Attractions and Places To See around Canhas - Top 20

Canhas is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Highly popular spots include the 25 Fontes (25 Springs) Waterfall and the Risco waterfall, both accessible via scenic levada walks. Another must-see is the Fanal Laurel Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mystical atmosphere, especially when shrouded in mist.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Fanal Laurel Forest is considered family-friendly, offering an enchanting experience for all ages. Additionally, the Levada do Risco trail is noted for being flat and well-maintained, making it a good option for families. For more options, explore easy hikes around Canhas.

Canhas offers several cultural and historical points of interest. You can explore monuments like the Santa Teresa do Menino Jesus, the Via Sacra, and Senhor da Montanha. The 1890 Water Clock, the neo-Mannerist and neo-Baroque Parish Church, and the 15th-century Nossa Senhora dos Anjos Chapel are also significant landmarks reflecting the region's heritage.

Canhas is a prime location for levada walks. The famous PR6 25 Fontes Hike & Levada do Risco is a highlight, leading through dense laurel forests to waterfalls. The Levada Nova Tunnel and Waterfall offers an exciting tunnel section where a headlamp is recommended. While many trails are well-maintained, some, like the 25 Fontes, can be very crowded, so consider visiting early or late. You can find more detailed hiking options in the easy hikes around Canhas guide.

Absolutely. Cabo Girão, located about 8.3 km from Canhas, is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world and features a Skywalk viewpoint with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Câmara de Lobos, and Funchal. Paul da Serra, Madeira's largest plateau, also offers expansive and impressive vistas.

Beyond the famous waterfalls, Canhas is close to several unique natural features. The Fanal Laurel Forest is a UNESCO site with ancient, mystical trees. You can also visit the Waterfall of the Angels, where water cascades directly onto the road, or explore the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz and the distinctive black sand beach of Seixal, both a bit further afield but worth the trip.

The region around Canhas is excellent for cycling. You can find various routes for road cycling and touring bicycles. For example, there are challenging road cycling routes like the Paul da Serra - Canhas Cycle Route, and longer touring routes connecting São Vicente, Ponta do Sol, and Ribeira Brava. Explore detailed options in the Road Cycling Routes around Canhas and Cycling around Canhas guides.

Visitors frequently describe the Fanal Laurel Forest as a mystical and enchanting place. Many recommend visiting during cloudy or rainy weather, as the mist passing through the ancient trees creates an otherworldly atmosphere. It's considered a unique experience that transports you to another time and place.

Yes, there are coastal attractions nearby. Ponta do Sol Beach is approximately 1.8 km from Canhas, and Praia da Calheta beach is about 8 km away, offering opportunities for relaxation by the sea.

While levada walks can be enjoyed year-round, some visitors note that popular trails like the 25 Fontes can get very crowded. To avoid the busiest times, it's advisable to start your hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon when tour buses have departed. The mystical atmosphere of the laurel forests is often enhanced on cloudy or misty days.

If you plan to traverse the Levada Nova Tunnel and Waterfall, it is highly recommended to bring a headlamp or flashlight. The tunnel, while not excessively long, is dark, and a light source is essential for safe passage. Remember to watch your head as you go through.

Paul da Serra is the largest plateau on Madeira island and is easily accessible from Canhas. It's significant not only for its expansive, impressive views but also for its role in the island's ecosystem. The area's streams and watercourses are vital for irrigating local fields, making it a crucial natural resource and a popular spot for walks.