Vereda da Penha d'Aguia

Eagle Rock

This strenuous hike takes you to the 590-metre-high massif overlooking the sea and village. To find the trailhead, take any of the main roads from the centre of Porto da Cruz, uphill (about 40 minutes hiking, or 10 minutes driving). Just before the blue bar, a blue and white "Verada da Penha d'Aguia" sign will point to a levada threading between houses; follow this for 100 m until another sign (whose back is facing you) points to a left-turn away from the levada and up a steep, windy trail. After 40–60 minutes the trail forks: turn right to overlook Porto da Cruz, or turn left to overlook São Roque do Faial.

• outdoors