Thousands of tourists flock to Madeira each year, drawn by its mountain peaks, dramatic green valleys, and rugged coastline, which have earned it comparisons to 'the real life Jurassic Park.' This Portuguese island, situated closer to the coast of Africa, is described by Lonely Planet as deserving its many 'fanciful nicknames,' including the Pearl of the Atlantic, the Hawaii of Europe, and the Island of Eternal Spring.
Where to Start Your Madeira Adventure
Achadas da Cruz, a small village and parish on the northwestern coast of Madeira, is home to just 129 residents. Here, you will find one of Europe's steepest cable cars. The Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz rises to an incredible 451 meters above sea level with a dizzying 98% gradient, offering those who dare to ride it some of the most dazzling views in Europe. The area itself provides a peaceful escape from larger towns like Funchal and Machico.
All You Need to Know About Madeira's Cable Car
Originally built to transport farmers and their produce up and down the cliffside, the cable car operates daily from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It descends a near-vertical drop, connecting Achadas da Cruz to a small pebble beach below. A return ticket costs just £4.34 (€5). Parking is available in the village at the top of the cable car. For refreshments, the Calhau snack bar at the top of the cliff offers a panoramic terrace, perfect for calming nerves before the descent.
The cable car journey itself takes only five minutes, but visitors are advised to allow 20 minutes to an hour to explore the seafront and surrounding area. During the descent, look out for the Faja de Quebrada Nova, farmland at the foot of the cliff. To the north, you will see the volcanic landscape of Achadas da Cruz beach; to the south, small traditional stone houses used to store farmers' tools. Straight ahead, the view of the Atlantic Ocean is unparalleled.
More Things to Do in Achadas da Cruz
If you are planning a trip to the area, consider these additional sights and activities:
- Hiking: Madeira is renowned for its hiking routes. Popular trails include the Calhau Trail Loop, the Levada do Moinho Waterfall Loop, and the Levada Staircase Waterfall Loop.
- Natural Swimming Pools: The natural pools of Porto Moniz are nearby, offering sun loungers, parasols, and beautiful pools for relaxation.
- Viewpoints: Beyond the cable car, unique viewpoints like Miradouro Ribeira da Janela offer stunning inland vistas.
- Achadas da Cruz Museum: This local museum houses traditional artifacts, photographs, and stories that provide insights into daily life and customs of the community.
How to Get to Madeira from the UK
The easiest way to reach Achadas da Cruz from the UK is by flying directly to Madeira. For example, a return trip from Stansted in the first week of June costs £132. Alternatively, flights to a different return airport can be as low as £107. Upon landing at Funchal Airport, the cheapest option to reach Achadas da Cruz is by bus, costing approximately £2 but taking about two hours and 40 minutes. Renting a car reduces travel time to under an hour.
This article was first published on April 23, 2026. For more travel inspiration, explore our other articles on unique European destinations.
