Porto da Cruz is a charming village nestled in a bay, at the foot of rugged mountains and the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. With the imposing Penha d’Aguia to one side, two beaches, seawater pools, and a lovely promenade, there are plenty of attractions to discover.
Closely linked to rum making, this small village has a real “local” atmosphere, where life moves at a relaxed pace.
Here is our travel guide to getting up close and personal with this impressive and surprisingly quaint north east Madeira town.
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HOW TO GET TO PORTO DA CRUZ, MADEIRA
The small charming village of Porto da Cruz is located along the North East coast of Madeira Island. Getting here from other towns in Madeira is extremely easy.
Driving in Madeira is straightforward and the best way to discover the island independently.
- Funchal to Porto da Cruz is 33km/38 minutes by car via ER101
- Santana to is 9.5km/15 minutes by car via the VE1
- Machico to Porto da Cruz is 11km/15 minutes by car via ER101
- If travelling by bus, check the timetable beforehand
Parking in the village is easy and free, and can be seen marked on the map. Exploring on foot is the best way to get around.
PORTO DA CRUZ MAP
See all the best things to do in Porto da Cruz in the map below.
FACTS AND HISTORY OF MADEIRA PORTO DA CRUZ
Surrounded by a mountainous terrain and the ocean, the village is one of the oldest settlements on the island. The town got its name when the first inhabitants marked the port (porto) with an iron cross (cruz).
Porto da Cruz’s sheltered harbor offered an ideal location for offloading of goods destined for the northern communities. In the 16th-century, a sugar mill began the village’s longstanding association with rum making.
When you are visiting Porto da Cruz, things to do may not seem obvious at first glance. But walk around on foot and you will discover some great attractions.
1. ENGENHO DO NORTE (NORTHERN MILL)
Porto da Cruz is closely linked to rum production, with the village having one of the few remaining mills on the island. Operation has remained the same since 1927, with active rum production taking place from March to May.
Take a free tour around the factory and learn about the process of turning sugar cane into rum. View the industrial equipment used including traditional copper stills. See the storage barrels, and discover how the 26-metre high chimney, a great symbol of the distillery, was restored in 2019.
SUGAR MAKING & SUGAR PRODUCTION
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Madeira was the most world-renowned producer of sugar, known then, as “White Gold”. Originally introduced to the island in 1425, the first industrial plant was in Machico.
Documents show that in the 16th-century Machico had four sugar mills, Faial two, and Porto da Cruz one.
Sugar production during this time involved numerous operations, including:
- Cutting the cane and crushing it in the mill
- Cooking the resulting juice in metal boilers to make a syrup or “Guarapo”
- Purging process whereby the syrup was poured into clay moulds to crystallise the sugar
- Removal of the sugar loaves from the moulds, separating them according to their quality
- Finally, the sugar was sold in wooden boxes
Following your tour around the factory, pop next door and for a small charge, sample some of the rum produced at the mill, including the famous poncha and honey cake.
RUM PRODUCTION
Rum or Rhum? Madeira rum is rhum agricole, meaning it is made directly from sugar cane syrup.
This distillery only makes Rhum Agricole, meaning the rum is made from fresh sugar cane juice. In 2017, of the 12,000 tons of sugar cane produced, 3,300 tons were from Engenhos do Norte.
- Sugar cane is ready for harvest a year after planting
- It takes 12kg of sugar cane to produce 1 litre of rhum, at 50% alcohol by volume
- Today, sugar cane in Madeira is a protected geographical indication (PGI)
- Nowadays, sugar cane in Madeira is used exclusively for making Rhum Agricole and treacle.
How To Visit:
- Rua do Cais nº6, 9225
- Free access to visitors outside production months
- Open Mon to Fri 9am-6pm and Sat 10am-5pm | Closed Sundays
2. PORTO DA CRUZ SURF FACILITIES
If you want to learn to surf, Porto da Cruz weather offers ideal conditions for surfing beginners. In fact, the village is considered to be the second-best surfing hotspot on the island.
