About this webcam
When we visited Porto da Cruz last month, I was struck by how different the vibe is compared to the busy southern coast. You take the VE1 highway through the mountains, and suddenly you are looking down at this sleepy village tucked right at the base of the towering Penha d'Águia rock. The webcam shows the main promenade area, which centers around a fantastic set of saltwater swimming pools built right into the volcanic rock edge. Since the open ocean here is famously rough, these pools are the safest way to swim on this part of the island. The views of the 600-meter Eagle Rock while floating in the water are just incredible and truly make the drive worthwhile.
Just a short walk from these pools is Praia da Maiata, one of the only sandy beaches on Madeira that actually holds a consistent wave. You will usually see local surf schools out there in the mornings when the swell is gentle enough for longboards. Beyond the water, the whole village smells faintly of sweet molasses during the spring sugarcane harvest. That scent comes from the Engenhos do Norte distillery, which has been running on original steam power since 1927. Spending the morning surfing, swimming in the saltwater basins, and then grabbing a fresh Poncha at the distillery makes for a fantastic day trip for anyone wanting to see the authentic side of the island.
Just a short walk from these pools is Praia da Maiata, one of the only sandy beaches on Madeira that actually holds a consistent wave. You will usually see local surf schools out there in the mornings when the swell is gentle enough for longboards. Beyond the water, the whole village smells faintly of sweet molasses during the spring sugarcane harvest. That scent comes from the Engenhos do Norte distillery, which has been running on original steam power since 1927. Spending the morning surfing, swimming in the saltwater basins, and then grabbing a fresh Poncha at the distillery makes for a fantastic day trip for anyone wanting to see the authentic side of the island.
I spent several days in Porto da Cruz recently, swimming in the saltwater pools and exploring the village. The local surf instructors gave me great tips about Praia da Maiata. It is one of the friendliest and most authentic spots on the north coast, and I highly recommend visiting the rum distillery.