{"id":3542,"date":"2026-08-22T12:00:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T11:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/vereda-da-ponta-do-clerigo-madeiras-wild-southwest-coast-walk\/"},"modified":"2026-08-22T12:00:50","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T11:00:50","slug":"vereda-da-ponta-do-clerigo-madeiras-wild-southwest-coast-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/es\/vereda-da-ponta-do-clerigo-madeiras-wild-southwest-coast-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo Hike, Madeira: A Wild North Coast Walk Near Santana"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo hike is a steep, little-known coastal walk on Madeira\u2019s north coast near Santana and Faial \u2014 not in the south-west near Faj\u00e3 da Ovelha or Ponta do Pargo.<\/strong> It leads from the Levada do Cortado area down towards a dramatic Atlantic headland, with far-reaching views across the rugged coast towards Penha d\u2019\u00c1guia and, on clear days, the eastern end of the island. In this updated guide: learn where the route starts, which direction makes most sense, why the return climb is demanding, how to plan transport, and what to check before setting off.<\/p>\n

What is the Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo hike?<\/h2>\n

The Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo hike is an informal out-and-back walk in the municipality of Santana, close to the boundary with Faial. It is sometimes described online as a levada walk because its opening section follows the Levada do Cortado, but the main experience is a descent through rural land and rough tracks to a lonely coastal promontory.<\/p>\n

This is not one of Madeira\u2019s classified PR walking trails. That matters: it does not have the maintained waymarking, formal booking system or published open\/closed status attached to official PR routes. The official Madeira hiking network currently requires advance booking for classified PR trails, but Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo is outside that network. ([visitmadeira.com](https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/activities\/hiking\/?utm_source=openai))<\/p>\n

The reward is a much quieter side of Madeira. Rather than a polished viewpoint or a busy levada path, expect agricultural terraces, a narrow levada section, broad Atlantic exposure and an abrupt sense of being above the sea. It is a good choice for confident walkers who have already enjoyed busier coastal routes such as the Vereda do Larano<\/a> and want something more remote.<\/p>\n

Route direction: descend first, then earn the return<\/h2>\n

Most walkers start near Cortado, above the north coast, and walk downhill towards Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo before returning by the same route. This is the sensible direction: the best coastal views gradually open in front of you, and there is no uncertainty about how to get back to your car.<\/p>\n

The first section follows the Levada do Cortado and includes a short, unlit tunnel. A torch is useful here; a phone light is workable, but not ideal if you are carrying poles or need both hands free. Beyond the levada, the route becomes less obvious, descending on tracks and uneven paths towards the headland. Mapping platforms describe variations of roughly 5.8 to 6.6 km return, with a substantial descent followed by the same ascent back to the start. ([openmadeira.org](https:\/\/openmadeira.org\/hikes\/levada-santana-ponta-do-clerigo-trail\/?utm_source=openai))<\/p>\n

Do not underestimate that final point. The outward walk can feel straightforward because it is mostly downhill, but the return is sustained and steep. Allow extra time for pauses, particularly in warm weather. This is not the place to rush because you have a restaurant booking in Funchal.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Practical fact<\/th>\nWhat to know<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Area<\/td>\nCortado, Santana\/Faial, on Madeira\u2019s north coast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Route type<\/td>\nUnofficial out-and-back walk to Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Distance<\/td>\nApproximately 5.8\u20136.6 km return, depending on the tracked variation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Time to allow<\/td>\nAbout 3\u20134.5 hours, including the steep return climb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Difficulty<\/td>\nChallenging: steep ascent on the return, uneven ground and exposed sections<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tunnel<\/td>\nShort and unlit on the Levada do Cortado section; bring a torch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trail fee<\/td>\nNo PR access fee applies, as this is not a classified PR trail<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best transport<\/td>\nHire car or pre-arranged taxi; public-transport connections are limited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

What to expect on the trail<\/h2>\n

Scenery, rather than technical hiking infrastructure, is the reason to come. The route looks over the green, deeply folded north coast, where cultivated slopes fall rapidly towards dark volcanic cliffs. At Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo, the headland gives a striking perspective along the shore; Penha d\u2019\u00c1guia is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the distance when visibility is good. ([wikiloc.com](https:\/\/www.wikiloc.com\/hiking-trails\/cortado-ponta-do-clerigo-35981085?utm_source=openai))<\/p>\n

Underfoot conditions can change quickly. Parts of the route are on levada-side paths and vehicle tracks, while the descent to the coast is steeper and can be slippery after rain. There are no facilities at the headland, so carry enough water, food and anything you may need for the full walk.<\/p>\n

Although the north coast is generally greener and can be cooler than the sunny south-west, do not mistake it for shade. Large portions of the descent are open to the sky. In summer, start early; in unsettled weather, fog can move in quickly and remove the views that make this walk worthwhile.<\/p>\n

How to get to the Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo trailhead<\/h2>\n

A car is the practical option. Drive towards Santana and follow local roads to the Cortado area, where the start is near a small tunnel used by the levada. Parking is informal and limited, so do not block access roads, farm entrances or turning areas. The start can feel surprisingly unremarkable, which is why an offline map and downloaded route are sensible.<\/p>\n

Public transport is not a reliable solution for this particular walk. Bus services connect larger settlements, but they are not designed around the Cortado trailhead or a late-afternoon return after a hike. A taxi can work if arranged both ways, but mobile signal may be inconsistent once you are lower on the route.<\/p>\n

If you are building a self-drive day around the area, combine it with Faial\u2019s viewpoints or the coast around Santana rather than attempting to cross the island afterwards. For wider route-planning advice, see our guide to renting a car in Madeira<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Safety, weather and official status checks<\/h2>\n

Because Ponta do Cl\u00e9rigo is not an official PR route, there is no dedicated official status label saying that it is open or closed. That does not mean conditions are automatically safe. Landslips, overgrowth, saturated ground and local access issues can affect informal paths without appearing on a standard hiking map.<\/p>\n

Check the official Visit Madeira hiking page<\/a> and IFCN notices before leaving, especially after heavy rain, strong wind or periods of unstable weather. These sources publish the current situation for classified routes and broader trail alerts; use them alongside a local weather forecast and your own judgement. The IFCN specifically warns that erosion and weather exposure can affect Madeira\u2019s walking routes. ([visitmadeira.com](https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/activities\/hiking\/?utm_source=openai))<\/p>\n