Vila Bela: Porto da Cruz

INTRODUCING YOU TO THE LOVELY VILLAGE OF PORTO DA CRUZ !

Porto da Cruz, a charming village situated in the northeast coast of Madeira Island. The village is named after a cross placed in its coast to indicate a safe port for the Portuguese explorers.

One of the many agricultural crops of this region is the sugar cane. The sugar cane mill of Porto da Cruz is still operating and producing sugar cane rum since 1927.

Dry red wine is also being produced in Porto da Cruz with the “American grape”. This wine has become very popular and every year in September the “Grape and Agricultor Festival” takes place in Porto da Cruz. 

An important port in the north cost, Porto da Cruz had its fortress defending against the corsairs and its guard to observe the sea. In a small hill in the centre of the village, the so called “Pico”, erected in 1708 and dismantled in 1804, it is still possible to visit its remains.

Besides all this, between Porto da Cruz and Faial lies a great rock formation with 580 meters heigh called Penha d'Águia (Eagles’ rock), as if only the eagles could land there. You can climb it by a steep road with fabulous views over the sea and surrounding areas.

The village is also famous as one of the best surf spots in the island (especially for starters) hosting several Surf and Bobyboard competitions in the last few years. There are two beaches in Porto da Cruz and one public pool open during the high season.

The village has a pleasant promenade with great views where you can find the "ladies of the village" with their islanders’ accent in their routine walks and anglers cheering the black rocks on the sea. Throughout this tour, the geology is also a highlight, unique and remembering that we are on an island formed by lava and ashes, out of the ocean depths - a condition often overlooked due to the non existence of volcanoes in the island. You can also enjoy walking through stunning landscapes in the trails Porto da Cruz has to offer.

The village has: a health centre, a 

pharmacy, a bakery, several bars and 

restaurants, an elementary school, a 

post office, a small shop, a church, 

several chapels, the “Flores de Maio” 

cultural association, the Civic Centre of 

Porto da Cruz, a taxi square, among 

others.

SOURCES:

http://www.madeira-live.com/pt/portocruz.html

http://fugas.publico.pt/DicasDosLeitores/338061_ir-as-lapas-no-porto-da-cruz#.VATN-JPdSqw.facebook

http://portodacruz.blogspot.pt/2008/08/freguesia-do-porto-da-cruz-segundo-o.html

PHOTOS:
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