PICO DE BAIXO HIKE ON PORTO SANTO

The Pico de Baixo peak is a 209-meter, steep mountain on the east aspect of Porto Santo Island. It’s not an official mountain climbing route but it surely is likely one of the finest dawn views on the island and a enjoyable climb involving some sketchy scrambling, and a few sand dune sliding. This is an journey for these prepared to get a little bit soiled, possibly a couple of scrapes and do some scrambling up the mountainside.

PICO DE BAIXO HIKE DETAILS

• Hike Distance: The complete distance of the hike was 4 kilometers however you may shorten it in case you don’t stroll via the tunnel and simply go straight up and down the height.
• Hike Duration: The hike will take you about 2 hours if in case you have a break on the viewpoint to look at the dawn. If you simply go straight up and down, I’m positive it may be completed in below 1.5 hours.
• Hike Difficulty: This is an unofficial path. Very unofficial. When I arrived at Porto dos Frades, I had no thought it was doable to climb the height. I simply drove to Porto dos Frades as a result of I knew it could face east for dawn. However, I noticed a doable route up and simply went for it. If you go up and down by way of the sand dune aspect, on the jap fringe of the mountain it’s a lot simpler. I figured this out as soon as I used to be on the high and it was gentle so I may analyze the most effective path. I went up from the south aspect at midnight and it was fairly technical and concerned lots of scrambling so I’d keep away from that because it wasn’t tremendous protected. You can see on the map I’ve linked beneath the route I took on the east aspect up the height. This was tremendous simple (in case you are able to scrambling and dealing with some incline) to rise up and down with just some slips right here and there. The peak is 203 meters so you may count on to get the legs pumping as you go instantly up the steep hill.
• Hike Incline: Total incline for the hike was 250 meters.
• My Strava Map Upload: Pico de Baixo

HOW TO GET TO THE PICO DE BAIXO HIKE TRAILHEAD

The place the place I started the hike was the Porto dos Frades parking zone. The street really continues vast sufficient for a automobile on the gravel floor however due to potential rockfall, it’s best to park within the parking zone. I’ve added the pin location for the Porto dos Frades parking zone beneath. Once you park the automobile, merely head across the coast to the appropriate and you will notice the sand dunes in your proper. This is the place you may start your scramble. Alternatively, I went via the rock tunnel additional down the trail after which scrambled up the rocks on the southern aspect of Pico de Baixo. This was tougher.

The subsequent day I hiked up Pico do Maçarico, which is the height subsequent to Pico de Baixo. I noticed a path that connects the 2 peaks, which might be a lot simpler than scrambling from sea-level to Pico de Baixo. It’s simple to rise up to Pico do Maçarico however I haven’t completed the connecting path so can’t communicate for its issue though I noticed on a number of mountain climbing websites that it may be linked in order that may very well be one thing to think about.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY ON PORTO SANTO

When you e-book your Porto Santo Rental Car on-line, I personally suggest and all the time use Discover Cars. They seek for each native and worldwide corporations, so that you get the most effective deal! MUST Read: Guide to Renting a Car on Madeira

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE PICO DE BAIXO HIKE

I knew the east coast could be an amazing area to look at the sundown so I set off searching for a pleasant spot to look at the morning glow. There are a number of viewpoints on the east however Porto dos Frades is the one which permits you to drive closest to the coast with out having to hike in from the principle street. Therefore, I selected to park at Porto dos Frades and discover from there.

I seen Ponta da Gale on the map with a dust path resulting in it so I made a decision to go there for dawn and see what every little thing regarded like. As I made my manner alongside the dust path towards the rocky level, I had the need to climb Pico de Baixo and started to search for a doable route up the aspect of the mountain. In the darkish, it was arduous to select the most effective line. The beneath photograph was taken on the stroll again when it wasn’t so darkish however I needed to point out you guys the gravel path.

