Portela

The Miradouro Portela, or Portela Lookout Point, situated between Porto da Cruz and Machico, allows visitors to observe one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madeira. The coastal lookout point boasts a panorama of mountains, villages and the sea as well. Time spent here is worthwhile, especially with a lunch at Restaurante Miradouro da Portela right on the road.
Many choose to take the bus or to drive to Portela from Funchal, while others take the hiking trail from Ribeiro Frio in Santana. In fact, the Ribeiro-Frio-to-Portela walk is one of the most popular levada routes, and in fact can be quite crowded in the high season as its medium level of difficulty is attractive to a wider variety of hikers. 

Practical Info

Portela is reached by SAM bus no. 53 or 78 from Funchal; for those wishing to end at Portela via the levada walk, take the bus no. 56 to Ribiero Frio.