The most beautiful natural sites to discover East Coast

On the way to São Lourenço Point, the green of Madeira disappears, the dry rock is covered with a thin and yellowed grass, the cliffs fall steeply into the ocean... Here you are in front of one of the most singular landscapes of Madeira made of reddish lands surrounded by the blue of the ocean. The semi-arid climate of this eastern peninsula has favored the appearance of a dry Atlantic flora, including immortals and halophytic plants, great adepts of salty environments. Berthelot's Pipit of Madeira, Ashen Shearwater, Canary Island Serin... There are also many birds nesting at São Lourenço Point. On the islet of Desembarcadouro, which can be seen in the extension of the point, the Yellow-legged Gull has installed one of the most important colonies of its species (as in the deserted islands). Hiking in this magical place (named after the caravel of a certain João Gonçalves de Zarco...) is a must!

At the exit of Caniçal, shortly after the place called "Prainha", a small natural beach of dark sand, congested in summer, one reaches a traffic circle; a road in very good condition leads on the left to a parking lot, and, more substantially, to a superb viewpoint on the cliffs' indentations. A small path leads to a point where the winds can be extremely violent. Be careful not to get too close to the cliff, there are no guard rails. For a picture of the coast with the wind turbines, it may be more interesting to go back to the initial traffic circle and stop, with great caution, on the right side of the road, in a flared bend at the level of a yellow and black barrier; you are closer to the cliffs and the view is even more striking. The wind is also less disturbing.

Once back at the traffic circle, turn left (right if you are coming from Caniçal). Shortly afterwards, you will see a new marina on the right; the road then leads to a larger, more touristy parking lot. It is impossible to get lost along this marked trail, which is punctuated by breathtaking landscapes: the layers of colors, oscillating from gray to red, give the site all its mineral beauty. There is no significant difficulty, except for a few short stairs, but the walk can still be exhausting (especially under the sun, so bring as much water as possible!). Count 8 km and 5 hours round trip. The walkers often stop for a picnic at the Casa do Sardinha (exhibition on the local fauna and flora). It is possible to swim on a small pebble beach below.

Just before the tunnel to Caniçal (at the top of the village), a path to the right leads to the top of the peak. Perfect for a walk or a picnic. A lookout (accessible by car), with tables, offers a magnificent view of the bay of Machico, the ballet of planes taking off and landing, and the points of the southern coast of the island; this side is sheltered from the wind that storms on the other side. Count 2 hours of walk (rocky path, bring good shoes). Departure from the bus station of Machico (in front of the supermarket).

The picturesque landscape between Faial and Porto da Cruz dominated by Penha d'Águia (Eagle Rock), a large green rock, is a bestseller in Madeira's postcards. A narrow road leads there, offering beautiful views over the valley. On the road (cul-de-sac) is the Galé restaurant and along the building is a popular levada for walkers. If you follow the direction "Guindaste", you will reach a mirador (superb view of the jagged coastline). For experienced walkers, the ascent of the Eagle Rock is a real challenge!

Caniçal owes its reputation to "Prainha" (small beach), one of the few natural sandy beaches in Madeira. This one is as famous as it is tiny, the black sand adding to its charm. It is hidden in a small isolated cove, which is reached by a staircase that starts from the cliff. 300 steps to go down and then up again! Some will find the pools more pleasant, because the beach can be very quickly crowded during the beautiful days. The crystal clear water allows you to observe some fishes (if necessary, bring a mask and snorkel).

Surmounted by a belvedere, the small black sand beach, Praia da Lagoa nestles in the hollow of a pretty little bay dominated by a huge rock. When the tide is high, it disappears under the waves. Swimming is possible when the water is not too choppy, preferably on the left side (facing the sea), because on the right side there is a small marigot running down from the village... Surfers take over on stormy days. On the wooden esplanade in front of the beach there are sanitary facilities. Be careful and attentive when swimming!

A natural swimming pool has been set up at the bottom of the village, at the "Foz da Ribeira do Faial". If it is less attractive than that of Porto da Cruz, its environment is more striking: a tiny bay with black sand, closed by pebbles. We can try to find a curious geological phenomenon there: basaltic oranges, perfectly regular prisms formed from the cooling of a lava sink. Don't expect a show like the Giant Carriageway in Northern Ireland.