Coastline of Madeira Photo Gallery

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The coastline eastward along from Porto da Cruz

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Porto da Cruz lies on the north coast of eastern Madeira about 30km from Funchal. However, the journey by road is either around the coastline or up over the mountainous interior of the island, so leave plenty of time to navigate the winding roads. The town itself was once an important harbour. The produce was carried to the town on the backs of the local inhabitants, walking from the island's interior down steep dirt tracks. In particular, wine was carried this way in leather back pouches. The wine carriers earned the name borracheiros, meaning drunkards, because they often drank some of their cargo en route. Today, however, the boats no longer dock to convey cargo. The harbour is now used by locals and tourists alike for recreational activities. There is a particularly nice walk along a promenade around the headland. As the photo shows, the scenery to east of the town is stark and barren.

Map giving location of Porto da Cruz, Madeira

“A” marks the spot