The Santana Vertical Kilometer^® on the island of Madeira starts in the hamlet of Vale da Lapa at an elevation of 784 meters in the heart of a luscious laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire course is set in the Madeira Nature Park, where several ecosystems are protected to contribute to habitat and wild life conservation.

The final part of the climb – highly technical and physically demanding – comprises a steep via ferrata section which summits at Encumeada Alta (1,787m), where beautiful mountain landscapes unfold.

The course covers a total distance of 4.8 km with 1,003 meters vertical climb. Yes, it’s a tough one!