Porto Santo – Ana Ferreira Hike Review (2025 Guide)

You know, people often talk about Porto Santo as just a golden beach destination, a sort of sandy little sister to Madeira. Well, to be honest, they’re missing out on so much. The island has this kind of quiet, rugged charm that really gets under your skin, and the best way to experience it is, literally, on your own two feet. So, I was looking for a hike that wasn’t a full-day commitment but still offered some pretty amazing views and a bit of a story, and the Pico de Ana Ferreira trail just kept coming up. Apparently, it’s famous for these really unusual rock formations, so that was definitely enough to get me interested. Basically, I wanted to see what all the talk was about and discover a side of Porto Santo that’s a little off the beaten path, you know?

At the end of the day, there’s a certain feeling you get when you step onto a trail for the first time. The Ana Ferreira hike is just like that, giving you this sense of small adventure right from the start. We found that the main path starts near the main road, not too far from the golf course, which is actually super convenient. There are a few different ways to approach it, but this one is, sort of, the most straightforward. You should expect the initial part of the path to be a bit dusty and rocky underfoot, a real earthy welcome to the island’s interior. So, you’re not immediately climbing straight up; it’s more of a gradual incline, which is, honestly, a pretty gentle way to start. It gives you a chance to, like, get your bearings and really soak in the different atmosphere away from the coastline. Seriously, the air feels different up here—a little drier, and it carries the scent of wild herbs that grow all over the place.

Getting Started: The Trailhead and What to Expect

So, finding the trailhead is pretty simple, which is a relief. It’s actually well-signed from the road that loops around the western part of the island. You’ll basically see signs for “Pico de Ana Ferreira,” and you just follow them. There’s a small area where you can park your car or scooter, you know, a sort of unofficial starting point. I mean, don’t expect a massive visitor center or anything like that. It’s more or less just a pull-off area, which honestly adds to the feeling that you’re doing something a little more local. Anyway, from there, the path is fairly obvious. It’s a dirt track that starts winding its way up the hillside, and, you know, the first few hundred meters are kind of a good warm-up. You’re walking on this reddish-brown earth, with loose stones here and there, so decent shoes are a really good idea.

What you should expect at the start is, essentially, a gentle slope that gets you used to the terrain. This part of the walk isn’t too demanding, so you can actually look around and enjoy the change in scenery. Instead of palm trees and beach bars, you get these low-lying, hardy shrubs and some pretty interesting-looking cacti. It’s a very different side of Porto Santo, for sure. You’re not covered by trees or anything, so you’re pretty much exposed to the sun right away, which is something to keep in mind. I would definitely recommend bringing a hat and some water, even if you’re just doing the shorter loop. The path splits at one point, with one way being a steeper, more direct route and the other being a slightly longer, more winding path. We opted for the winding one on the way up, as a matter of fact, and it was a good choice. It really let us take our time and absorb the experience without feeling too out of breath from the get-go.

A Bit About the Scenery Along the Way

Okay, so as you continue to climb, the views just start getting better and better. It’s almost like with every step, a new piece of the island reveals itself. At first, you see the green expanse of the golf course stretching out below you, which looks surprisingly lush against the dry hills. Then, you know, you get a little higher, and the view opens up to include the long, straight line of the airport runway. It’s kind of cool watching the small planes take off and land from up there. But the real reward, honestly, is when you start to see that famous nine-kilometer stretch of golden sand appear. From this high up, the beach looks like a perfect ribbon of gold separating the dry land from the deep blue of the Atlantic. It’s a perspective you just can’t get from your sun lounger, obviously.

The landscape of the hike itself is, in a way, beautifully stark. You’re surrounded by these earthy tones—browns, reds, and ochres—with patches of hardy green vegetation clinging to the slopes. Seriously, you feel like you are on a different planet sometimes. You can see the main town, Vila Baleira, with its cluster of white buildings and red roofs, looking like a little toy town from this vantage point. On a clear day, you can pretty much see the entire southern coastline of the island. It’s just this huge, panoramic view that makes you stop and stare for a bit. There aren’t a lot of people on the trail, which is really nice. You basically feel like you have this incredible viewpoint all to yourself, which is a rare feeling, at the end of the day.

