Miradouro do Pico do Facho — Attraction in Machico

I did the signposted 4km route (anti-clockwise) today and took about 75 minutes to go up and 45 minutes to get back down; starting and finishing just over the road from the beach. There is about 340m climb which means it is quite a slog doing that over a relatively short distance. It starts with a short climb and then you follow the levada which is level. Then you have almost continuous steps up the south side. The steps are quite large in places, and there are a couple of short stretches of metal stairways. (If you were coming down the large steps it would be quite difficult if you didn't have enough strength in your legs or you had weak knees.) The north side climb (or decent in my case) has virtually no steps but is quite a steep slope, and as there had been some light rain, it was quite slippy. (Of course if you want to make it all a lot easier you can drive or catch a taxi to the top!) And the top is well worth it as you get a lovely 360 degree view (from the very top). There are some picnic benches near the top at the end of the toad, with views over Machico and out to sea. You also can see the airport and the planes taking off and landing if they come and go in an easterly direction. It wasn't very busy when I went (Tuesday, 9...

Got bus up to Levada Nova near the tunnel through to Caniçal, had a quick coffee at the Levada Nova bar and a wee pineapple cake, which was fab. Then walked up the hill to the miradouro. Great views from the top, weather was quite warm. We had a snack which we had taken with us. Seen a couple of well fed cats. great views of Machico, Airport and to the east side Caniçal and on to Ponta do Sao Lourenço. After we walked down to Caniçal via a worn track. Quite tricky underfoot, so many small lizards, trying to avoid stepping on them. At the end of the track was a small very bonnie bridge, stone built. There was a stack of croaking frogs. Then walked along the beach pathway in to town. Where a beer was definitely deserved in a bar overlooking the harbour. The next bar was filled with village men playing dominos, they seem to slap the domino tiles onto the table when playing among much raised voices. Great walk with fab...

If you’re in Machico you must go up! Just 4km of trail, medium difficulty.

I suggest you wear hiking shoes, going up to the top the ground is muddy and you have to be very careful not to slip. To return to town you can decide, once you reach the top, to go back from the main road, it is about a 45-minute walk. The view is breathtaking and absolutely worth it but if you suffer from vertigo I would not recommend going up. Once at the top you will find a small kiosk selling food and drinks. The toilet costs 50 cents if you don't consume...