Porto Santo mountain hiking: Pico Branco and Terra Cha with guide

Walk uneven stone steps into wooded terrain and emerge at a sea cliff high above the water.

This mountain hiking tour follows the PR1 Porto Santo walking route to Pico Branco and Terra Cha, a 6km round trip with 360m elevation gain through a protected nature reserve on the quieter side of the island. A private guide with local knowledge leads the hike, and transport from your accommodation is included. The walk involves a series of steep steps through open land and wooded areas with panoramic views; you'll need moderate fitness and suitable footwear with good grip. You must book your own government pass via the Simplifica.madeira website within 48 hours of the activity, and you can bring your own food and water to the picnic area at Terra Cha.

The Experience

The hike starts on the mountain side with plenty of protection through open land before a series of steps climbs into highly wooded areas. The route is lightly walked and sits inside a protected nature reserve home to rare endemic plants and invertebrates. The path changes with the season—arid browns in summer, lush greens in winter with morning dew dripping off moss on the trees by the cliff slopes—so the landscape shifts depending on when you go.

Your guide meets you with transport arranged, and the round trip covers around 6km with 360m of elevation gain. The walk reaches Pico Branco, the second highest mountain, where a 480m sea cliff drops straight to the water. A turn-off leads to Terra Cha, a scenic picnic spot where you can rest and eat if you've brought food and water. The uneven steps and wooded terrain mean you'll need moderate fitness and footwear with good grip; the path is steep in sections and not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Insurance is included in the booking. Children from age 10 are welcome. You'll need to arrange your own government pass ticket through the Simplifica.madeira website within 48 hours—this is a requirement for walkers on this route and takes a few minutes to complete online.

What’s included

• Private transport from your accommodation.
• an experienced guide with local knowledge who speaks English.
• insurance.
• access to the protected nature reserve and the PR1 walking route.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Porto Santo Walks

Is this one for you?Book this if you're hiking alone or with one or two others and want a guide who knows the terrain and handles the logistics—the private setup means the pace stays yours and the transport is arranged before you arrive.

Top questions

What is Pico Branco and why does the hike go there?

Pico Branco is the second highest mountain in the area, and the hike reaches its summit where a 480m sea cliff drops straight down to the water. The PR1 walking route leads to the top with panoramic views across the protected nature reserve.

How long does the hike take and how steep is it?

The round trip takes around 4 hours and covers 6km with 360m of elevation gain. The walk includes a series of uneven steps through open land and then into wooded areas, so you'll need moderate fitness and suitable footwear with good grip.

What do I need to bring and what's included in the booking?

Private transport from your accommodation, a guide with local knowledge, and insurance are all included. You should bring food and water if you want to eat at the picnic area in Terra Cha, and you'll need to book your own government pass ticket via Simplifica.madeira within 48 hours of the activity.

Is this hike suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 10. The hike involves steep uneven steps and 360m of elevation gain, so they should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and have suitable footwear with good grip.

What makes Terra Cha worth visiting on this route?

Terra Cha is a scenic picnic spot reached by a turn-off from the main PR1 route to Pico Branco. It's a special place to rest and eat during the hike if you've brought your own food and water.