Nestled between cliffs and the sea, this village is one of the most unique on the island, with its narrow streets, staircases and superb seafront promenade. Its atmosphere is very different from that of its neighbors.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Madeira’s Jardim do Mar village, and some useful tips for planning your visit.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is the village of Jardim do Mar worth a visit?
The village of Jardim do Mar is well worth a visit.
It’s unique and charming, with a labyrinth of tiny streets and a superb waterfront.
This is one of Madeira’s most beautiful villages.
1. Igreja do Jardim do Mar
Right in the heart of the village, next to the parking lot, your first stop is the most inspiring building: the little church of Notre-Dame du Rosaire.
It features the island’s typical color scheme, with white lime and darker edges.
But it’s surprisingly full of arches and decorations, especially at the top of the square tower.
Inside, it is richly decorated with paintings on the ceiling.
A parish had long existed, but the new parish church was blessed in 1907.
Opposite is a representation of Senhora de Rosario, in the typical blue of Portuguese Azuleos.
- We have no firm information on opening times
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our must-see tour: guided tour of the island
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Kayak excursion
2. Explore alleyways
Jardim do Mar is the most village-like of the villages. In fact, there are few main streets here, but mostly alleyways to explore on foot. It’s a real labyrinth!
They’re made of pretty cobblestones with colorful houses and little glimpses of the sea.
The place is very picturesque.
From time to time to take a driveway to discover beautiful sea views but these will be cul-de-sacs that go just a few houses away. But it’s worth it all the same!
It was a real pleasure to explore, get lost and find yourself again.
Don’t worry, the village isn’t huge, so you’ll always find your way back!
3. The seafront promenade
At the end of the lanes, you can descend the stairs into a beautiful garden to reach the seafront promenade.
In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful on the island. The area is famous for its waves, and we love the sound of the surf as we walk.
Once down, you can explore from one end to the other with beautiful views of cliffs, plantations and the sea.
The path is wide and easy to walk. It’s great because there’s no car jack-knifing next to you!
- The Jardim do Mar seafront promenade is about 700m long.
- If you can’t get down the stairs, there are a few parking spaces to the south of the village, at sea level, at Praia do Portinho, but we can’t guarantee a space.
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.
4. The beach: Praia do Portinho
Jardim do Mar has no real beach, but a concrete one: a boat ramp that serves as access to the water.
Be careful, there are lots of waves, so it’s not ideal for swimming.
But it’s a very popular spot for surfers, and there’s a surf school.
Some say it’s even one of Europe’s best surf spots, but we don’t have the experience to confirm that.
5. Ruins of the sugar mill (Engeho de Canas)
South of the seafront promenade, you may notice the ruins of a factory. This was the old sugar cane mill.
Sugar production was a major boost for Madeira’s economy.
It’s an essential part of Madeira’s history.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
6. View of the cliffs
At the very northern end of the promenade, this is one of Madeira’s ideal spots for meditation, with views of cliffs dropping sheer into the sea, shades of green and blue and often waves crashing before your eyes.
7. The central square
This village has a very different atmosphere from any other, even on the south coast.
Yet it’s a Faja like any other, a small strip of land between cliffs and sea.
We also recommend taking a seat in the central square, taking the time to breathe and admire the trees and mountains all around.
And then, after climbing up the slope or the stairs from the seafront, it’s nice to settle down!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
8. Hiking
There are also two popular hiking trails in the area:
- the “Do Jardim ao Paul” trail, which links Jardim do Mar to Paul do Mar in 17km. Be careful, it’s a tough one with steep gradients (+1307m).
- PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar between Jardim do Mar and Prazeres. 3.8km round trip for a total of 3h with 500m ascent.
Other attractions around Jardim do Mar
You can combine your visit to Jardim do Mar with..:
- the village of Paul do Mar, similar but also very different: between sea and cliffs, but easier to explore.
- the Garganta Funda waterfall on the west side of the island
- Ponta do Pargo lighthouse
- Calheta beach just 5 minutes away (sand)
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
How to get to Jardim do Mar + parking
Where to find Jardim do Mar in Madeira + map
- West of the south coast
- From Funchal = 40 min drive
- From Porto Moniz = 45 min
- From Machico = 1h
- A short detour from the main ER101 road along the south coast
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get there
To visit Jardim do Mar, the best option is to rent a car.
It’s not a frequent stop on organized tours, and buses aren’t frequent either.
See our tips for renting a car in Madeira.
There’s also a ferry from Funchal, but it takes a long time and isn’t very frequent.
Parking in Jardim do Mar
There is a main parking lot in the heart of the village on the higher ground, and a small parking lot near Paria de Portinho, at the bottom of the village.
It’s not always easy to find parking in the middle of the day.
Useful tips
How long and when?
It’s a very sunny, sloping spot. We recommend avoiding hot days.
If you want to park easily, prefer the morning.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
If you have mobility problems, this is not the ideal village for you. It is very steep, with narrow streets and staircases.
Restaurants
There’s not a huge choice of restaurants, but there are a few to make the most of your visit:
- Tarmar restaurant with fish and seafood
- Restaurant Joe’s Bar with snacks
Hotels
Here you’ll find mainly rentals.
- Villa Flora, for a peaceful stay (above Jardim do Mar) – see photos and availability
- Casa do Mar, in the historic center – see photos and availability
- Casa do Sol’s swimming pool – see photos and availability
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
