Achadas da Cruz: A Hidden Gem in Madeira

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
2. The Scenic Cable Car Ride
3. The Fajã da Quebrada Nova

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.

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