PORTO DA CRUZ
(Parish of Machico)
32°46′20″N 16°49′44″W
Porto da Cruz is a civil parish in the municipality of Machico in the northeastern corner of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 2,597, in an area of 25.22 km2.
History
The origin of the community's name came from the fact that the original discoverer affixed a steel cross at the port, to identify the location to ocean travelers better. During the early settlement of the northern coast, goods destined for the northern communities (such as Santo António da Serra) were offloaded in the harbor.
The parish of Porto da Cruz was created on 26 September 1577, by Jerónimo Barreto, establishing as its patron Nossa Senhora da Piedade (English: Our Lady of Piety). During the contract signing, the formal donation identified the new church as Nossa Senhora da Glória (English: Our Lady of Glory), but after completion, it was consecrated as Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (English: Our Lady of Guadaloupe).
Since its establishment, the parish pertained to the Captaincy of Machico, but in 1835, it was integrated into the municipality of Santana with the administrative reforms of the Liberal regime. On 19 October 1852, these changes were nullified and the parish returned to the municipality of Machico.
Cultivation and harvesting of sugarcane occupied the activities of early settlers. The aguardente factory, completed after 1858, was part of this industry, converting the grapes and juice into a local spirit, uniquely cultivating the American caste of grape in this territory.
Geography
The northern parish is enveloped by the mountains of Paul da Serra: Pico da Suna (1040 meters), Pico do Larano (765 meters) and Pico da Maiata (766 meters) are the highest points in the parish. Even along the coast, Penha de Águia (a mountainous escarpment 580 meters in altitude) is difficult to climb; the area, Penha da Águia, means mountain of the eagles, giving the impression that only the birds settle these lands.
The rugged terrain and difficult communication has, over the years, resulted in small agglomerations of inhabitants, resulting in a "community of communities" that includes 78 different localities:
Cabeço da Volta; Cabeço do Vento, Cabeço Velho; Caias Velho; Cal;
Caldeirão; Canavieira; Cancela – Larano; Casas Próximas; Castelejo;
Carquejas; Cerrado; Chã; Chãs; Chão da Cevada; Chão das Feiteiras
Chão das Moiras; Chão dos Tocos; Chiqueiros; Choupana;
Caminho Chão; Caminho do Moinho; Caminho Novo; Córrego da Lapa;
Currais; Curralinho; Degolada; Eira (Referta); Eira do Toco; Espigão
Espigão Amarelo; Fajã da Madeira; Fajã do Mar; Fajã do Milho
Fajã da Palmeira; Fajanzinha; Fajã do Furado; Folhadal; Fontana
Fonte Vermelha; Fontes; Fontinha; Francelho; Forca dos Ratos
Fonte São João da Fonte; Furado; Furna do Negro; Galo; Gambão
Ginjas; Ilhéu; Jangalinha; Jãvelho; Jogo da Bola; Juncal; Junqueira
Ladeiras; Ladeira da Rocha; Ladeirada Paulina; Lajedo; Lajinha
Lamaceiros; Lameiro; Larano; Lava-pés; Levadiça; Lombinho; Lombo;
Lombo do António Dias; Lombo do Capitão; Lombo da Carqueja
Lombo Comprido; Lombo do Cura; Lombo da Forma
Lombo do João Nunes; Lombo dos Leais (Folhadal);
Lombo do Morgado
Located in North-Eastern Madeira, Porto da Cruz is the largest parish of the municipality (25.13 km²) and is covered by a vast and beautiful stretch of Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO natural heritage site.
The Parish
The first settlers erected a cross in the harbor, originating the name of the parish. Porto da Cruz was one of the first places inhabited on the North Coast.
The lush Laurel forest of Ribeiro Frio and majestic Penha de Águia are the defining natural landmarks of the parish. Penha de Águia fills the horizon and separates Porto da Cruz from Faial in neighbouring Santana.
Porto da Cruz is a rural parish dominated by the primary sector. The humanized landscape, resulting from the farmland scattered among the valleys embellishes the natural environment.
Sugar cane has been cultivated since the beginning of the settlement and is made into Aguardente (white rum) which is then used in Poncha.
Thanks to the vast forests growing in the municipality, Porto da Cruz is known as the Trail Running capital of the Island, where several training courses challenge and delight runners.
Outdoor activities and extreme sports, such as surfing, paragliding and mountain biking are just some examples of what makes Porto da Cruz a reference in adventure experiences.
Area: 25.13 km²
Inhabitants: 2 597
Population Density: 111.1 hab/km²
Elevated to a town on 2nd of August 1996
Points of Interest
Trail Zone
Porto da Cruz Sugar cane Mill
Surf at Alagoa beach
Engenho do Norte
32.774318, -16.828198
Located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, Engenho do Norte is one of the main living testimonies of the historical production of sugar on the island. Visiting these facilities is, therefore, truly synonymous with a journey back in time.
Engenho do Norte was built in 1927, and was equipped with 19th-century machinery. However, one must go back to the 16th century to understand its relevance. It was at this time that Madeira established itself as one of the most famous sugar producers in the world, and sugar was then known as 'white gold'. Even today, sugar cane remains one of the most important crops for the island.