Rugged coastline views, natural beauty, and excellent waves have surfers of all abilities flocking to the area. For those looking to hire equipment or take surf lessons, here are some options to consider:
- Calhau Surf School: Rent a board, or choose a surf lesson from the first surf school to operate in Madeira Island. Ideally located near the beach.
- Madeira Surf Camp: This surf school offers packages for all abilities, together with accommodation.
3. PORTO DA CRUZ BEACHES
The seafront offers incredible Atlantic Ocean views, beaches, swimming pools and some of the best bathing options on the north coast.
ALAGOA BEACH
Of the two beaches, this small black sand beach is more suitable for swimming. Plus, you get to swim under the watchful eye of the 500m high Eagle Rock.
- Located in the most westerly cove
- Stunning views of the ocean and majestic Penha d’Aguia, an enormous formation between Porto da Cruz and Faial
- Beach is a mixture of some black sand and pebbles of varying size
- Easy access down steps, with toilets, showers, and café
PRAIA DO PORTO DA CRUZ
Located in front of the cafes at the eastern end of the promenade, is the village’s other beach, Porto da Cruz beach.
- Pebble beach with no facilities
- Offers consistently good surf and great views
4. SEAFRONT PROMENADE
A wonderful walking route along the small but scenic promenade, begins at the eastern beach, and leads to the tiny harbour and swimming area.
Paved and flat, it is a very scenic walk with the different rock formations and views along the coastline.
5. PORTO DA CRUZ SWIMMING POOL
The Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex (Piscinas Naturais) is located along the promenade, and consists of two swimming pools: a larger one, suitable for adults, and a smaller one designed for children.
These natural seawater pools are only open in summer for a small fee, and have fantastic coastal views.
The Complex has changing rooms, showers, toilets, bar, sun loungers and fixed umbrellas, available for rent.
6. IGREJA DE NOSSA SENHORA DE GUADALUPE
The Parish Church of Porto da Cruz, commonly known as Igreja de Nossa Guadalupe, was built in 1577. Designed by Portugese architect Raúl Chorão Ramalho, the church originally established its patron as Our Lady of Piety (Nossa Senhora da Piedade).
However, on signing of contracts, the church was consecrated as Our Lady of Glory (Nossa Senhora da Glória.
The modern white architectural style is clean and simple, and the church is open daily for everyone, so wander in and take a look around.
EATING AT PORTO DA CRUZ RESTAURANTS
There are several cafes and restaurants in town, all serving traditional fare. While the ones lining the promenade all offer standard menus, for a more local experience, head to A Pipa restaurant & bar.
Enjoy Portuguese cuisine, fresh fish and seafood dishes, all served by friendly helpful staff.
If you are looking for some Porto da Cruz nightlife, a good spot to have a drink is Dino’s Bar.
For those who are self-catering, there is a mini Mercado for basic supplies, on Rua dos Cravos.
WHERE TO STAY – PORTO DA CRUZ HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION
Whilst not overloaded with accommodation choices, there are some lovely places to stay, including:
- HOTEL VILA BELA PORTO DA CRUZ: Located just 100 meters away from beach Praia da Alagoa. Check out availability and photos.
- QUINTA DA VILA: Self-cater in style. Check out availability and photos.
- MADEIRA SURF CAMP: Shared lounge and terrace. Check availability and photos.
- JACA HOSTEL PORTO DA CRUZ: 100 metres from Alagoa Beach. Check availability and photos.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEARBY
- Miradouro do Guindaste, one of the best Madeira viewpoints.
- Praia do Faial, one of the best Madeira beaches.
- Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco, a great hike along the peninsula.
- Santana traditional houses.
- Rocha do Navio, one of the scenic cable cars in Madeira.
- Walk up Penha d’Aguia.
- Nature trail Porto da Cruz, a famous trail competition.
We hope this article has inspired you to explore this charming town. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
MORE POSTS ON MADEIRA
We have several interesting articles for you to read and help with your planning:
- Driving in Madeira – a guide for first timers
- Cable Cars in Madeira for a thrilling ride
- Visit Ponta do Garajau Madeira
- Renting a car in Madeira
- Best Towns in madeira
- Ponta Do Sol Madeira
- Madeira Hidden Gems
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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