The Pico de Baixo peak is a 209-meter, steep mountain on the east aspect of Porto Santo Island. It’s not an official mountaineering route but it surely is likely one of the greatest dawn views on the island and a enjoyable climb involving some sketchy scrambling, and a few sand dune sliding. This is an journey for these prepared to get a bit of soiled, possibly a number of scrapes and do some scrambling up the mountainside.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN PORTO SANTO
PICO DE BAIXO HIKE DETAILS
- Hike Distance: The complete distance of the hike was 4 kilometers however you possibly can shorten it should you don’t stroll by way of the tunnel and simply go straight up and down the height.
- Hike Duration: The hike will take you about 2 hours in case you have a break on the viewpoint to observe the dawn. If you simply go straight up and down, I’m certain it may be carried out in underneath 1.5 hours.
- Hike Difficulty: This is an unofficial path. Very unofficial. When I arrived at Porto dos Frades, I had no thought it was potential to climb the height. I simply drove to Porto dos Frades as a result of I knew it could face east for dawn. However, I noticed a potential route up and simply went for it. If you go up and down by way of the sand dune aspect, on the japanese fringe of the mountain it’s a lot simpler. I figured this out as soon as I used to be on the high and it was gentle so I might analyze one of the best path. I went up from the south aspect in the dead of night and it was fairly technical and concerned a number of scrambling so I might keep away from that because it wasn’t tremendous protected. You can see on the map I’ve linked under the route I took on the east aspect up the height. This was tremendous simple (if you’re able to scrambling and dealing with some incline) to stand up and down with just some slips right here and there. The peak is 203 meters so you possibly can anticipate to get the legs pumping as you go straight up the steep hill.
- Hike Incline: Total incline for the hike was 250 meters.
- My Strava Map Upload: Pico de Baixo
HOW TO GET TO THE PICO DE BAIXO HIKE TRAILHEAD
The place the place I started the hike was the Porto dos Frades car parking zone. The highway truly continues broad sufficient for a automobile on the gravel floor however due to potential rockfall, it’s best to park within the car parking zone. I’ve added the pin location for the Porto dos Frades car parking zone under. Once you park the automobile, merely head across the coast to the correct and you will notice the sand dunes in your proper. This is the place you possibly can start your scramble. Alternatively, I went by way of the rock tunnel additional down the trail after which scrambled up the rocks on the southern aspect of Pico de Baixo. This was harder.
The subsequent day I hiked up Pico do Maçarico, which is the height subsequent to Pico de Baixo. I noticed a path that connects the 2 peaks, which might be a lot simpler than scrambling from sea-level to Pico de Baixo. It’s simple to stand up to Pico do Maçarico however I haven’t carried out the connecting path so can’t communicate for its issue though I noticed on a number of mountaineering websites that it may be linked in order that might be one thing to contemplate.
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MY EXPERIENCE ON THE PICO DE BAIXO HIKE
I knew the east coast can be an amazing area to observe the sundown so I set off in search of a pleasant spot to observe the morning glow. There are a number of viewpoints on the east however Porto dos Frades is the one which lets you drive closest to the coast with out having to hike in from the primary highway. Therefore, I selected to park at Porto dos Frades and discover from there.
I seen Ponta da Gale on the map with a dust path resulting in it so I made a decision to go there for dawn and see what every part regarded like. As I made my method alongside the dust path towards the rocky level, I had the need to climb Pico de Baixo and commenced to search for a potential route up the aspect of the mountain. In the darkish, it was laborious to select one of the best line. The under picture was taken on the stroll again when it wasn’t so darkish however I wished to point out you guys the gravel path.
I ended up going by way of the tunnel, which passes beneath the ridge of Ponta da Gale after which I discovered a sketchy line to the highest. I believed I might not less than test it out and the subsequent factor I knew I used to be midway up the cliff after edging my method meter by meter. The rocks had been unfastened and the gravel was mushy underfoot, which makes it very laborious to scramble up. I wanted to take it considerably gradual to ensure of my footing. Below is a photograph from contained in the tunnel and from an aerial perspective above the tunnel.
