Madeira north coast - on the Caminho Real

This is a short but very worthwhile 'there and back' excursion. It provides a quick and easily-accessible taste of the steeply impressive Madeiran north coast via a suitably precipitous cobbled path (a Caminho Real) between Sao Cristovao and Arco de Sao Jorge.

The walk seems to be more often done starting at the Arco de Sao Jorge end, but this way round you get to view the spectacular climbing path from the beginning, and you can appreciate the view even more over a cold beer from the terrace of the bar once you have completed the walk. If you wish you can also pick your way down on to the (stony) beach without any difficulty at the mouth of the Ribeiro do Porco.