EXPLORING MADEIRA'S NORTHEAST

For exploring Madeira's northeast, we once again chose to stay two nights in the same place - this time in Machico. This historic coastal town offers just the right balance: in the evenings, there are still a few cosy spots to enjoy a drink or a relaxed dinner, yet it remains peaceful compared tot the busier resorts.

Machico's location makes it an ideal base for day trips in the region. Nestled between golden sand beaches and lush green hills, it's close to both dramatic coastal hikes and scenic inland drives. Staying here means you can set out each morning without long transfers, and return in the evening to a laid-back atmosphere by the sea.

WHAT TO DO IN THE NORTHEAST

1. Hike the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of Madeira’s most beautiful levada walks, leading you through lush Laurissilva forest, along narrow irrigation channels, and through a series of short tunnels carved into the rock. The mostly flat trail ends at the spectacular Caldeirão Verde waterfall, where water plunges 100 metres into a crystal‑clear pool.

It’s an accessible hike for most fitness levels, offering a mix of jungle‑like scenery, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful nature.

You can read all the practical details, tips, and our full hiking experience in the next article.

2. Miradouro do Guindaste – Crane Viewpoint Over the Atlantic

Miradouro do Guindaste, also known as the Crane Viewpoint, is a quick but rewarding stop on Madeira’s north‑east coast, in the municipality of Santana. You can drive right up to the parking area, making it one of the island’s most accessible viewpoints.

From here, you’re treated to sweeping views over the rugged northern coastline and the endless Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can see as far as the dramatic Penha d’Águia rock formation and even the distant outline of Porto Santo Island. The combination of green mountains, sheer cliffs, and deep‑blue water makes it a perfect spot for a short photo break.

3. Vereda dos Balcões – A Short Walk to a Magical View

Park your car at the start of the PR11 trail in Ribeiro Frio, and within just ten minutes of easy walking you’ll arrive at the Balcões Viewpoint. The path is almost flat, following a levada through lush Laurissilva forest, and is accessible for most visitors.

At the viewpoint, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Madeira’s central mountains—on clear days you can spot Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo in the distance. When we visited, the scene had something truly magical: clouds drifting lazily through the valleys, clinging to the peaks, and a rainbow arching across the landscape.

It’s a quick stop that delivers a big payoff, and a perfect example of how Madeira’s beauty can surprise you in the simplest moments.

4. Boca do Risco Hike

The Boca do Risco hike is a breathtaking coastal trail that hugs the dramatic cliffs of Madeira’s north shore. This relatively easy route offers stunning ocean views, lush vegetation, and a peaceful atmosphere far from the island’s busier paths.

Want to know more about this hike? Read the next article!

5. Another Hike: the PR8 Hike

The PR8 hike — officially called Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço — is one of Madeira’s most iconic walking routes. Located on the far eastern peninsula of the island, this 6 km round-trip trail (3 km each way) takes you through a landscape unlike any other in Madeira. Instead of lush forests and waterfalls, you’ll find a rugged, volcanic terrain with windswept cliffs, sparse vegetation, and panoramic ocean views on both sides

You can read about this hike in the next article.

6. Viewpoint Ponta do Rosto

Set on the rugged Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, Ponta do Rosto offers dramatic cliffside views and a raw, windswept landscape that contrasts sharply with Madeira’s lush interior. The area is part of a protected nature reserve, home to rare plants and seabirds like Cory’s shearwaters and Bulwer’s petrels.

It’s easily accessible by car and is especially popular at sunrise, when the light paints the coastline in golden hues. On clear days, you can even spot the nearby island of Porto Santo in the distance. Whether you’re hiking the PR8 trail or just stopping for a photo, this viewpoint is a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.

HOTEL TIP

Our hotel stay

As mentioned earlier, our base in the northeast was Machico, where we stayed at the Machim D’Arfet House by Madeira Sun Travel. This charming Airbnb is spotlessly clean and newly renovated, with a fresh, modern feel that makes it a pleasant place to return to after a day of exploring.

The rooms are quite small, so it’s best suited for travellers who don’t mind a more compact space in exchange for a central location. One thing to note: there’s no dedicated parking at the property, so you’ll need to find a spot nearby in the village.

Its position in the heart of Machico means you’re within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and the beach—perfect for enjoying the town’s relaxed evening atmosphere without needing the car.