Achadas da Cruz is home to one of Madeira's most unique experiences: a cable car that descends 450 meters down a sheer cliff face to a remote coastal plateau called Fajã da Quebrada Nova. This agricultural terrace, inaccessible by road, is still farmed using traditional methods.
Getting there and back
Which route
Where to board
Boarding reference: Funchal / Estrada Monumental. Select a journey that names Achadas da Cruz; check the route page for the correct direction and any branch notes. The town name alone does not identify a boarding bay.
From the stop
Use the named Achadas da Cruz stop or timing point for Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz. Plan the pedestrian leg from that point to your exact destination; the bus sheet does not give a walking distance or confirm entrance access.
The way back
Choose the last usable return on the route page before leaving. Use its dated timetable where available, otherwise its linked SIGA sheet. Match the day, direction and stop; a departure from the terminus is not a departure from your stop.
Good to know
- The return is printed as 381 on the sheet linked from route 380. Its weekday and weekend stopping patterns differ; do not assume it retraces the outward journey.
- The bus sources name stops, but do not establish a step-free walking route or the entrance location. Check the final approach and the return boarding point before leaving the bus.
What to see at Achadas da Cruz
The main attraction is the cable car descent to the Fajã. Once at the bottom, explore the traditional agricultural plots where locals grow vegetables and grapes. The rocky beach offers dramatic views of the towering cliffs above. Look for the small shelters where farmers store their tools.
Best time to visit
Spring and summer for the best weather. Avoid visiting on windy days when the cable car may be closed. Combine with a trip to nearby Porto Moniz for the natural swimming pools. Allow at least 2 hours to explore the Fajã and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
