Located on the northern slope of the parish of Caniçal, Ponta do Bode is a protected ecosite with unique characteristics. The reddish colour that takes over its surroundings gives it an almost mystical atmosphere. For this reason, this area is commonly known as 'Mars in Madeira'.
The name 'Ponta do Bode' comes from a local legend about an animal ('bode' means goat) that accidentally fell from the cliffs in this area. This name appears on maps of the region dating from the late 19th century.
This is one of the most peculiar and appreciated places in the municipality of Machico, for its inimitable natural landscape, of course, but also for the importance of its geodiversity. It is considered one of the most important examples of the geological processes of sedimentology and stratigraphy, and therefore comprises two different geosites.
The first geosite at Ponta do Bode is characterised as the place where the Upper Volcanic Complex comes up to the surface. For this reason, it is the best place on the island to observe the phenomenon of spheroidal disjunction. On the other hand, the second geosite, included in Rede Natura 2000 and in the Ponta de S. Lourenço Natural Monument, allows observing a 'dykes in dykes' complex, corresponding to the fissural volcanism zone.
A Ponta do Bode, na vertente norte da freguesia do Caniçal, conta com uma envolvência única, de tons avermelhados. É amplamente apreciada pela sua paisagem e pela sua importante geodiversidade.
