Vereda do Larano — Attraction in Machico

Underrated and undercrowded path with dramatic views of the ocean and rural Madeira. Take any bus to Caniçal with the stop at Machico and ask the driver to drop you off just before the tonnel to Caniçal. The path starts right across the road, literally in someone's backyard - ask locals to point the right way if you're not sure. There are no signs at all in the beginning of this trail. But it's an easy and pretty direct path. First 30-40 minutes you just follow the levada that goes across Machico. At some point the path intertwines - you can continue along the levada around Machico or you start climbing uphill in a small forest area (in the direction of Boca do Risco). Again, there are no signs but you can see the path ahead. If you feel that you're starting to return to Machico - then you should go back and look for that uphill path. It's only when you climb for 10-20 minutes that the signs will appear. After the climb you reach the viewpoint of Boca Do Risco. Basically, after that viewpoint there's only one coastal path you should follow. It goes alongside the ocean with dramatic views all around and ends near the old cable car. You'll be at the hill near the village of Porto da Cruz. From here, you can walk down to the village and navigate yourself to the nearest SAM bus stop. It's not very frequent but every 30-50 minutes there's a bus to Faial or Funchal. There's also a taxi stop across the road. I highly recommended this route as one of the most beautiful in Madeira. It's also pretty easy if you start from Machico (but much harder if you start from Porto da Cruz as there's a very difficult ascent from the village). It's much better than overcrowded trails of 33 waterfalls or Levada dos...

Beautiful hike. Confusing in where it starts/ends. We parked just outside of Porto da Cruz where its just a dead end at someone's backyard. Beware the "NO PARKING" signs - I heard that some people get their car tires slashed by parking there.

People just park along the side of this road and then walk up the dead end area, for about 20 minutes its just dirt road. Then you have the start of the trail. Its forest with some small waterfalls, exposed area, then forest again, then you reach boca do risa. We considered going to Machico from here and continuing on the Canical hike as others have done but we did about 30 minutes of it and it is a TOUGH hike up and through the mountains. We were not prepared and it looked like rain. Turned around and headed back to the car. It was about 10km, 28k steps, and took about 3 hours in total if we had turned around at the Boca do riso viewpoint. Note that that some people are talking about a LONGER hike, and some are talking about the in and out hike from Varada Larano to Boca do riso.

No bathrooms, bring plastic bag, tissue, hand santizer. Don't leave garbage on the ground. Hiking poles helpful if you have a mild...

One of the most breathtaking coastal hikes in Madeira! 🌊🌿 Vereda do Larano connects Porto da Cruz with Machico and follows an old coastal path high above the cliffs. The trail offers nonstop views of the Atlantic, dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, and green valleys stretching inland. On clear days, the panorama is jaw-dropping, but even in mist or passing clouds it has a wild, adventurous atmosphere.

The path itself is relatively narrow at times, with some exposed sections, but it is well-marked and safe if you take care. You’ll walk through eucalyptus groves, farmlands, and forested areas before reaching stretches where you feel suspended between mountain and ocean. The contrasts — lush green on one side and deep blue sea on the other — make this hike unforgettable.

It’s a point-to-point trail, so many people arrange transport from one side or combine it with nearby routes. Good hiking shoes are essential, and a moderate level of fitness is needed due to the length and some ups and downs. Bring water and snacks — this is a place where you’ll want to pause often, not only to rest but also to take in the...