Route: Santa to Porto Moniz
Area: Madeira
Date of walk: 27th April 2022
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 2.2 miles
Ascent: none – descent all the way
Weather: Sunny
It had taken some effort and countless hairpin bends to drive to the north of the island for this morning’s walk and, having finished that walk by midday, we decided to make the most of our time here by embarking on another walk. Thanks to Discovery Walking Guides we sourced a short linear walk from the village of Santa to the seaside town of Porto Moniz, well known for its natural seawater swimming pools
This is a linear route, and in such cases I prefer to get the transport out of the way at the start. This avoids the potential anxiety of being stranded at the end of the walk with no way back to the start. We located the taxi rank in Porto Moniz and from here our driver took us on a steep uphill journey to the start of the walk, by the village church in Santa (fee 10 euros)
We walked out of the village and joined the ancient Caminho do Pico, which starts as a road, changes to a concrete lane and eventually becomes a cobbled trail. The descent is quite gentle but is hard on the knees and there is little respite along the way. Walking poles are useful. The wonderful views are compensation for the effort, especially those down to Porto Moniz. For much of the way the path was lined with wildflowers which enhanced the scenery along the way
Eventually we arrived at the edge of the town, where many of the old properties have small vineyards and well cultivated vegetable gardens. From here it was a short stroll down to the sea front, home to several restaurants and bars which are pleased to serve thirsty walkers
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We parked on the roadside in Porto Moniz and walked down to the seafront in search of a taxi to take us to Santa
The small town is a popular tourist destination, best known for its natural swimming pools
We find a taxi for hire and from here make the short journey uphill to Santa
The village church at Santa, and the start of the linear downhill walk to Porto Moniz
We follow the lane out of Santa...
We follow the Caminho do Pico downhill...
Our destination, Porto Moniz, below
The island of Ilheu Mole lies just offshore
The Caminho do Pico becomes a cobbled path. It's an ancient trail which zigzags down the cliffs
It's tough on the knees, but the views compensate
Wildflowers lining the path
Looking back up the Caminho do Pico
Porto Moniz is around the corner...
We arrive at the edge of the town
The island of Ilheu Mole is well seen from here
We pass by the local church
Back to the seafront in Porto Moniz with its jagged rocky coastline and natural swimming pools