I ended up going via the tunnel, which passes beneath the ridge of Ponta da Gale after which I discovered a sketchy line to the highest. I assumed I’d no less than test it out and the following factor I knew I used to be midway up the cliff after edging my manner meter by meter. The rocks had been unfastened and the gravel was delicate underfoot, which makes it very arduous to scramble up. I wanted to take it considerably gradual to ensure of my footing. Below is a photograph from contained in the tunnel and from an aerial perspective above the tunnel.

It took me about 40 minutes to succeed in the summit of Pico de Baixo on my sketchy little line to the highest. I feel in case you got here up the route by way of the sand dunes you may be up in below 20 minutes with no issues.

The final 30% of the ascent was a lot simpler than the early sections as a result of there was vegetation and powerful boulders, which made the climb simpler than the unfastened rocks and gravel. As I climbed, I couldn’t see the place the solar would rise however simply as I rounded the final nook, a slither of the solar edged its manner over the horizon. I had made it in time! These are the varieties of adventures I really like.

On high of the height, there’s a rocky ridgeline however nothing else. Just a pure mountain with panoramic views of Porto Santo Island. I may see all the way in which alongside the coast to the west aspect of Porto Santo and felt like I used to be trying down on the port. Pico do Macarico towered behind me because it additionally started to glow with the primary gentle of the day.

I flew the drone out over the ocean to take a look at the small islet close by referred to as, Ilhéu de Cima. Once I used to be close to the island, I had an unimaginable view again in the direction of Porto Santo, which emphasised the entire volcanic, cone-shaped peaks of the island.

After having fun with the sundown atop the height, I now had a better manner down by way of the sand dunes. With a bit of sunshine and an opportunity to investigate the way in which down, I had a fast scramble down in below 10 minutes until I reached the gravel street.

I then turned left on the street and walked again to the parking zone to finish my circuit. It was a tremendous dawn journey however don’t recommend this one except you’re skilled with scrambling, unfastened rocks, and simply very comfy on ridges and mountains normally. It’s not a protected route for these searching for a median hike.

I hope you loved this put up about my Pico de Baixo hike on Porto Santo Island!

WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO

There are lots of choices on Porto Santo Island from huge all-inclusive inns to small Airbnb residences. I’ve written an enormous put up about the entire finest choices with regards to Porto Santo and you may test it out right here: WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO ISLAND: 11 BEST RESORTS AND HOTELS

I stayed for 5 days at Vila Baleira Resort and 5 days at Hotel Porto Santo & Spa but additionally heard and noticed nice issues about Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa. Here’s a fast glimpse at these three, lovely beachside lodging.

VILA BALEIRA RESORT

Vila Baleira Porto Santo (Luxury & All-inclusive): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Vila Baleira is a 4-star resort located proper on the golden sand seashore of Porto Santo. The rooms are on one aspect of the street and the restaurant and pool space are instantly subsequent to the seashore. I had the all-inclusive package deal, which meant we acquired a wristband after we arrived after which had buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to limitless espresso and alcohol all day, day by day.

Click right here to verify the most effective present charges and availability of Vila Baleira Porto Santo.

Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa (Luxury): This is a 5-star resort on Porto Santo Island and it’s by the most important resort group in Portugal. The second you step within the resort you’ll be rewarded with a blissful setting and its world-class facilities. I’d’ve appreciated to remain right here and from every little thing, I heard whereas on the island, it’s a fairly superior place to remain. It’s the highest decide for a resort on Porto Santo Island if you need luxurious!

Click right here to verify the most effective present charges and availability of Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa.

Hotel Porto Santo & Spa (Luxury): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Another elegant, 4-star resort is Hotel Porto Santo & Spa the place I stayed for my second 5-day interval on my 10-day journey to Porto Santo Island. I’d fortunately suggest this Porto Santo resort for {couples} and people searching for beachfront luxurious with a really stress-free environment. On high of that, the spa has a Turkish tub, a heated pool, therapeutic massage rooms, leisure spots, sizzling sand remedy, and extra. Not to say the restaurant serves contemporary native dishes.

Click right here to verify the most effective present charges and availability of Hotel Porto Santo & Spa.

READY TO EXPLORE PORTO SANTO? HERE ARE MY TOP GUIDES