As one of the three old mills active in Madeira, it can be truly regarded as a museum. In addition to seeing machinery from the Industrial Revolution times, you can follow the production of sugar cane brandy, or rum, according to the original methods.
Between March and May, visitors can witness the transformation process. During the rest of the year, one can see the machines with fewer safety constraints and understand the mechanism using interactive devices. Afterward, you can taste several brandies at 'Casa do Rum', next to Engenho do Norte, Madeira.
Details
Engenho do Norte, in Madeira, was built in 1927. Still active, it continues to be used to produce sugar cane brandy, or rum, according to the original process.
Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex
32.77377953919402, -16.82702101251932
In the municipality of Machico, on Madeira's east coast, visitors can find a leisure area equipped with modern facilities, perfect for sunbathing and refreshing dips. The Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex is highly recommended if you want to make the most of warm days.
This complex is located on Passeio Marítimo de Porto da Cruz, a pedestrian walkway that stretches along the town's elegant coastline. From here, you can peacefully contemplate the surf of sea that bathes this area and the mountainous landscape that dominates its surroundings.
This is the scenery visitors to the Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex can enjoy while making the most of this beach's excellent conditions. Here, the spotlight is on the two swimming pools of Porto da Cruz: a larger one, suitable for adults, and one designed for children.
In addition, the Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex has changing rooms, showers, toilets, a bar, sun loungers and parasols available for rent, and a public parking area. All are designed so that the whole family can enjoy a relaxing, comfortable, and fun bathing experience.
Details
The Porto da Cruz Bathing Complex, located on Passeio Marítimo de Porto da Cruz, has two swimming pools. One for adults and another for children with various support facilities.
Praia da Maiata
(Maiata Beach)
32.767454, -16.820980
Madeira's northeast coast is known for offering perfect characteristics for the practice of several water sports, such as surfing. Maiata Beach is one of the most attractive spots in the region for these athletes.
Located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, municipality of Machico, this bathing resort stands out for the colours that bring its scenery to life. The black shades of the sand - a mixture of black sand and pebbles - contrast with the crystal-clear water that bathes it and with the green mountains that shelter it. A natural setting with memorable outlines.
More than a place suitable for bathing, Maiata Beach is sought after by surf aficionados. The waves on this beach are recognised for their excellence by the main specialty websites. It is an unavoidable regional reference for this sport, attracting surfers of all levels.
So, this is a hotspot of choice for surfers coming from all over the island. Some many recreational companies and schools develop their activity in this area. We should also note that the freely accessible Maiata Beach does not have any support facilities or supervision.
Details
Located in Porto da Cruz, Maiata Beach is known for the excellence of its waves. It is, therefore, one of surfers' favourite spots on Madeira's northeast coast.
Praia da Alagoa
(Alagoa Beach)
32.773872, -16.829016
Located on the northeast coast of the island of Madeira, Alagoa Beach has all the necessary conditions for bathers to enjoy a relaxing day in an idyllic retreat by the sea. With all the comfort and unique surroundings, it is one of the best options for any beach and nature lover.
This bathing area is located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, municipality of Machico. Upon arrival, visitors are faced with an idyllic setting, painted in contrasting colours. The crystal-clear blue of the water on one side, the grand mountain covered in shades of green overlooking the sea on the other, and black sand in the middle. A picturesque picture that will hardly be forgotten.
Alagoa Beach, Madeira, with its volcanic, natural sand, offers bathers all the comfort for a relaxing day in the sun. It also has good access to the sea, a restaurant area, a bar, changing rooms, toilets, sun loungers and parasols available for rent, a playground, and a public parking area.
In addition, it has the perfect conditions for nautical activities. As such, Alagoa Beach is very popular among the surfing community.
Details
Located in the parish of Porto da Cruz, Alagoa Beach stands out for its black sand and for the mountain overlooking the sea, with green shades. It has various amenities.
Porto da Cruz - Machico trail
32.774023, -16.828605 (Porto da Cruz)
32.714114,-16.765842 (Machico)
The trail that connects Porto da Cruz to Machico allows trail running in contact with enchanting ocean landscapes.
Between beach and forest areas, this trail offers athletes a pleasurable experience of close contact with the best of Nature.
With a total length of 15.5 km, the Porto da Cruz - Machico trail running route can be completed in about three hours.
It is classified with a moderate degree of difficulty, including, in the first half, a continuous ascent of about 370 metres (followed by a descent with approximately the same level difference).
The Porto da Cruz - Machico trail begins at Alagoa beach and continues towards Vereda do Larano.
Amid the Laurissilva forest, athletes can enjoy a surprising view over the ocean. The permanent presence of the sound of the sea is, in fact, one of the most interesting peculiarities of this trail.
After this climb up the northern coast of Madeira, runners will enter a small forest. That is where the descent towards the south area begins.
The race finishes near the yellow sand beach of the parish of Machico, the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing swim.
Details
Distance: 15.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Start/End: Alagoa Beach (Porto da Cruz) / Machico Beach
Level difference +: 370 m
Level difference -: 370 m
💝💝💝💝💝
SEARCH IN
MACHICO MUNICIPALITY
Return to mainland Portugal and
to the Azores and Madeira islands
No comments:
Post a Comment