Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro & Vereda do Larano hike

Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, where you'll witness the first light of day appearing over the rugged peaks. After sunrise, we'll head to the Vereda do Larano trail!  

 

This hike starts with the Levada do Caniçal, leading you through local rural buildings with gardens and offering stunning views over Machico. The trail then connects to Boca do Risco, where you'll begin an epic coastal hike along the cliffs, providing panoramic views of the ocean and the North Coast. The adventure concludes in the picturesque village of Porto da Cruz, known for its beautiful landscapes and charming ambiance. This route offers a perfect blend of mountain, levada, and coastal hiking, ensuring a memorable experience while PR1 remains closed.

 

Trail Timing Guide: 

 

The trail is overally well-maintained, with a few hills, in places with handrails or uneven surfaces. The total hike time depends on your overall fitness level and the time you would spend on breaks. The following Trail Timing Guide is the average walking time that sums up to 3 - 4 hours not taking into consideration the breaks. It can serve you as a reference to plan your hike.

 

🚌 Levada do Caniçal (near the old tunnel connecting Machico and Caniçal) start

🔸  Levada do Caniçal → follow the path until crossing the street and seeing a white wall diagonally with the word Larano, Boca do Risco written on it ~ 30 mins

🔸  Levada do Caniçal  → Vereda da Boca do Risco (turn right up the hill) ~ 20 mins 

🔸  Vereda da Boca do Risco → Larano sign and viewpoint Boca do Risco ~ 40 mins 

🔸  Viewpoint Boca do Risco → Cliff-edge with coastal hike ending with a paved road: Miradouro do Cabo de Larano ~ 80 mins 

🔸  Caminho do Cabo do Larano → Caminho do Barreiro ~ 30 mins 

🔸  Caminho do Barreiro (follow small levada) → Praia da Maiata across the bridge Ponte de Maia ~ 15 mins 

🚌 Praia da Maiata → Porto da Cruz bus parking lot (R. Mal. Spínola) ~  15 mins pick up point

 

If you have some time left before the pick up you can check out one of the local restaurants, i.a. "A Pipa.

 

For further info and photos of the trail check our Highlighted Stories on Instagram.

 

Check out my hike on Strava: https://strava.app.link/65cMpDvtqMb