Camara de Lobos walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

The walk to Camara de Lobos is downhill practically all the way, a long descent down a very steep hillside, involving very many steps. On the assumption that few walkers will wish to return up the hill, an arrangement with a vehicle or the use of public transport will be required. There are a few buses (inexpensive) which serve Cabo Girao, there are many more buses which pass Cruz da Caldeira, within 15 minutes walk from HPB. Most certain Lobos. The route threads its way down numerous flights of steps, often between scattered properties on the east side of the great headland, always with views of Camara. Funchal and the sea. The last mile is more level, using minor roads to reach the harbour at Camara. Camara de Lobos is a very old fishing port, now quiet but still operational with pleasantly genuine atmosphere. The small town is quite attractive, with useful shops and a tourist information office (often closed). Winston Churchill painted here after World War II.

1. In a further 50 yards on the bend look for the top of a little path on the right, protected by a metal fence. Follow this path as it twists and turns, with some steps and fencing. There are more steps and a rushing water channel to the right. The views are of Camara de Lobos, Funchal and a section of the ‘Rapida’ motorway. There are many small cultivation plots with a variety of crops and many more steps before a minor road is reached in about half an hour. Turn right to walk along the road towards a house at the end.

2. Pass another house in 50 yards, descending along a concrete path. Ignore steps on the right, turning left along a narrow path ‘Vereda da Areia ao Pico do Rancho’. In 30 yards turn right to descend more steps. Go straight ahead at a junction beside a house. Some of the steps are overgrown and in poor condition. Reach another minor road at ‘Vereda da Levada ao Pico do Rancho’. Cross the road to continue down steps, flanked by vines and other crops including tomatoes and potatoes.

3. Reach the minor road again. Turn left to walk by the roadside into the fringe of Camara, passing a car service depot, supermarket and snack bar. The road bends to the left (ignore a cul de sac ahead), passing a banana plantation. At a road junction turn right to continue the descent on a roadside pavement. Do not follow the road to the right but go ahead down a flight of steps to join a major road, turn right along and go through a road tunnel on a good footpath, pass the wine depot of Henriques and Henriques. Turn right at a road junction, heading for the neat little church. Bear right, downhill, at the junction beside the church then, as the road bends to the left to become the main shopping street of Camara, go straight ahead along a semi-pedestrianised street. The cobbled street leads directly to the harbour where there are restaurants and bars in abundance.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.