Vereda do Larano is one of the most scenic coastal hikes in Madeira. The path leads you on to the dramatic cliffs of Northeastern Madeira and the view out to the vast Atlantic ocean is seriously breathtaking.

However – and this is a big however – if you have a fear of heights, forget about it. Skip this one.

You will read lots of online reviews declaring it to be a “very nice, easy hike.” And, indeed, it is an incredibly beautiful trail.

Also important to know: Vereda do Larano runs along the cliff face. These cliffs are over 300m high. Wowzah.

The hike won’t be easy if you suffer from vertigo or acrophobia. Speaking from firsthand experience. Those vertical drops are nuts!

But if you are a sure-footed, experienced hiker, then read on. This walking guide is for you!

LANGUAGE TIP: “Vereda” is a path or marked walking trail. Across Madeira island, you’ll find many more trail descriptions with this word: Vereda dos Balcões, Vereda do Fanal, etc.

About Vereda do Larano hike

The Vereda do Larano hike has an incredible array of scenery – farmland, forest, flora and most stunning of all, those coastal views I’ve already mentioned. While, yes, it’s one of the best coastal hikes in Madeira, expect to be dazzled by other elements on this walk also.

After all – it’s Madeira! There’s amazing nature everywhere!

How busy is the Verena do Larano trail?

Some walking routes in Madeira can get pretty busy with individual and group hikers Thankfully, this isn’t one of them. When I hiked Vereda do Larano in the month of April, the trail was fairly quiet – mostly across the Machico section. It did get a busier once the coastal segment of the trail started but nothing too crazy. (Probably because more people do the shorter out-and-back walk from Porto da Cruz.)

Hiking Vereda do Larano from Machico to Porto da Cruz

My experience of walking from Machico to Vereda do Larano and ending in Porto da Cruz.

Great news to kick things off: the path to Vereda do Larano is easily accessible.

The No. 113 bus dropped us off just before the old tunnel to Caniçal in Machico. We crossed the road and walked right up and on to Levada do Caniçal, the starting point for this hike.

Levada do Caniçal 

This first section of the hike takes you past homes and farmland, with a constant view of Machico. It’s normal to cross paths with local farmers on levada paths so Be ready with a friendly “Bom dia!”

LANGUAGE TIP: “Poios” refer to the terraced land across farms in Madeira. 

After approximately 3km, there is a turn-off point with a gentle ascent up the valley to Boca do Risco. You’ll need to be vigilant as the sign is not immediately obvious (but it’s there!)

The valley section is brief but I really enjoyed it. It’s super tranquil and there was the added bonus of springtime blooms framing the trail.

Boca do Risco Viewpoint

Then, comes Boca do Risco where you get your view of the beautiful northern Madeira coastline.

We instantly knew we’d arrived at the viewpoint by the sudden presence of several other hikers hanging around on various rocky perches. It was fairly windy at Boca do Risco though so we took in the views and quickly moved onwards to the main draw of the day, Vereda do Larano.

Boca do Risco to Vereda do Larano

The trail then goes under a canopy at trees, teasing at ocean views. The path here is broad. And yet, this section is definitely where my body first detected that we were now in steep drop-off territory.

The path then opens up where a scene of dramatic cliffs and vast ocean unfolds. It’s now prime time on Vereda do Larano.

From this point onwards, it is a beautiful cliff-side walk all the way to Porto da Cruz.

I’m going to pause here to circle back to the topic of walking Veredo do Larano with vertigo as it was at this point that the hike became quite challenging for me, even though it was flat terrain…

Can you hike Vereda do Larano if you are afraid of heights?

Although Vereda do Larano is one of the most scenic hikes in Madeira, I couldn’t fully appreciate its beauty. I was too busy trying to get my body to move forward while averting my eyes away from the edge.

Given my own experience, I would not recommend hiking along Vereda do Larano if you are afraid of heights or edges. All of the hike is not stressful, but the scary bits are very scary.

ALTERNATE HIKES: Take a day trip that combines sightseeing and hiking, going from Levada dos Tornos to Monte Palace Gardens, or to the Valley of the Nuns. I enjoyed both of these adventures!

Finishing my Vereda do Larano hike in Porto da Cruz

After trekking around the cliff, the path transitions into a forest section before ending by the old cable car station (or “Teleférico da Fajã do Larano“) in Porto da Cruz.

KNOWLEDGE BITE: The now defunct Teleférico da Fajã do Larano, or “Faja do Larano Cable Car”, was a means of transport for local farmers, assisting them in accessing their land. In Madeira, these agricultural terraces located at the foot of cliffs are called “fajãs”.

If you’re taking a bus or Bolt back to Machico or Funchal, then continue onwards on the long but scenic descent into the town of Porto da Cruz

TIP: After completing your hike, grab a meal at “A Pipa” in Porto da Cruz. Try the grilled squid. You won’t be disappointed.

Planning your transport for Vereda do Larano hike

As I did not rent a car in Madeira, one of the great selling points of this hike was how easily accessible the trailhead was by bus. Here is a guide to getting to the path by either bus or car.

How to get to Vereda do Larano

By Bus

Take the No. 113 bus from Funchal. (This is the same bus that goes to Ponta de São Lourenço). Ask the driver to stop at Tunnel Caniçal. You can check out the bus schedule here.

By Car 

Here are a few options to consider if you are driving:

Option 1: Park your car in Porto da Cruz and take a Bolt to Machico to start the hike. 

Option 2: Leave your car in Machico in the vicinity of the Caniçal tunnel. Once you’ve completed the hike, return to Machico by Bolt or the No. 208 bus which stops in Machico. 

Option 3: Park in Porto da Cruz. There are very few parking slots near the Cabo de Larano viewpoint so arrive early. Walk to Boca do Risco viewpoint and retrace your steps back to Porta da Cruz. 

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I hope this guide and my trip report on hiking Vereda do Larano is helpful if you are considering going on this trail. Happy hiking!