Tour of northwest Madeira

This journey begins at the Encumeada Hotel, which has an interesting strategic location in the middle of the mountains at an altitude of almost 1000 m above sea level.

From the Encumeada saddle there is a wonderful view of the surrounding sharply cut mountain peaks.

The road descends northwards along a series of serpentines and leads us to individual settlements, which are surrounded by vineyards. The well-known stronger fortified Madeira wine is prepared from the vine here, but lovers of the classic – still wines will also enjoy themselves.

The management of the vine is completely different from the customs of Bohemia and Moravia. At a height of about one meter, a kind of net is created, to which the plant attaches. You can stop by the road, walk through the vineyards as you like and enjoy the northern walls of the mountains.

On the next descent to the north, on the right side are the terraces on which lies the village of Lameiros.

On the next descent to the north, there are terraces on the right side, where the village of Lameiros is located.

From Sao Vicente, a road with numerous bends and a changing elevation profile leads east (we turn right after the exit from Encumeada), overcoming numerous cliffs.

This town is also located on a slope full of terraces. It is possible to continue from it to the east of the island, unless the road is closed due to frequent landslides after some heavy rain.

Returning along the coast to the west, we reach the seat of Ribeira da Janela. There is a rugged terrain with numerous basalt rocks.

From the coastal road it ascends to the mouth of the valley of the same name with an interesting levada. On the opposite side are terraces and a small village.

The path through the valley is at first wide, comfortable, with views of the opposite slopes and the ocean in the north.

In the next step, the path acquires a typical levada character. Even if the weather is nice, it does not mean that you will not get wet. Protection against falling water from the surrounding slopes is usually only partial.

There are also a number of tunnels and tunnels on this road, which a flashlight or a headlamp will definitely help to overcome.

After a walk along the levada, it is possible to continue a few kilometers by SW to the viewpoint over very steep cliffs. Below them is the small residence of Achadas da Cruz, which can be reached either on foot or by cable car.

There are numerous waterfalls on the opposite western slopes of the mountains.

When returning by the same road, it is possible to make a stop at the basalt cliffs of Ribeira da Janela. There is also a small statue of the Virgin Mary in one of the basalt walls.