Coastal Walk to Camara de Lobos: A Firsthand Guide

When I first looked at Google Maps, I saw multiple spots where you could technically start this walk. We decided to keep things simple and grabbed a Bolt from our hotel in Funchal (shoutout to Three House Hotel, which we loved, loved, loved!).

• Bolt ride cost: €6.52
• Drop-off address: R. da Quinta Calaça 24, São Martinho, 9000-108 Funchal, Portugal

This spot drops you right at the entrance of the Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda along the Lido Promenade.

If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you could walk from downtown Funchal, but fair warning.

It would’ve taken us about an hour just to reach the starting point.

We started at exactly 11:10 am at the Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda (thanks, iPhone timestamps) and rolled into the colorful fishing village of Camara de Lobos at 12:20 pm.

• Total time: 1 hr. 10 min.
• Pace: Leisurely, with plenty of photo stops

It’s not a strenuous walk. It’s more of a scenic stroll that gradually rewards you with great views and an even better lunch.

The start of the walk greets you with a cobblestone pathway decorated in geometrical patterns. It sets the tone: charming, a little old-world, and full of character.

We quickly came across the first of three “bathing complexes.” Madeira takes its swimming seriously. If you want to squeeze in a swim, pack a towel and swimsuit!

Here are the three complexes we passed on our walk:

1. Ponta Gorda Bathing Complex – Two saltwater pools (kid + adult) plus a tidal pool.

2. Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools – My favorite of the three. Volcanic rock pools with waves splashing in, showers, a bar, and killer views.

3. Salinas Bathing Complex – Two saltwater pools, bar, and changing rooms

Madeira is basically a living bouquet. We walked past bursts of bougainvillea in shocking pinks. Shade was limited, though, so sunscreen is a must.

One of the unique highlights was the Túnel das Poças do Gomes.

Madeira loves its tunnels. We drove through dozens and even walked through them on levada hikes.

But this seaside pedestrian tunnel took the cake! Super cool.

Walk past the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools, under the bridge, and the tunnel is on the right. See pic below.

A couple of notes on the tunnel:

• Slippery floor—watch your step
• Little rock windows to peek at waves crashing in
• Open daily 9 am – 10 pm

It felt like a fun secret passageway to the next part of the path!

Once we emerged from the tunnel, the scene shifted to Praia Formosa, Madeira’s largest public beach.

It’s a mix of pebbles and black sand, so you don’t have to trek to Seixal just to get your volcanic sand fix.

Seaside bars and snack stops tempted us, especially On Water Academy Madeira (they do sushi and poke bowls).

But we pressed on to enjoy a meal at Camara de Lobos at the end of our walk.

Bathrooms are conveniently located at the far end of Praia Formosa beach.

From here, the walkway climbs and hugs the cliffs before crossing the Ribeira dos Socorridos.

It’s a beautiful stretch that builds anticipation for the grand finale.

After winding past the Salinas Bathing Complex, the seaside town of Camara de Lobos finally appeared.

The water was crystal clear, dotted with brightly colored Xavelhas fishing boats. The town’s name comes from the sea lions that once lived here when Madeira was first discovered.

But it’s not just about boats and seafood.

Camara de Lobos also doubles as an open-air art gallery.

• Lobo Marinho (Sea Lion) 

Portuguese artist Bordalo II is known worldwide for creating massive animal sculptures from trash.

His mission is to turn waste into awareness. One of his most impressive pieces is Lobo Marinho, which sits right in Camara de Lobos.

What makes it especially powerful is that the materials weren’t just random junk. They were collected directly from the ocean during a cleanup of 4 tons of waste at nearby Caniçal Bay. The result is a larger-than-life sea lion made entirely from ocean trash.

It’s striking, meaningful, and impossible to ignore.

• Planet A

Plant A is another mural that adds to the message: protect the planet because there is no Planet B.

Walking around the town, you can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and reflection. It’s beautiful, but it also makes you think about how much waste we’re responsible for.

We arrived hungry and landed at Casa do Farol.

• Must-try local dish: Scabbard fish sandwich (fresh, flaky, not fishy)
• Bonus: Their mushroom risotto was surprisingly so good I almost swapped plates with my husband
• Don’t miss: Bolo do Caco bread smothered in garlic butter

A crisp white wine was a must with lunch. We’re not wine experts, just self-proclaimed “wine travelers,” and Madeira didn’t disappoint.

If you’re curious, I wrote about our exceptional experience exploring the best wineries with Wine Tours Madeira.

Other solid lunch options we considered:

• Minerva – Lighter fare like ceviche and salads, but outdoor seats go fast

• Anonimo – Excellent Neapolitan pizza if you’re craving carbs over fish

A lot of guides suggest pairing Camara de Lobos with a stop at Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe’s highest cape. For €3, you step onto a glass-bottom platform suspended over a cliff.

You’ll see Camara de Lobos in the distance, and yes, it’s adrenaline-inducing and knee-wobbling. We visited it later on in our trip.

Worth the hype?

Honestly… not really. Cool if you have extra time, but Madeira has plenty of better viewpoints.

The coastal walk to Camara de Lobos is the kind of outing that makes you appreciate slow travel.

It’s not about rushing from point A to point B. It’s about enjoying tunnels carved into rock, sipping wine by the sea, and finding art in unexpected places.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just bring sunscreen, a camera, and an appetite.

Have you done the walk yet, or planning to? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments. I’d love to hear your experience.

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