Bica da Cana is a peak and viewpoint in the mountains of central Madeira, Portugal. A brick road climbs towards it, and the last part is walked in about ten minutes from where cars are parked beside the main road. The view takes in the northern side of the island between two mountains, with the steep interior peaks in the other direction. It is open at all hours and busiest at sunrise; at the end of the day cloud can cover the sun completely. Cattle roam the road on the way up.
Bica da Cana peak and viewpoint
The view runs both ways here: the north coast ahead between two mountains, the island's steep interior standing behind.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair-accessible entrance and no accessible parking; the last stretch to the viewpoint is on foot.
- Parking
- Free. Cars park beside the main road, and two free parking areas lie about 430 and 450 m from the viewpoint; one of them is unpaved.
- Difficulty
- Easy: about 10 minutes on foot from the parking, on a brick road.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Estalagem da Encumeada, about 2.9 km away.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
What makes it special
Ten minutes on foot from the car, up a brick road, and the ground drops away to the north. That is the whole effort. It does not get crowded, even at first light, and first light is what this place is for. The drive up is half of it — open high pasture, the peaks standing round on every side — and the air at the top asks for more clothing than the coast did.
Good to know
- Dress for the height — the air up here runs around ten degrees colder than at sea level, so carry a warm layer whatever the coast is doing.
- No drinking water nearby — nothing is mapped within 800 m of the viewpoint; bring what you need.
- Toilets are a walk off — the nearest ones sit about 400 m away and are free to use.
- Trail signage nearby — an information board for the PR 17 trail stands about 460 m from the viewpoint.
Getting there
Everyone comes by car. The final climb runs on a brick road, and cars are left beside the main road or on the parking ground short of the viewpoint; from there it is about ten minutes on foot, easy going, to the edge itself. The nearest bus stop is far enough down the mountain that public transport is not a realistic way in.
Best time to visit
Better: sunrise, arriving 20–25 minutes before the sun comes up — that covers parking beside the road and the walk to the viewpoint.
Avoid: the end of the day.
Cloud can close over the sun at sunset and leave nothing to look at; the clear, layered shots taken from this viewpoint are morning ones. Sunrise times shift through the year, so work back from the time for the day you are going.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
Similar Places
Bica da Cana peak and viewpoint on the map
Cattle roam the access road and stand in the middle of it. Drive slowly, especially in the dark before sunrise.
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Frequently asked questions
Is sunrise or sunset better at Bica da Cana?
Sunrise. Cloud can cover the sun at the end of the day and leave nothing to see, while the morning is when the views open up. Arrive 20–25 minutes before sunrise to park and walk up in time.Can you drive right to the viewpoint?
Almost. A brick road climbs to within about ten minutes' walk. Cars are left along the main road or on the parking ground below, and the last stretch is on foot.How much colder is it up there?
Around ten degrees colder than at sea level. A warm layer is worth carrying even when the coast is warm.Are there toilets and drinking water?
The nearest toilets are about 400 m away and free. No drinking water is mapped within 800 m, so bring your own.Can you get there by public transport?
Not practically. The nearest bus stop, Estalagem da Encumeada, is about 2.9 km away, and nothing runs to the viewpoint itself.