Cemitério Caniçal → Boca do Risco Coastal Hike

Hidden east coast hike with wild cliffs and multiple ways to finish

This is one of those hikes where you start in silence, with ocean on one side and dry cliffs on the other – and by the end you have a choice: keep pushing along the coast to Porto da Cruz for a poncha and taxi back, or cut inland toward Machico and call it a day.

The trail starts above Caniçal at the cemetery – already with killer views over Ponta de São Lourenço and the Atlantic. From here you climb gently up and then traverse along rugged cliffside paths toward Boca do Risco. It’s pure wild Madeira – hardly anyone else, just you, wind, and ocean spray.

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https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira--2/vereda-boca-do-risco-canical

Trail Details

• Distance:

  • Caniçal Cemetery → Boca do Risco: ~6 km (one way)

  • Option Boca do Risco → Porto da Cruz: additional ~6 km

  • Option Boca do Risco → Machico (via Larano): ~8 km

• Duration:

  • To Boca do Risco: 2–2.5 hours

  • Full to Porto da Cruz: 4–5 hours

  • Full to Machico: 3-4 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate (balcony sections, exposed cliffs, no shade)

• Start point: Cemitério de Caniçal (easy parking)

Why it’s special

• Some off-the-beaten-path energy in the beginning – hardly any hikers on this stretch

• Transition from dry east cliffs to greener north coast scenery

• Flexible ending: either Porto da Cruz (poncha + beach) or Machico (historic town + cafés)

Insider Tips

• Start early – sunrise light on the cliffs is unreal and avoids heat

• Bring plenty of water and a hat – there’s almost no shade

• If you continue to Porto da Cruz, plan for taxi back (~20 €) or check bus times

• For Machico finish: follow Larano Trail from Boca do Risco (its just a turn left to Machico direction)

• Combine with Ponta do Rosto sunrise beforehand if you’re keen for a big day

Perfect Combo

• Sunrise at Ponta do Rosto → Drive to Cemitério Caniçal → Hike to Boca do Risco → Continue to Porto da Cruz → Celebrate with poncha + lapas at A Pipa → Taxi back to start

For those who want more context…

"Boca do Risco (literally ‘Mouth of Danger’) was once a key crossing point between the dry east and the lush north coast. Farmers and fishermen carried goods along these cliff paths before roads existed – it’s wild to imagine doing this barefoot with baskets on your back. Today it’s one of my favorite hidden routes: dramatic, empty, and with endless options to extend or combine with Larano."