The Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela, located on Madeira’s northwest coast, are spectacular rock formations! We were seduced by their raw, untamed beauty. These volcanic sea stacks, rising majestically from the ocean, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. We think it’s a unique place not to be missed during your stay in Madeira.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
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 Ribeira da Janela
Are the Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela worth a visit? Our opinion:
The islets of Ribeira da Janela are well worth a visit! These sea stacks are impressive. We loved watching them in the raw, untamed landscape that surrounds them. The path to the lookout is simple and fun. A visit to the Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela is an off-the-beaten-track experience that we recommend you include in your itinerary!
In fact, it’s one of the best activities around Porto Moniz!
Our favorite moments
We loved our visit to Ribeira da Janela, and especially the impressive vertical islets there. Here are our 3 favorite moments:
- We found the little path in the rock hollow that leads to the belvedere to be a lot of fun.
- We enjoyed admiring these majestic volcanic rock formations and appreciating their grandeur.
- We’re glad we took the time to reach the old road overlooking the village, for a different view of the islets.
Discover the volcanic chimneys of Ribeira da Janela on an excursion to the heart of northwest Madeira! Find out more and book
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How to get to Ribeira da Janela: access and map
Where is Ribeira da Janela?
- On the island’s northwest coast
- Driving time from Porto Moniz: 5min
- Driving time from Seixal: 15min
- Driving time from Funchal: 1h
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 Ribeira da Janela is by car.
Whether you’re coming from Seixal or Porto Moniz, you’ll arrive via the magnificent ER101 panoramic road that circles the island. You then branch off onto a winding road to Ribeira da Janela. It’s a wide, safe lane, and we had no trouble using it. You’ll notice that the islets are visible from the road before you arrive.
Parking
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the winding road, you’ll find a large parking lot.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit
You can visit the rock formations and the village at any time of day. However, we think it’s a great place to watch the sunrise over the ocean and behind the ilheus.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Length of visit and main difficulties
How long you stay depends on what you want to visit. We recommend you take the time to explore the village in addition to the ocean chimneys.
If you skip the village, allow around 1 hour to admire the islets, cliffs and tunnel. If you’re also visiting Ribeira da Janela, allow an extra 30min to 1h.
There are 2 options for observing the rock formations:
- You can walk along the beach to get around the cliffs to the islets, but the beach is strewn with large rocks, so it can be tricky.
- Alternatively, you can take the stairs nestled into the cliffs. They lead up to the viewpoint. In our opinion, this is the best option.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
There’s not much in the way of restaurants on site, but there is a small café near the parking lot. Ideal for breakfast if you’ve chosen to visit the islets at sunrise.
We also saw toilets in the parking lot.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
The Ilheus: spectacular rock formations
On the volcanic coastline of Ribeira da Janela stand 3 impressive islets, some 200m from the coast. We learned that they each had a name and found it very cute! The smallest is called Ilhéu Zinho, the medium-sized Ilhéu da Rama and the largest Ilhéu Alto (or Ilhéu Comprido).
The latter is the best known. Firstly, for its impressive size: 40m high, the equivalent of 13 storeys. Secondly, for the window that gives its name to the village, river and valley. To get a good view of the hole, we recommend you go to the old road (see next article) or to the Port of Porto Moniz.
The beach: Praia da Ribeira da Janela
We liked the wild aspect of the beach. In fact, it’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches! Volcanic pebbles, rocks covered in green algae, steep cliffs and swells create a magnificent natural spectacle. What’s more, you’ll notice that among the black pebbles, the river makes its way to the ocean. This is the mouth of the Ribeira da Janela River, the longest and most abundant in the island’s interior.
The belvedere and its staircase nestled in the rock
Accessible from the parking lot, the staircase leading to the viewpoint of the sea stacks seems to us to be the best way to observe them. We loved the steps hidden in the intriguingly shaped basalt rocks. Before reaching the belvedere, you’ll pass through a tunnel in the rock. We found it quite fun!
The village of Ribeira da Janela
Ribeira da Janela is a small freguesia (parish) of less than 300 inhabitants, living in the surrounding hills. The village is famous for its islets, which inspired its name. Indeed, we learned that Ribeira da Janela means “River of the Window” in reference to the natural window-like opening in the largest of the 3 rocky islets.
Within the village, you can observe:
Matriz da Ribeira da Janela church, built in the 16th century. We loved its sober architecture and white walls, typical of Madeira’s religious style. The most attentive among you will notice its characteristic wall steeple.
The hydroelectric plant, built in 1965, is one of only 2 power stations on the island, located at sea level. Indeed, we have learned that the others tend to be located at higher altitudes.
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Panoramic view from the road
Before you leave, we invite you to take one last look at these volcanic columns on the old road, Antiga ER101. It overlooks the village and skirts the cliffs. From here, we enjoyed the panoramic view of the islets, the ocean, the beach and the village. In fact, this is one of the places in Ribeira da Janela where you can clearly see the window of the largest ilheus.
Frequently asked questions
How were these rock formations created?
The Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela have been sculpted by natural erosion over thousands of years. Born of volcanic basaltic lava flows, these rocks have been shaped by the ceaseless action of waves, sea winds, sea water dissolving softer parts of the rock, and temperature variations gradually splintering the rock. A long process of marine and wind erosion has transformed these volcanic rocks into veritable natural sculptures.
What other places should I visit near Ribeira da Janela?
- The Levada da Ribeira da Janela Hike– a 13km walk to discover the island’s famous irrigation canals. Find out more about the Levadas.
- La Randonnée Verada da Ribeira da Janela – a short walk in a forest near the village
- From the Miradouro da Eira da Achada, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ribeira da Janela, its beach and rock formations.
A little further on:
- Seixal, where you’ll find one of Madeira’s only sandy beaches. There’s also a natural swimming pool.
- Porto Moniz, a very pretty town with a beautiful natural swimming pool.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
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Most beautiful hikes
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Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
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