Achadas da Cruz, located on the northwestern coast of Madeira, Portugal, is a beautiful and tranquil village that many visitors overlook. With its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a great place to experience the natural beauty of Madeira. In this article, I will tell you how to get there and share my own experience of visiting this charming place.
Table of Contents
1. How to Get to Achadas da Cruz
By Car: The most common way to reach Achadas da Cruz is by car. From Funchal, the capital of Madeira, the drive takes about 1 hour. If you’re looking to rent a car, I always recommend using Carwave Madeira. Fully-equipped vehicles with comprehensive insurance coverage, eliminating the need for a security deposit or credit card hold. Book your rental car today. By Public Transport: While there is no direct public transport to Achadas da Cruz, you can take a bus from Funchal to Porto Moniz, a nearby town. From Porto Moniz, you may need to hire a taxi to reach Achadas da Cruz, as the village is not directly accessible by bus. This option can be a bit more time-consuming. Once you arrive in Achadas da Cruz, one of the best ways to reach the lower part of the village, known as Fajã da Quebrada Nova, is by taking the scenic cable car ride.
2. The Scenic Cable Car Ride
The cable car station is located at the top of the cliff in the main part of Achadas da Cruz. As you descend from the cliff, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the rugged coastline, lush green fields, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The ride offers a unique perspective of Madeira’s natural beauty that few other experiences can match. It’s important to check the operating schedule of the cable car before your visit, as it can be affected by weather conditions. The cable car operates daily, weather permitting, but it may be closed on particularly windy days for safety reasons. Ensuring it’s running can save you from disappointment and help you plan your trip better.
3. The Fajã da Quebrada Nova
The Fajã da Quebrada Nova, situated at the base of the coastal cliffs in Achadas da Cruz, was formed by a massive landslide. From the mountain terminus of the cable car, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the former debris plain below, now transformed into sprawling gardens. Initially, the cable car was established to assist farmers, allowing them to travel quickly and comfortably down to their fields. For hikers, the cable car provides a convenient way to ascend the cliffs. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful, almost untouched area. It’s a great place for nature lovers to explore the unique plants of Madeira. You can also hike down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The trail is 3.6 km long and descends steeply, making it a challenging hike that takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s important to note that the last cable car ride down is at 16:30, and the last ride up is at 18:00.
Achadas da Cruz is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Madeira’s natural beauty. Its serene landscapes and unique experiences make Achadas da Cruz a must-visit destination on any trip to Madeira.
By the way, don’t forget to check out my guide to Madeira Island. Creating this map has been a labor of love – it includes top destinations and hikes, various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints, among many other treasures.
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.
Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.
Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.
📍Ancient Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼Detailed directions to this part of Fanal Forest can be found in my INTERACTIVE GUIDE WITH MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗Link in bio☝️
#FanalForest #HiddenGem #Madeira #VisitMadeira #Fanal
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
🌅✨ This road curve might just be the most photogenic spot in Madeira, and it has captured the hearts of many photographers thanks to the dramatic cliffs in the background. During the summer, you can catch the sunset here, adding even more colors and stunning light to the scene. 😍
This hidden gem is located near 📍 Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — make sure not to miss it on your Madeira adventure! 🌿👆
For those looking to get the most out of their trip, be sure to check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE + MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️🌍 – your perfect travel companion for the journey ahead 💫
🔗 Link in bio 👌🏼
#madeiraisland #visitmadeira #pontadorosto #sunsetvibes #madeiratravel #epicviews #discovermadeira #madeira #islandparadise #TravelMap #visitportugal #madeiralovers #naturephotography #travelinspirations #landscapevideo #adventureawaits #portugaltravel #madeiraislands #mountainvibes #oceanviews #offthebeatenpath
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I never get tired of hiking the PR1 trail. Every time feels like a brand-new experience. The weather, the time of day, the season, the way the light falls — it’s always different. Even the clouds add to the magic. They’re never the same, constantly shifting in shape and hanging at different levels, making the landscape even more dynamic.
And the sunsets? They change with the season, casting their light differently on the cliffs and valleys, transforming the scenery in unexpected ways. No matter how many times I return, PR1 always feels like something new. It’s no wonder this trail is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. 🌅☁️✨
📍Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
💡👉🏼 For even more incredible locations, check out my INTERACTIVE GUIDE+MAP OF MADEIRA 🗺️
🔗You can find the link in my bio🌍☝️
#MadeiraIsland #PR1Trail #HikingAdventure #Madeira #Cloudscapes #VisitMadeira #ScenicViews #SunsetMagic #MountainHike #AdventureHike #ExploreMadeira #HikingAddict #GoOutdoors #TravelMap
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
I’ve found it — a real-life Jurassic Park! 🌿🦕
📍Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro on Flores Island, Azores, feels like stepping into another world. Hidden deep within a lush, emerald jungle, these breathtaking waterfalls look straight out of a movie scene.
It’s the kind of place where nature reigns supreme, and you can’t help but feel small in the best possible way.
If there’s one destination you should add to your bucket list, it’s this one. Trust me, you’ll be blown away. 🌍💧
💡Thinking of visiting Flores Island and need some tips?
👉🏼 Great news: My Interactive Guide + Map of Flores Island is officially live! 💫
🔗 Find the link in my bio to start your adventure! 😉
#JurassicPark #Azores #FloresIsland #IslandParadise #HiddenGems #waterfallsofinstagram #ExploreAzores #ScenicViews #NatureAtItsBest #WaterfallHike #DiscoverAzores #TravelGoals2024 #TravelPortugal #BucketListTravel #Açores #Acores #Acoresislands
