Porto da Cruz Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town and civil parish in Machico
About Porto da Cruz
The heart of Porto da Cruz (/ˈpoɾ.tu dɐ ˈkɾuʃ/,POHR-too duh KROOSH) sits on the Atlantic Ocean, with houses stretching into the mountainous terrain that surrounds the area. A striking escarpment,Penha da Águia (Eagle Rock)looms over Porto da Cruz. From 1858, an aguardente factory (sugarcane mill and rum distillery), one of many on the island, formed part of Porto da Cruz's industry. The town got its name because the founder of the town marked the harbor with an iron cross. The houses in and around the village are surrounded by trellised gardens and farms on the steep hills, irrigated by levadas and growing a variety of fruit and vegetables, including sugarcane still today. Porto da Cruz is a civil parish inMachicomunicipality.
Top Attractions in Porto da Cruz
Explore the best things to see and do in Porto da Cruz:
- ★Companhia dos Engenhos do Norte&Casa do Rum
- ★Engenho Velho Museum
- ★Fort Ruins
- ★Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe
- ★Levada do Castelejo
- ★Madeira Surf Camp
- ★Public swimming pools
- ★Vereda da Penha d'Aguia
Where to Eat in Porto da Cruz
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Snackbar a Pipa
- 🍴Snackbar Piscinas
- 🍴Snackbar Praia da Alagoa
Where to Stay in Porto da Cruz
- 🏨Hotel Costa Linda
- 🏨Jaca Hostel
- 🏨Madeira Surf Camp
- 🏨Vila Bela
Porto da Cruz Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: