Our guided hikes on Porto Santo
Tour 1: Pico Branco and Terra Chã
This hike takes us to Pico Branco (450m), the second highest mountain in Porto Santo, and Terra Chã, offering stunning views of the island, mountains and sea.
Start of the hike is at Serra de Dentro. From here we climb on a very well-developed hiking trail always slightly uphill. The path was partially broken into the prism-like rock formation. The climb ends at the crevice "Cabeço do Caranguejo" (= head of the crab). From here, the so far rather barren trail leads along cypresses, pines and heather. At a crossroads, the path leads us on to the Pico Branco, which got its name from the white rock column at the summit. After a few minutes we reach the summit, from where we can enjoy a unique panoramic view. Back to the fork in the road, we will go to "Terra Chã" (= flat land). Here is a recently restored stone house that serves to monitor and spread the endemic plants that are most abundant here in Porto Santo. Pico Branco and Terra Chã also belong to the European network "Natura 2000" because of their large number of endemic plant species.
Tour 2: Pico do Facho and Pico Castelo
This circular route takes us to Pico Castelo and Pico do Facho (517m), the highest mountain in Porto Santo. This hike gives you a unique view of the south and north coasts of the island.
We start the hike in Moledo. Here we take a path around the Pico do Facho, so that we can enjoy a 360 degree view of Porto Santo and the neighboring islands of Desertas and Madeira, before returning to the starting point. From here, on the north side, a stony zig zag path leads us to the summit of Pico Castelo (438m). This got its name from the small military fortification, which was built here in the 15th century to protect the population. There is also a statue of Antóno Schiappa, the great patron of the reforestation of Porto Santo. On the back the path leads us downhill again. The hiking route offers fantastic views, enchanting landscapes and a rich endemic vegetation.
