Located on the stunning Porto Santo Island, the Pico do Castelo viewpoint is one of the privileged points to admire the beauty of this golden island.
The highest point in Pico do Castelo reaches 430 meters high and is an inactive volcano, from where we can see about 80% of the island. We can have a panoramic and wide view of the entire southern area of ??the flat coast of the Island and where it is possible to observe some of the small islands that surround Porto Santo and also all the charm of the Island itself. Also has nice structures for barbecues and snacks and a space with lots of vegetation.
Here is also situated the ruins of a 16th century Fort, a symbol of the populations' defensive needs from the many pirate attacks, mainly by French and Algerian pirates.
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Where is Pico Castelo?
Rent a city bubble or a car and hit the road towards Pico Castelo, be prepared to explore this area and take some snacks with you because there is a walk-up there.
PR2 VEREDA DO PICO CASTELO
Why does it call ''Pico Castelo''?
The name of the name Pico Castelo is dated from the 19th century. XV and came from the fact that there was a fort where the island's population fled when attacked by French pirates and Algerians. Its central position and the greater ease of organizing the defense of people made this a true castle.
Starting point: Starts at Moledo and guides you to the top of Pico do Castelo, on a path that goes around the highest peak on the Golden Island - Pico do Facho. On the northern side of the island, you will find the red and yellow sign next to the road, and there is a gravel parking lot at the base of the hike.
Final point: Miradouro do Canhão
Maximum altitude: 437 m
Duration: 3:30 hours
Distance: 7, 5 kilometers
Hike Difficulty: This trail isn’t too difficult with the hardest part being the incline. 666 meters of incline over just nine kilometers is quite steep and many will find that challenging.
The route starts with a climb of about 1km in length through the forest path. Along this climb, take the opportunity to appreciate the different landscapes that appear and allow you to discover and explore a different Porto Santo.
At the end of the climb, you will find an intersection that gives access to the two alternatives to get around Pico do Facho. You can choose to go around this peak on the north side, following the longest path, or on the south side.
Continue the path, going up to the top of Pico do Castelo, from where you can get a wonderful panoramic view of the Island, where the airport, the golf course and the houses stand out among other places, always with the magnificent ocean as a backdrop.
We can observe traces of the old agricultural area, the hard work of building the paired walls and contemplate the fantastic human work for the reforestation of the island.
The route offers magnificent landscapes and the possibility of contacting the island's fauna, viewing flocks of partridges (Alectoris rufa), the Manta (Buteo buteo) and the Francelho (Falco tinnunculus canariensis), the colorful Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and the impressive Poupa (Upupa epops).
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