Porto da Cruz (Madeira) – Visit Tips + Photos

Why visit Porto da Cruz in Madeira? 

Porto da Cruz is one of my favorite villages in Madeira, especially to spend a few nights.
It is not easy to explain why, but this place has something special.

• It is nestled between cliffs and mountains, protected by the imposing giant hill, Penha d'Aguia
• You can see the cliffs all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço
• It is quiet, away from the crowded popular places
• Yet, it has a great sea water swimming pool
• It is practical to drive to some of the main hikes on the island.
• And you can fall asleep listening to the waves crashing on the beach

Porto da Cruz means Port of the Cross. Its name is probably because explorers in the 15th century, made a cross here from wood found in the river (and later a cross of steel) to better identify the location from the ocean.

More photos after the planning tips.

Planning Tips & Map - Porto da Cruz, Madeira

This highlight (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) is included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip:

Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Madeira

Porto da Cruz beaches

Praia da Alacca

To the West of the town, just below the Penha d'Aguia rock cliffs, is Praia da Alacca.
The scenery here is very dramatic thanks to the 590m high rock.
So even if you don't plan on swimming, this is a nice place to sit and relax while admiring nature.

• Easy access via a few stairs
• Facilities
• Not a very long beach
• Black pebbles of various sizes

Praia do Porto da Cruz beach & Calhau surf school

If front of the restaurant area and to the East, is the other beach Praia de Porto da Cruz.

• No facilities
• Pebble & rock beach
• Good waves - there is consistent surf
• It is a spot appreciated for surfing. Winter is the best time.

Seafront Promenade

Between the 2 beach areas mentioned above, there is a nice short promenade around the cliffs.
It is paved all the way. And you can enjoy the sound of the waves crashing below you.

This is where you can appreciate the geological history of the island.
You can see successive layers of volcanic and basaltic rocks.

First from Praia da Alacca, you can enjoy the views of Penha d'Aguia, the Eagle rock.

And as you walk east, you can enjoy expansive views of the North Coast all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço.
A phenomenal view under all weather.

Below is a picture with my zoom. You really all the way to the tip of Madeira's dragon tail!

The promenade also goes along the seawater pools, where waves sometimes keep feeling it.
The view is great with the tiny village behind.

And on the other side of the town center, you can keep walking along the seafront, over a small bridge and up.
The path becomes a trail, but offers beautiful views.

Porto da Cruz pools

• showers,
• toilets,
• solar loungers,
• small entry fee.

This is not a natural pool like in Porto Moniz, but it is still a great experience to enjoy.
Learn more about Madeira's natural pools.

Sugar cane & Rum factory - Engenho do Norte

The other main reason to visit Porto da Cruz is the Sugar cane and Rum factory.

ENGENHO DO NORTE - factory & museum

The current factory dates back to around 1927 with gear from the 19th century.

• West side of town, near the Alacca beach
• Active from March to May to produce rhum
• Open to visitors the rest of the year
• Opening hours - Mon to Fri: 9am to 6pm   / Sat 10am to 5pm / closed on Sundays
• Free access

Sugar making in Madeira

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Madeira was one of the most famous places in the World for its production of sugar.
It was introduced on the island in 1425.
The first sugar made in Madeira was manufactured in Machico.
Historical documents indicate that in the 16th century, there were 4 sugar mills in Machico, 2 in Faial and one in Porto da Cruz.

Sugar-making process

Back in the 15th and 16th centuries, production involved many steps:

• Harvesting the sugar cane, one year after planting
• cutting and crushing the cane in the mill
• Cooking the juice in metal boilers - this makes the syrup guarapo
• Purging by pouring the guarapo into clay moulds to crystallize the sugar
• Removal of sugar loaves from the mould
• Sorting according to quality

Rhum production in Madeira

Nowadays, sugar canes grown in Madeira is used exclusively to produce rum. The denomination Rum da Madeira is protected.
It takes 12kg of sugar to produce 1L of Rhum (with 50% alcohol by volume).
The 2017 production was 12,000 tons - including 3300 tons processed in this factory.

The town & church - things to do in Porto da Cruz

Porto da Cruz church - Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe

The Saint of Porto da Cruz is Virgem Guadalupe. The church is consecrated in her name: Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe.
It was inaugurated in 1957, when the town first had electricity.

The Balcony

If you are looking for a place to sit and relax, you can find a nice balcony with beaches just above the seafront.
This is also a great place to chat with locals.

The Engenho Velho Museum

In the town center, by the river, there is a small museum with antique tools and machinery: the Engenho Velho Museum.
Check their facebook page for the latest information.

Restaurants

Things to do near Porto da Cruz

Miradouro da Portela

One of the best views of Porto da Cruz and Penha d'Aguia is from Miradouro da Portela.
It is a sinuous mountain road to get to it, but wide enough and not difficult. Light is good all day.

Faial

On the other side of Penha d'Aguia is the town of Faial with its fort, its beach and more views!

Santana Traditional Houses

The most famous town in the area is Santana.
This is due to its charming traditional houses - A-shaped and colorful. There is an open-air museum attraction to learn more about the history of Madeira.

Rocha do Navio

And not far from Ponta da Cruz, in Santana, is one of my favorite cable cars on the island: Rocha do Navio.
The views with cliffs and waterfalls are exquisite.
Learn more in my article about it.

Hiking

4 of the best hikes within 40min drive

• Pico do Arieiro
• Pico Ruivo
• Sao Lourenço
• Caldeirao Verde
• learn more about them

Other less famous hikes in the area

• Walk up Penha d’Águia – difficult with some dangerous section
• Levada Do Castelejo
• Boca do Risco - old communication path with Machico
• Levada Nova

 Trail Natura

• Porto da Cruz is also famous for its Trail competition once a year
• There is a circuit in the mountains with various distances: 43km, 22km and 10km
• Check the date to avoid the potential crowds - website

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip - read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures - read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views - read article
• Tips to drive around Madeira - read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!