Porto da Cruz is a small village, in the municipality of Machico, in the northeastern side of Madeira, a Portuguese island. It's enclosed by the mountains of Paul da Serra. Pico do Larano (765m/2509ft), Pico da Suna (1040m/3412ft) and Pico da Maiata (766m/2513ft) are the highest points. Its name derives from a cross (Cruz), that the explorers placed on a loch, that once used as a port (Porto).
If you visit this place, you’ll probably think that it’s a waste of time. But don’t be in a hurry. If you like the game of the hidden treasures, then you are in the right place. You should take a closer look to find the old sugar cane factory. It started the sugar production in 1927, and it’s still working in the same way.
So, follow the steam that is coming out and you will find a 26 m/85 ft tall tower. If you don’t be afraid of the heights, then it’s worth to get on Penha d’ Aguia, an imperial rock that separates Porto da Cruz from Faial, a civil parish in the municipality of Santana, in Madeira. The view from up there is amazing. Listen to the birds and sing with them. If you want to change repertory, and listen something else, then you should try to come close with the waves of Porto da Cruz beach.
Take your surfboard because it’s time for surf. Ride on the forward face of the reef-rocky waves, no matter the experience you have. Play with the power of the waves and enjoy the sandy and rocky bottom. The north swell direction is the best while the north and south direction of the wind will help you out. The swell size starts working at less than 1 m (3 ft) and holds up to 2.5 m+ (8 ft+).
Precisely, in summer the waves swell size is from 1.3 to 2 m (4-6.5 ft) and the wind blows onshore 80%. In autumn, the waves swell size is from 1.3 to 3 m (4-10 ft) and the wind blows onshore 60%. In spring, we have the same swell size as in autumn and the wind blows onshore 62%. In winter, most of the time the waves are from 2 to 3 m (6.5-10 ft) and the wind blows onshore 47%.
The beach has the right conditions for all kind of surfers, but if you need help there is a surf school at your disposal. If you feel thirsty, you should drink the good wine in the tasteful restaurants. And, if you want all this magic in your dreams, then Porto da Cruz can provide you comfortable accommodations where you can relax.
