The route to Caniçal from Larano at Porto da Cruz, is a stunning route from the landscape point of view, with dramatic sea views and ocean cliffs, where steel cables were placed to assist mobility and safety.

Upon Larano, where there is a small cable car, the endemic vegetation is mixed with exotic species, maintaining, however, the green intensity.

Following the trail, you will reach Boca do Risco and from here it will be easy to see why this is considered one of the most beautiful natural viewpoints on the east side of the island. 

On the second part of this hike, the scenery is peaceful with views of traditional agricultural terraces in the Machico valley. 

The last section of this walk takes us along the Levada dos Maroços, with exotic scenarios of regional botany, agricultural fields cultivated with fruits and vegetables typical of this region, mixed with small exotic forests of Acacias (Acacia dealbata) . At the end you will reach the so-called “casa dos levadeiros”, a base for the workers that maintain the levadas (water irrigation channels) of this region.

VARIATIONS:

– Circular walk along the Funduras Laurissilva forest – 15 km | 400 m of vertical gain.

– Link “Boca do Risco” to Caniçal along a coastal trail – 12 km | 300 m vertical gain.