Porto Santo hiking tour: Terra Chã and Pico Branco

A narrow rock trail to 450 meters, panoramic views, and the fauna and flora most visitors miss

This hiking tour in Porto Santo takes you along a historic rock trail to Terra Chã and Pico Branco, the island's second-highest peak at 450 meters, with a live guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language. The walk runs 2.5 hours through nature with pickup and drop-off included; children from age 5 are welcome, and the guide covers the island's secrets of fauna and flora while you climb to a 360-degree view. Insurance and the mandatory fee for classified walking trails are included.

The Experience

What makes this hike different from a solo walk is the guide and the people. You get picked up anywhere in Porto Santo and join a small shared group—travelers you don't know yet, but the operator builds the day around meeting them. The trail itself dates back to the 20th century, a narrow rock path that leads upward through the island's interior, away from where most tourists stay.

The destination is Pico Branco at 450 meters, the second-highest peak on the island. From the top, you get a 360-degree view of Porto Santo that the guide uses to point out the fauna and flora most visitors never learn about. Terra Chã, the other named stop, sits along the route and offers its own panoramic sight lines. The whole climb takes 2.5 hours, so it is not a casual stroll—you need at least a moderate level of fitness—but it is not a technical scramble either. The guide sets the pace and stays with the group.

Pickup happens at any location in Porto Santo you name, and drop-off brings you back the same way. Insurance is included, as is the mandatory fee for the classified walking trails. If you are bringing children, they can join from age 5 onward; let the operator know at booking if you need a child seat in the vehicle. Public transportation options exist nearby if you prefer to meet the group at a trailhead instead.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off at any location in Porto Santo.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one additional language.
• insurance.
• and the mandatory fee for classified walking trails.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Porto Santo Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to climb to an actual summit rather than stay on flat ground, and you're comfortable joining other travelers—the shared group and local guide make the hike feel like discovering the island, not just exercise.

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Top questions

What is Pico Branco and why does the guide take you there?

Pico Branco is the second-highest peak on Porto Santo at 450 meters, and it is the endpoint of this hike because it offers a 360-degree view of the entire island. The guide uses that vantage point to explain the island's fauna and flora, which is information most visitors never get.

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

The walk takes 2.5 hours total and follows a narrow rock trail dating back to the 20th century. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness; the guide sets the pace and stays with the group the whole way.

Do I hike alone or with other people?

You hike as part of a small shared group. The operator picks you up in Porto Santo and intentionally builds the day around meeting travelers you don't know, with the goal of creating a friendly environment where people enjoy each other's company.

Can I bring my child on this hike?

Children are welcome from age 5 onward. If you need a child seat in the pickup vehicle, contact the operator by phone at the time of booking to confirm availability.

What is included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off anywhere in Porto Santo, a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or one additional language, insurance, and the mandatory fee for classified walking trails are all included. Food and drinks are not.

Is this hike recommended if I have a spinal injury or heart condition?

The hike is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, so discuss your health with the operator before booking if you have concerns.