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.
s.x.traveler
@ s.x.traveler . Jul 6
At the serene heights of Madeira, amidst the gentle whispers of the setting sun and the tranquil drift of clouds, lies a sanctuary of peace.
Here, the chaos of daily life fades away, leaving only the present moment to cherish.
In this tranquil setting, I discover harmony amidst turmoil, embrace the mysteries of the unknown, and, above all, find solace within myself.
As the last rays of sunlight vanish beyond the horizon, they serve as a poignant reminder that every ending marks the dawn of a new beginning💫
Location:📍Miradouro do Ninho da Manta, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
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@ s.x.traveler . Jul 5
Hi, I’m Sergio.
You know me as the Madeira explorer. I’ve been here for 2 years continuously exploring the island almost every day. And you know that I consistently share my discoveries with you on my Instagram.
I understand that many of you are planning your vacations in Madeira, which is why you’ve followed me. Thank you for your support; it inspires me to make new discoveries and share them with you.
Last year I discovered the @rexbycom service, which helped me organize all my findings into a simple, interactive guide with a map of Madeira.
I’ve collected over 140 recommended places to visit and created 10 ready-to-go travel itineraries (including must-visit spots, hidden gems, sunrise&sunset spots, and the most scenic hikes), all in one single map.
This map is a true labor of love, featuring top destinations, scenic hikes, various activities, hidden gems, mesmerizing waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints. 🥾⛵️🌿🧗♀️⛰️🚠🌊💎
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To access my guide + map 👉🏼 link in my profile bio 🔗
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@ s.x.traveler . Jul 4
Top 3 Incredible Videos of June 2024 from the Most Scenic Hiking Route in the World 🌍
📍PR1 Hiking Route, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
Which one is your favorite? 1️⃣, 2️⃣ or 3️⃣?
💫 Share your favorite with those who need a dose of travel magic! 🪄
Remember: Visualization attracts the desired and turns it into reality. ✈️
💡And for those who already planning their vacation in Portugal 👉🏼 Check out my Interactive Guide with a Map of Madeira 🗺️
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🔗 Link in bio👆🏻
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@ s.x.traveler . Jul 3
What could be better than waking up early to greet the sunrise and witness such an extraordinary view?
Location: 📍Miradouro Rocha do Navio, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
Planning your trip to Madeira? 👉🏼 on my interactive guide & Madeira map 🗺️ you’ll find much more incredible and unique places
🔗 link in bio 🌍
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@ s.x.traveler . Jul 2
🌄Lost up in the mountains of Madeira ⛰️
In the heart of Madeira’s majestic peaks, I find both peace and adventure. Every corner of this breathtaking island whispers secrets of tranquility and awe. The views, the air, the silence—each moment here is a gentle reminder of nature’s profound beauty and our place within it. Grateful for these moments of pure connection and reflection. 🌲✨
Location: 📍Pico Ruivo – The highest peak of Madeira 🇵🇹
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@ s.x.traveler . Jul 1
The most famous hike in Madeira features several tunnels, each revealing extraordinary and sometimes even magical views. Each tunnel feels like a portal to another world, with landscapes so different on either side that it’s hard to believe they’re all part of the same trail. 🌿✨
This video was filmed at the passage through the first such tunnel along the route. Although, I would even say it’s more of an arch 🤔
📍 Location: PR1 Hike, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
👉🏼 For more insights and useful tips, check out my interactive guide with a map of Madeira🗺️
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@ s.x.traveler . Jun 30
Would you like to take a stroll along this short yet breathtaking scenic trail?
The path involves an ascent of about 700 meters and covers a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers one way. This trail offers stunning views and a rewarding hike for all adventure seekers.
Place:📍 Vereda do Espigão, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
Planning your trip to Madeira? 👉🏼 on my interactive guide & Madeira map 🗺️ you’ll find much more incredible and unique places
🔗 link in bio 🌍
#BucketListAdventures #Madeira #MadeiraIsland #ScenicView #SpectacularView #ValleyView #HikingTrail #MountainTrail #HikingTrail #TravelMadeira #VisitMadeira #ScenicRoute
@ s.x.traveler . Jun 29
Imagine yourself in a mysterious forest, surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and the cheerful chirping of birds, ascending to the top of Madeira.
Follow @s.x.traveler to discover more unique and mysterious places in Madeira.
👉🏼For those who want to get the most out of their trip 💡🗺️ check out my interactive guide with a map of Madeira
🔗The link is in my profile bio👆🏻
Place:📍PR1.1 Hiking Route, Madeira, Portugal 🇵🇹
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