It took me about 40 minutes to succeed in the summit of Pico de Baixo on my sketchy little line to the highest. I believe should you got here up the route by way of the sand dunes you could possibly be up in underneath 20 minutes with no issues.
The final 30% of the ascent was a lot simpler than the early sections as a result of there was vegetation and robust boulders, which made the climb simpler than the unfastened rocks and gravel. As I climbed, I couldn’t see the place the solar would rise however simply as I rounded the final nook, a slither of the solar edged its method over the horizon. I had made it in time! These are the forms of adventures I like.
On high of the height, there’s a rocky ridgeline however nothing else. Just a pure mountain with panoramic views of Porto Santo Island. I might see all the way in which alongside the coast to the west aspect of Porto Santo and felt like I used to be trying down on the port. Pico do Macarico towered behind me because it additionally started to glow with the primary gentle of the day.
I flew the drone out over the ocean to take a look at the small islet close by known as, Ilhéu de Cima. Once I used to be close to the island, I had an unimaginable view again in direction of Porto Santo, which emphasised all the volcanic, cone-shaped peaks of the island.
After having fun with the sundown atop the height, I now had a neater method down by way of the sand dunes. With a bit of sunshine and an opportunity to investigate the way in which down, I had a fast scramble down in underneath 10 minutes until I reached the gravel highway.
I then turned left on the highway and walked again to the car parking zone to finish my circuit. It was an incredible dawn journey however don’t recommend this one until you’re skilled with scrambling, unfastened rocks, and simply very comfy on ridges and mountains on the whole. It’s not a protected route for these in search of a median hike.
I hope you loved this submit about my Pico de Baixo hike on Porto Santo Island!
WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO
There are a number of choices on Porto Santo Island from huge all-inclusive resorts to small Airbnb residences. I’ve written an enormous submit about all the greatest choices relating to Porto Santo and you may test it out right here: WHERE TO STAY ON PORTO SANTO ISLAND: 11 BEST RESORTS AND HOTELS
I stayed for 5 days at Vila Baleira Resort and 5 days at Hotel Porto Santo & Spa but additionally heard and noticed nice issues about Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa. Here’s a fast glimpse at these three, lovely beachside lodging.
VILA BALEIRA RESORT
Vila Baleira Porto Santo (Luxury & All-inclusive): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Vila Baleira is a 4-star resort located proper on the golden sand seashore of Porto Santo. The rooms are on one aspect of the highway and the restaurant and pool space are straight subsequent to the seashore. I had the all-inclusive package deal, which meant we received a wristband once we arrived after which had buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to limitless espresso and alcohol all day, day by day.
Click right here to examine one of the best present charges and availability of Vila Baleira Porto Santo.
Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa (Luxury): This is a 5-star resort on Porto Santo Island and it’s by the most important lodge group in Portugal. The second you step within the resort you’ll be rewarded with a blissful setting and its world-class facilities. I might’ve appreciated to remain right here and from every part, I heard whereas on the island, it’s a fairly superior place to remain. It’s the highest choose for a lodge on Porto Santo Island if you need luxurious!
Click right here to examine one of the best present charges and availability of Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa.
Hotel Porto Santo & Spa (Luxury): THIS IS WHERE I STAYED! Another stylish, 4-star resort is Hotel Porto Santo & Spa the place I stayed for my second 5-day interval on my 10-day journey to Porto Santo Island. I’d fortunately suggest this Porto Santo lodge for {couples} and people in search of beachfront luxurious with a really stress-free environment. On high of that, the spa has a Turkish tub, a heated pool, therapeutic massage rooms, leisure spots, sizzling sand remedy, and extra. Not to say the restaurant serves contemporary native dishes.
Click right here to examine one of the best present charges and availability of Hotel Porto Santo & Spa.
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