6 – Walk Larano – Boca do Risco – Maroços

Full-Day Madeira Island Walk

6 – Walk Larano – Boca do Risco – Maroços

The Walk  Larano starts at the Levada dos Maroços, in Machico, where the first section of the hike is easy and flat. We walk all the way to Porto da Cruz through an old footpath that was once used by the locals to go from one village to another.

While we walk along the Levada we can see Mimosa trees and carefully worked agricultural land and crops. Here we can also experience magnificent views over Machico city.

Soon after we leave behind the Levada and start going up a trail that leads to Boca do Risco viewpoint. At this location, we have a superb view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged landscape of the Northeast coast. From this viewpoint, we can also see the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and Penha d’Águia rock formation. When the weather is clear we are even able to see Porto Santo Island.

After a short break, we continue walking towards Porto da Cruz through the Larano footpath. This pathway was excavated from the cliff itself, it is quite narrow and vertiginous, nonetheless, the views are breathtaking.

Along the way, it is possible to observe some exotic species of flora, such as the eucalyptus, the mimosa trees, the bracken, and the gorse. It is also possible to observe some endemic species, like the shrubby trefoil, the wax myrtle, the houseleek, and the kidney leaved fern. 

Regarding the fauna, it might be possible to spot a few species of birds, for instance, the kestrel, the buzzard, the Madeira firecrest, the blackbird, and the chaffinch.

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What to Bring?

According to the time of the year that you chose to walk in Madeira and taking into consideration our changeable weather, it is necessary to be well prepared for the Levada walks and the mountain trails.

Recommended Equipment