A Trip to Madeira - Caniçal

I am back with more of my “Trip to Madeira” series. On this one I’am going to share with you my visit to the eastern part of the island, all to way to the tip, an area called Caniçal. I visited this part of Madeira after going on top of Pico do Areeiro, right above the clouds! And I was amazed to see the incredible diference between the mountainous green forests and the dried lowlands of Caniçal on the same day! Of course making some stop along the way.

First Stop: Machico

Machico is the second largest city in Madeira (next to the wonderful Funchal) and it used to be the capital of Madeira! It boasts an incredible beach that is divided in two parts: a more natural rocky beach and a man-made sandy beach. Here I didn’t stay too long but still got to take pictures from the incredible view at the entrance to the city. Be sure to visit, the gastronomy is as good as ever in Machico and there is viewpoint called Pico do Facho with an incredible view that was used to light the beacon that informed the village of upcoming pirates!

Second Stop: Quinta do Lorde

Heading east, really near Caniçal, we found Quinta do Lorde, a curious resort, built like a village on the edge of the ocean, mainly due to the fact that it was first a marina for any travelers headed from the east, only than the whole complex was built around it. And even though it is destined for costumers who are staying in the resort, the staff is very welcoming of outsiders who just want to enjoy the view, like we did as we walk through bay area and the pool, located right next to the ocean water, sort of a typical way of bathing in Madeira (artificial pools made next to the ocean rocks).

Caniçal

At last we arrived at Caniçal and it is very curious. Madeira has myriad of environment but most of them are lush or green, yet Caniçal is rocky and dry, like no other part of the island, and almost alien-like. Caniçal used to be the home of a fishing colony, especially dedicated to* *catching whales*, as a lot of species can be seen near the island. Along the years the whalers left but the village still holds the old whaling factories, that now serve as a museum dedicated to the magnificent creatures. Caniçal also has a well known trail, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, that is a must, even though is not as beautiful as the levadas through the forests, you should always pay attention on the way, like I’ve said many time in this series, the access to this part of Caniçal is difficult and the trail takes about 2h to complete*, so beware!

If you’re tired or just want to stay behind for a bit, the waves crashing below is actually a soothing view. Caniçal is very calm and has a lot of places to sit and have a snack!