The east of the island is a rugged landscape, where steep-sided river valleys and precipitous ravines are dotted with small villages and hamlets which help give scale to the immense views. The towns of Santana and Sao Vicente are good bases if you’re thinking of tackling some of the island’s more interesting hiking trails: up to the high mountain summits of Pico do Arieiro and it’s big brother Pico Ruivo. The beautifully-barren Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula provides quite a contrast to the semi-tropical abundance of the Parque Natural do Ribeiro Frio, whilst the southern town of Machico, steeped in Madeira history, is a must-see if you’re looking for that authentic Madeiran experience.
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