Rocha do Navio Descent: from Santana’s Viewpoint to the Shore: hiking in Portugal
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Rocha do Navio Descent: from Santana’s Viewpoint to the Shore

Distance
1.4 km
Time
44 min
Elevation gain
83 m
Difficulty
Moderate
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Route description

Rocha do Navio near Santana leads from a high viewpoint towards the narrow shore beneath the cliffs. Pause above for Viúva Islet and the open Atlantic, then take the coastal descent carefully. The marine reserve is seen from land, with rock and water shaping the outing. Plan to return uphill on foot: the municipality announced an indefinite maintenance closure of the cable car. This descent, with short local returns, ends below and does not include the complete climb back.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Information prepared

The description, logistics and points of interest were prepared using maps and open sources. Trail conditions may change.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated 12.10.2026

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

Recent completions

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Surface

Concrete 41% · Paving stones 12% · Unknown 47%

Surface data covers 0.77 km of 1.45 km; the rest of the track is not yet classified.

Concrete 41% · 0.60 km
Paving stones 12% · 0.17 km
Unknown 47% · 0.68 km

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Rocha do Navio offers a changing perspective: first the coast from above, then the foot of the same slope. Choose good visibility and linger at the viewpoint. The walk suits those drawn to Madeira’s northern coast who are comfortable taking a steep path with care.
Length
1.5 km
Elevation gain
83 m
Surface
Concrete 41%
Rocha do Navio Descent: from Santana’s Viewpoint to the Shore: route photo 9 in Portugal

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car: Hard With children: With caution With a dog: No data By bike: No With a stroller: No Mobile signal: No data

Nearby

Viúva Islet is visible from the viewpoint; walking onto the islet is outside this outing. The reserve protects the marine area, and viewing it from the shore does not guarantee rare-animal sightings. The municipality’s notice of 7 May 2026 announces an indefinite cable-car closure: check Santana’s subsequent notices before travelling.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
SIGA lists Funchal–Santana under new route number 801, formerly 56. Confirm your service, appropriate Santana stop and a separate walk or transfer to Rocha do Navio Viewpoint for your date. A direct service to the path is not confirmed. Allow the uphill coastal return when planning your departure transport.
By car
Arrive at the upper entrance beside Rocha do Navio Viewpoint in the Santana area. Check local signs and use a permitted drop-off place. The coastal end is not a road collection point, so include your uphill return in the plan. Do not rely on the cable car as a guaranteed way back to your vehicle.
Parking
There is no confirmed information on available parking at the upper entrance. Establish permitted vehicle storage before travelling, respect signs and keep neighbouring access points clear. A short descent does not mean a short return; retain time for the climb towards the departure side.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Rocha do Navio Viewpoint the named viewing terrace beside the descent, overlooking Viúva Islet and the northern coast.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 83 м.
SurfaceConcrete 41%, Paving stones 12%, Unknown 47%.
Риски The steep cliffside path requires sure footing and concentration on the descent. Rain and wet steps make progress harder; check the passage after bad weather. Retain energy for the climb back. Stay away from the water in rough seas and treat this as a coastal walk without an assumed swimming stop.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 44 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
Allow 45–75 minutes for the descent with pauses, an editorial allowance for this short version and its local returns. Add the climb back, rest below and transport approach separately. If you cannot confidently return on foot, remain at the upper viewpoint. Cable-car operation needs fresh confirmation for your chosen date.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Choose dry weather with a settled forecast and good coastal visibility. Postpone the lower part during strong wind, heavy rain or dangerous sea conditions. The damp northern slope calls for suitable footwear even in warm weather. Check local restrictions and the path condition before leaving.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Grippy walking footwear
Rain and wind protection
Water for the descent and uphill return
A snack and small first-aid kit
A map of the viewpoint approach and coastal path
A charged phone and spare return time

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

SIGA lists Funchal–Santana under new route number 801, formerly 56. Confirm your service, appropriate Santana stop and a separate walk or transfer to Rocha do Navio Viewpoint for your date. A direct service to the path is not confirmed. Allow the uphill coastal return when planning your departure transport

Is this route suitable for children?

Possible with caution: review the surface, difficult sections, and extra time for stops in advance.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 1.4 km, moderate.

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