Taking a cable car in Madeira is one of the island’s must-do activities! The Achadas da Cruz is one of the steepest in Europe! We were impressed by its degree of inclination. From the cabin, you’ll discover magnificent views of the rugged coastline and ocean. At the foot of the cliffs, you can explore a faja, an agricultural strip at the foot of the coastal walls.
Discover our useful tips and photos for visiting the Teleferico de Achadas da Cruz in this article!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Teleferico de Achadas da Cruz?
Is the Achadas da Cruz cable car worth a visit? Our opinion:
Yes! We recommend taking the Teleferico d’Achadas da Cruz or one of the island’s many cable cars. We found it an extraordinary experience and had never been on such a steep cable car before! The Teleferico de Porto Moniz, located at the intersection of Madeira’s north and west coasts, is apparently the steepest in Europe! We learned that it was possible to descend a slope at 98% over a 600m length.
In our opinion, this is one of Madeira’s must-see attractions!
Our favorite moments
We loved visiting this off-the-beaten-track (though increasingly well-known) attraction for many reasons, but here are the moments that stood out for us the most:
- Discover the view of the ocean, cliffs and faja from the top station of the cable car at Achadas da Cruz.
- The moment when we faced up to our fear of heights and climbed into the cabin.
- Stroll along the cliffs, discovering traditional houses. We loved these small buildings nestling in the terraced cultivated plots, cradled by the sound of the waves.
Take the cable car and discover the west of the island on a private excursion!
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How to get to Achadas da Cruz: access and map
Where is the cable car?
- Northwest of Madeira
- From Porto Moniz: 20min drive
- From Funchal: 1h15 drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
How to get there?
The only way to reach Achadas da Cruz is by car. The cable car is well signposted.
If you arrive via the magnificent ER101 panoramic road that circles the island, follow the signs for “Caminho do Teleferico”. These will take you along a quiet but somewhat narrow and steep road.
If you’re coming from Porto Moniz, you’ll be taking a mountain road. It is winding but wide and easy. It will take you to the top of the cliffs. On the way, we recommend a stop at the Miradouro da Santinha for a breathtaking view of Porto Moniz.
Parking
Parking is available in the village, at the top of the cable car. It’s spacious, so you should be able to find room.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The fare is €3 one way and €5 return.
Opening hours are as follows: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 7pm.
We recommend you make the trip on a clear day with no wind. In this way, you can fully admire the scenery and avoid the turbulence that can be caused by the breeze. But you don’t have to! You’ll enjoy the crossing and won’t risk anything if conditions aren’t perfect.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
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Length of visit and main difficulties
The cable car ride takes about 5 minutes. We recommend you allow between 20min and 1h to make the descent and visit the seafront and faja at the bottom.
No particular difficulties are to be expected. Of course, there’s nothing to worry about in the cable car, but we would like to point out that the descent is very steep and impressive! Once you’ve reached the bottom of the cliff, the well-maintained, easy-to-navigate hiking trail takes you past huts, gardens and farmland.
Catering, toilets and facilities
At the top station of the cable car, we found a snack bar: Snack-Bar Calhau. We loved its panoramic terrace! Whether you’re feeling peckish or just want to freshen up, it’s well worth taking a break here before the cable car ride down. Here you can enjoy simple but lovingly prepared dishes, drinks and ice creams. Note that this is the last restaurant before the descent. There’s nothing to eat at the foot of the cliff.
There are also toilets nearby.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Before the descent: view from Achada da Cruz
Before boarding the cable car (and if you’re not too afraid of heights), admire the view from the top of the cliff. You’ll discover a magnificent landscape and get a taste of what’s to come during and after the descent:
- steep cliffs,
- the ocean,
- the beach,
- la faja.
We’ll tell you all about these remarkable features in the rest of this article.
We enjoyed observing this small plot of land, both wild and inhabited, from the top of the impressive 450m-high cliff. We also took the time to note the extent to which the cable car tames the island’s relief and its impressive gradient.
From the cable car: panoramic views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean
We enjoyed observing the basalt cliffs from the cabin. Some 450m high, they plunge almost vertically into the sea, offering a grandiose spectacle. The different shades of rock and the green added by the vegetation create a beautiful landscape. A vertiginous natural wall rises up before you.
You won’t want to miss the breathtaking views over the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean. We loved contemplating the gradation of the waters, from deep blue to white foam, as the coastline drew closer.
Depending on the weather, sea spray and clouds add to the spectacle. This type of landscape, with its raw, untamed beauty, stayed with us throughout our trip to the island.
Overview of the Faja de Quebrada Nova
On the way down, we enjoyed taking the time to observe the view of the Faja de Quebrada Nova. This is the name given to the farmland forming a narrow cultivable strip at the foot of the cliffs.. The one you’ll see is called Faja de Quebrada Nova or Faja das Achadas da Cruz. Here you can see crops and small traditional houses. We found the cable car a good vantage point from which to appreciate the ingenuity of the locals in cultivating these narrow strips of fertile land.
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Down below: Achadas da Cruz beach
As you reach the far end of the bay, you’ll see Achadas da Cruz beach to the north. It’s more like a bay adorned with volcanic pebbles. Not ideal for swimming. Bring water shoes. However, we loved the magnificent scenery, lined with 450m-high cliffs. The faja, steep walls and volcanic rocks offer a magnificent, raw landscape that reminds us that in Madeira, nature reigns.
We also learned that this cove is a well-known surfing spot when the conditions are right.
Typical faja houses
Heading south, you’ll find a lovely little brick path between the ocean and farmland. We’ve noticed that many plots seem to have been abandoned. However, some land is still farmed. Vines and other market garden produce are grown here for local consumption.
In the faja, you’ll also discover small traditional stone houses. We found them adorable, nestling on cliff terraces. Be aware that they are not inhabited by local farmers. They live in the village, on top of the cliff, and use these shacks to store their equipment.
During our visit, we couldn’t resist exploring these abandoned grounds. If you’re as curious as we are, keep in mind that these are private places, and respect is a must!
Frequently asked questions
What to see around Achadas da Cruz?
In the Achadas da Cruz region, there are other viewpoints to visit:
- Miradouro da Ponta da Ladeira: perched on a craggy cliff, this viewpoint lets you admire Madeira’s typical landscapes. Sheer cliffs, the Faja das Achadas da Cruz in the distance and at their feet, and tiny areas of terraced plantations.
- Miradouro da Pombais: this viewpoint offers another panorama of the Achadas da Cruz region, but we found it less impressive than the one above.
Why are there so many cable cars in Madeira?
There are so many cable cars in Madeira, mainly because of the steep, mountainous topography of this volcanic island. They enable:
- To help local people gain access to fajas, arable land at the foot of inaccessible cliffs .
- To link isolated areas that are difficult to access by road because of the rugged terrain.
- To promote the spectacular volcanic landscapes to tourists.
Their use is also rooted in the traditions and way of life of Madeira’s inhabitants. Although they were built to enable farmers to reach their land more easily, today they are mainly used for tourism. Discover our article dedicated to Madeira’s cable cars.
Why is the Achadas da Cruz cable car also called the Porto Moniz cable car?
The Achadas da Cruz cable car is sometimes referred to as the Porto Moniz cable car, as it is located in the municipality of Porto Moniz. The village of Achadas da Cruz is administratively part of this coastal municipality.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
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Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
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