east coast, and follows the cliff paths west to Boca do Risco, a viewpoint with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. The main leg is about 6 km one way, with a gentle climb after the start and exposed stretches where the path runs along the face of the cliffs.
The walk is rated moderate and suits an early start: the light on the cliffs is best at sunrise, and there is almost no shade, so the heat builds as the day goes on. From the viewpoint, the route can be carried on to Porto da Cruz or Machico, which turns it into a much longer day.
Highlights
- Sunrise light on the cliffs suits the walk, and an optional sunrise stop at Ponta do Rosto can come before it.
- The main end of the walk, a viewpoint, has mountains on one side and the sea on the other.
- Stretches along the cliff face are exposed, so keep a steady pace and watch your footing.
- From the viewpoint, the walk can be extended to Porto da Cruz, about 6 km further, or to Machico via Larano, about 8 km further.
When to come
Start early, when the light on the cliffs is best and the air is cooler. There is almost no shade on the route, so a midday start means walking through the heat.
Getting there
Drive to the cemetery at Caniçal, where parking is easy, and start the walk there. The main leg runs one way to Boca do Risco, so plan the return before you set off.
Worth knowing
- The main leg from the Caniçal cemetery to Boca do Risco is about 6 km one way and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Continuing to Porto da Cruz makes the whole walk four to five hours, and the Machico option makes it three to four hours.
- The route is rated moderate, with a gentle climb after the start and exposed cliff sections.
- Carry plenty of water and a hat, since there is almost no shade.
- Parking at the cemetery is easy, which suits a dawn start.