Begin the ascent from the south coast at Ribeira Brava, winding up to the 1,004-metre Encumeada pass. From this vantage point, both the north and south coasts of Madeira are visible on clear days, framing the island's dramatic volcanic spine.

Join a gentle trail alongside a traditional water channel, or levada, passing through the cool shade of the Laurissilva forest. The path alternates between open viewpoints over the Ribeira da Janela valley and enclosed sections dense with ancient laurel vegetation.

Explore the volcanic caves discovered in 1885, featuring stalactites, lava accumulations, and an erratic basalt block carried by ancient lava flows. Continue along the north coast road past the black sand beach of Porto do Seixal and the natural pools at Seixal.

The lava-rock pools at Porto Moniz form a natural basin where warm, clear Atlantic water circulates continuously. A promenade connects the pools to the Madeira Aquarium, a children's playground, and several waterfront restaurants.

At the westernmost tip of Madeira, the 1922 lighthouse stands 312 metres above sea level on a dramatic basalt cliff escarpment. This is among the most remote and least-visited corners of the island, accessible via old roads rarely used by tourist traffic.

Descend to the sunnier south-facing coast, passing through Ponta do Sol with its historic 19th-century pier and the Angels Waterfall that cascades directly onto the old coastal road. The banana plantations of Madalena do Mar signal the fertile southern microclimate as you return.