The Star of the Show: The “Organ Pipes” of Ana Ferreira

So, after a bit more climbing, you finally reach the main attraction, and it’s absolutely worth the effort. Tucked away on one side of the peak are the basalt columns, which people call the “Piano” or “Organ Pipes,” and you can immediately see why. I mean, it’s this massive, incredible wall of multi-sided rock columns that look like they were carved by a giant. They are, essentially, the result of volcanic lava cooling down really slowly millions of years ago, which caused it to crack into these amazing geometric shapes. To be honest, knowing the geology behind it makes it even more impressive when you’re standing right in front of it. The columns jut out from the hillside at odd angles, some pointing straight up, others leaning over. It’s a very dramatic sight.

You’re just standing there, you know, looking at this massive natural sculpture, and it’s hard not to be a little bit in awe. It’s a part of the island’s deep past, right there in front of you.

Getting up close is the best part, for sure. You can actually walk right up to the base of the columns and touch them. They have this rough, solid texture, and you can see the individual crystal structures within the rock. They are much bigger in person than they look in photos, with some of the columns being many meters tall. It’s a really great spot for photos, obviously, because the patterns and shadows are so interesting. It feels a bit like you’ve stumbled upon some ancient ruins or a secret geological wonder. We spent a fair amount of time just exploring the area, looking at the formations from different angles. It’s not just a quick photo stop; it’s a place you kind of want to linger and just appreciate. It really is the highlight of the hike, at the end of the day.

Was It Worth It? My Honest Thoughts

So, the big question is, was the hike up Pico de Ana Ferreira actually worth it? Definitely, one hundred percent. It’s not an incredibly long or difficult hike, so it’s very accessible for most people with a basic level of fitness. Honestly, I’d say it strikes a perfect balance. It’s just enough of a workout to make you feel like you’ve accomplished something, but it’s not so tough that it ruins the rest of your day. It’s a hike you can easily do in a morning or an afternoon and still have plenty of time for the beach later. It gives you a completely different appreciation for Porto Santo, you know? You get to see its rugged, volcanic heart, not just its sandy shores.

The payoff, in the form of the basalt columns and the panoramic views, is massive for the relatively small amount of effort you put in. It’s one of those experiences that really stays with you. My personal recommendation would be to go either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We went in the late afternoon, and the light was just fantastic. The low sun created these long shadows across the landscape and made the “Organ Pipes” look even more dramatic. Plus, it’s a lot cooler at that time of day. So, basically, if you’re on the island and you want to do more than just lie on the sand, this hike is a fantastic option. It adds a whole other layer to your trip and gives you some amazing memories and, frankly, some pretty awesome photos too.

Practical Tips for Your Ana Ferreira Hike

Alright, so if you’re thinking of doing this hike, here are a few practical things to keep in mind to make it a better experience. It’s mostly common sense stuff, you know, but it helps to be prepared. This isn’t a trek in the Himalayas, but a little bit of planning makes everything go smoothly.

Footwear is Key: You don’t need, like, professional mountaineering boots, but a sturdy pair of trainers or walking shoes is a really good idea. So, the path is rocky and uneven in places, and flip-flops are definitely not going to cut it.
Bring Water: This is a big one, seriously. There is basically no shade on the entire trail, and the Porto Santo sun can be pretty strong, even on a cloudy day. You’ll want to have at least a small bottle of water with you.
Sun Protection: Just as important as water. At the end of the day, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are your best friends on this hike. You are pretty exposed for the entire duration of the walk.
Timing Matters: As I was saying, the best times to go are early morning or late afternoon. It’s way more comfortable temperature-wise, and the light is just beautiful for taking pictures. I mean, you can do it midday, but be prepared for the heat.
Choose Your Path: Remember that the trail splits. You know, you can take the steeper, more direct route or the gentler, winding one. We found that going up the gentle path and down the steeper one worked out pretty well.
Charge Your Camera: Obviously, you’re going to want to take photos. The views over the island and the basalt columns are incredible, so make sure your phone or camera has plenty of battery life.

Read our full review: [Porto Santo Ana Ferreira Hike Full Review and Details]

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