The hike starts near the old tunnel that connects Machico to Caniçal, specifically along a section of the Levada do Caniçal. You can easily park your car on a quiet side road nearby. The trail is mostly flat and offers beautiful views over Caniçal, a charming fishing village known for its history in the whaling industry up until 1982.
The levada path eventually descends into the village center. If you're like me and prefer not to hike back uphill afterward, this is a good spot to turn around. Otherwise, you can follow the wide trail on your left uphill toward Alice Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view over the north coast and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a quick lunch break and snap a few photos before heading back.