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Hiking Near – Porto Santo: Pico do Castelo

Porto Santo
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Wooden signpost marking hiking trails – A rustic wooden signpost with trail directions for hikers exploring Madeira.
Stone ruins of an ancient settlement – A historic site with stone ruins, possibly remnants of an old fortress or village.
Ancient stone wall with greenery – A weathered stone wall blending into the surrounding lush vegetation.
Shaded stone stairway under old trees – A serene pathway lined with stone steps and twisted tree branches.
Stone staircase on a hilltop trail – A scenic set of steps leading up a dry hillside, inviting exploration and panoramic views.
A dry forest landscape with sparse vegetation – A rugged hillside covered with scattered green shrubs and trees.
A tree-lined walking path in a park – A paved walkway with a tall evergreen tree providing shade.
A curved walking path lined with trees and shrubs – A peaceful park pathway under a bright blue sky.
A rocky hillside covered in dense green foliage – A rugged terrain with a variety of native plants.
A narrow dirt trail with a hiker exploring the landscape – A shaded mountain path surrounded by trees and stone walls.
Duration
3 Hours
Size
1-22
Difficulty
Fairly Easy

Key Benefits

  • A guided hike featuring hiking in Porto Santo’s most scenic trails, including Pico do Castelo and Pico do Facho.
  • Enjoy 360º panoramic views of Porto Santo’s coastline, beach, and terraced landscapes.
  • Learn about the island’s history, from pirate raids to endemic flora and unique terracing.
  • Perfect for photography enthusiasts, offering unmatched vistas and fascinating cultural stops.
  • Includes professional guides, transport, and insurance for a worry-free adventure.

Overview

This hike is perfect for anyone looking to hike near Madeira, in Porto Santo, with a mix of relaxation and challenge. Starting from Moledo, we’ll walk around the base of Porto Santo’s highest peak, Pico do Facho (516 m), enjoying flat and easy terrain. Here, you’ll take in sweeping 360º views of the island, including its beautiful beach on one side and dramatic cliffs on the other. Along the way, admire terracing, stone walls, and the local history of land cultivation.

The second part of the hike takes you up a zigzagging trail to the fifth-highest peak, Pico do Castelo (437 m). Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with views of Porto Santo’s coastline, the city of Vila Baleira, and the turquoise ocean. Explore a historic stone-roofed house and cannons that tell the story of pirate invasions while also encountering endemic flora and the pine trees introduced to the island.

This hike offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural history, and panoramic vistas. If you’re visiting Porto Santo, you’ll want to attend this experience. Book your spot today for an unforgettable experience on the top-rated hikes near Porto Santo.

Included & Excluded

  • Certified Tourist Guide or Mountain Guide
  • Taxes
  • Entrance fees, when applicable
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or the harbour (Porto de Abrigo)
  • Required insurance (as per Portuguese law)
  • First aid kit for safety
  • Meals and drinks, unless specified

Other Information

Hotel Pick-up10:00

A member of our staff will pick you up at the indicated place and confirm your voucher identification. You can present either a paper or an electronic ticket for this activity. The tour will begin as soon as we finish collecting tour members.

WhenTuesday

Year-round, except on 25 December and 1 January

Duration3 hours

Approximately 2,5 hours (excluding transfers).

The tour starts at 10:00 and finishes around 13:00.

Trip SpecificationsDistance & Altitude

Distance: 4,6 km (28 miles)

Max. Altitude: 437 m (1433 ft.)

Min. Altitude: 225 m (738 ft.)

Departure Point and TimeConfirmed by email

RequirementsPunctuality & be fit to walk

What do you need to bring?Don't forget

Non-slip walking boots or sports footwear, a camera, and a coat or a jumper if it gets cooler.

Take a bag to carry your litter away with you.

We remind you to have enough water and food in reserve, as nothing is available on the route.

You should bring a raincoat or poncho if rain is forecast and a wind protection coat, as it gets windy there.

Children:

Parents must bring a hiking child carrier backpack to carry their children < 4 years old.

Good to KnowActivity level

The hike combines easy, flat paths with some challenging uphill sections. Moderate fitness is recommended.

Not recommended for children <9 years old.

This activity is not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility due to steps and uneven terrain.

SecurityDon't take risks

It is better to go with a guide and relax than get lost in the mountains of Porto Santo. If you fall or feel unwell, it is reassuring to know that the mountain guide activates the emergency system. He/she sends a warning and the group’s location to the local authorities, enabling a quick rescue. It is all well worth the money for the hike.

Our ExpertiseWhy us?

We pick you up from your place of stay and drop you off when you are finished. It is an easy and comfortable way to get to the walk, and it’s easy to book. Our staff is qualified. We take you to various sites we know you will want to explore. Our fundamental principles are the comfort, safety, and flexibility of both our guests and personnel.

Hotel Drop-off13:00

Please NoteThe order of the itinerary as shown above may be subject to change and/or affected by local conditions.

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From
30 €