São Jorge XC (32km, 800m)

This bike tour will take place in the scenic north of the island. In the small village of São Jorge we will start biking at an altitude of 500 meters and we will climb along dirt roads up to 840 meters, with the goal to reach one of the best viewpoints of the entire island, which provides a stunning view over deep green laurel valleys and the Atlantic Ocean. As a reward for the climb and depending on your technical level, you will have the possibility to choose to go down either by dense and green dirt-roads or by some technical trails. Later on we will have the chance to make a stop to visit the only still working watermill of Madeira. On the way down before we will reach the interior of the valley, riding some steep farmers roads, you will notice that the cultivation of vegetables and exotic fruits is still strong in this area of the island. After taken a deep breath in this luxurious environment, we start the most challenging climb of the day until we reach the remote village of ‘Ilha’; a worthwhile effort due to its beautiful surroundings. In Ilha we take a break in a local snackbar before we head back to Santana by road to visit the famous thatched houses. The day finishes in Faial at sea level, down by the old road with views over the stunning north coast.