Places to visit in Canical

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Canical, Portugal (2025)

Places to Visit in Canical

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Ponta de São Lourenço, Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto, Ports of Call Tours, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Canical.


Top Attractions in Canical

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveller reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Scenic hike through eastern peninsular trails, showcasing dramatic volcanic cliffs and panoramic views. Path includes a mix of terrains and a café near swimming spots.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Museum with a detailed, informative dive into whaling history, featuring audio guides and exhibits on whale evolution and hunting artifacts. Contains a section on marine life conservation.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Worldtravellers
    Yorkshire, UK165 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an absolutely stunning walk. We are two middle-aged women and found it pleasantly taxing. It's not too long, however whilst it's only 4.5 miles you are going up and down time and time again so feels like much longer - we mapped it as over 800ft gain.

    The path is maintained and as such we had absolutely no issues paying for it. We went on a relatively quite day however the car park was full when we arrived but we managed to find a place.

    There are no toilets on the route so if you have a call of nature, please pick up your tissues and don't put them under stones and expect them to simply disintegrate as they don't!! Multiple people had left paper and it's becoming a huge issue on many walks in Madeira.

    The walk doesn't need a map as it's simply straight on, over the islands, one by one. We went on a windy day so a few of the more exposed bits were a little scary but do-able. Wear hiking boots and don't try it in trainers as you need purchase on the cliffs especially if it's been raining and gets slippy with mud. My partner does not like heights but managed it OK. There are as always really silly people not understanding how to prepare for a walk, without the proper equipment including water and rain gear - don't be one of them!

    I cannot imagine what it would be like on a busy day and I don't believe we would have enjoyed it as much as for some areas you cannot get past people and need to wait if you want to hold onto the railings on the cliff edges.

    Would highly recommend but be prepared for crowds in busy periods and don't try it if you don't like heights.
    Written 29 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NikJ
    Ascot, UK988 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited as part of a full day tour and we spent about 30mins here viewing the cliff faces from different angles… if I had more time I would do the walk there, though will save that until next time…
    Cracking viewers of the coastline,,, beautiful colours.,, was thee around 4pm and light was amazing
    Written 31 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dalesman_Abroad
    Skipton, UK263 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent quality museum. There has obviously been a lot of investment here. 3D specs and screens in the upper deck which covers biological, geological and environmental. information.
    The lowest level records the almost 40 year period 40s to 80s when the Sperm whale was hunted and processed on these shores. A very sobering (and sad) reflection on man’s cruelty to fellow mammals.
    Written 31 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maura H
    Woodbridge, United States10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beach was a hidden gem on this island . There is quite the hike down to reach it but well worth the effort. The beach is actually sandy and not rocky. We were able to rent loungers for 3 Euro. There was a fantastic snack bar where we ate lunch. We had no issues with parking as there were plenty of free spots.
    Written 20 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GRZ
    Chicago, IL12,782 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After visiting Sao Lourenco I thought I got "the best" of Madeira in this area, but I have adjusted my opinion after visiting Pico do Facho - I was expecting an area where you can check out the flights landing/taking off at the FNC (which we did and was awesome!) but it's just such a nice area for the sunset, and to slow down and enjoy it all.

    The drive here is super easy, just follow google maps, and once at the "top" there is a small parking lot and more spots in the area - it's not a super busy area as no tours stop here etc. and you do need a car for it - it's also a very nice picnic area with tables setup and I want to say the restrooms (seasonal probably) and a small food stand.
    Written 26 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • nnmercman
    Camberley, UK14,625 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unless you knew the beach is here you wouldn’t spot it from the main road. Parked in the overlook (where you get a good view back towards the airport/Funchal) and looked down over this small beach with it’s volcanic sand - there are a couple of newish looking concrete picnic tables just down from the lay-by. A road does lead down to the beach but it’s usually closed as there’s very little parking and only a shortish walk down to the beach (which is why you’ll notice numerous cars without occupants parked in the lay-by). There’s also a small cafe on the beach.
    Written 5 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Richard B
    Downham Market, UK511 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Instead of taking the VR1 from Machico to Caniçal, take the ER109. After about 3.5km, just after exiting a long straight tunnel, opposite an industrial site, there is a small track or roadway on the left which goes back on itself. Enter this roadway and park to one side of this wide track and continue walking uphill westward for about 80 metres until you see the levada on your right.
    We turned right (eastward) following the levada and crossed a factory road after 100 metres to rejoin the levada. Looking south we saw the VR1 road tunnels below us. Next we saw the Caniçal Football Club stadium, then Caniçal town and port. Stretching out before us like a long finger of brown earth wearing a ring of solar panels, into the sea pointed the Ponta de São Lourenço. (That in itself is an adventurous walk). The levada followed the contours gradually turning northward, past a track leading to some houses, then through wooded slopes. It was very quiet and peaceful, with the sun shining and lots of butterflies flitting about. The levada was marked every 500 metres with a distance marker plate. We walked about 3km before returning, although we could have continued. With a few rest stops for picture taking, the whole walk took us over 2 hours. We met no other people whilst walking, so it can't be very well known about.
    To recap, easy enough to find, easy walking, lovely views, peaceful and pretty.
    Written 28 September 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anthony R
    37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were fortunate to have an overcast day so the walk was not too hot. M J Tiurs Elio was brilliant in caring for tgecwhoke group. Great views, interesting cliffs and strata from volcanic times. Glad to find the cafe at the end but have your one euro ready for the toilet. Then for us as a group down to the sea and a boat back along coast fir further investing information as we went.
    Written 6 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David D
    Devon, UK28,544 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small triangular shaped stoney beach which is flanked on either side by concrete walls. One formed part of a harbour on which cars parked.

    When we visited here, on 24th June, it was shortly after some COVID restrictions had been lifted and there was really not a lot here.

    Along one of the walls there was a handful of static umbrellas, no sunbeds or other facilities on the beach. The were a couple of wooden pallets which we assumed were bases for sunbeds when they appeared.

    Don't think this would ever be a beach that hoards of tourists would flock to.

    Written 28 August 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David D
    Devon, UK28,544 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tuesday 12th September we visited Canical, the main cargo port of Madeira but also with local fishing.

    We were here previously in June 2021, when the world was a different place, and these colourfully painted chairs were a stand out feature.

    Pleased to say that they are still here and continue to brighten up a dreary area.
    Written 13 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • David D
    Devon, UK28,544 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This rather large monument forms the roundabout, at the intersection of four roads, one being Rua do Cais in the Port area of Caniçal.

    Sitting on a sloped paved base the monument consists of two fishermen sitting in their both fishing.

    There is a small plaque with the words (translated) "Honouring the Fisherman of Caniçal"
    Written 4 July 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephen c
    Cosheston, UK2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dramatic wilderness of volcanic cliffs and ravines makes for a dramatic wilderness. Protected as a nature reserve there is a pathway that starts from the car park, and is about 4 KM long. It is quite different from the rest of the island with no trees and wind sculpted bushes.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All things to do in Canical
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday homesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire