Rocha do Navio Cable Car
Descend via cable car to a secluded nature reserve on Madeira's dramatic north coast, featuring waterfalls and a tranquil beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Rocha do Navio Cable Car
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend via cable car to a secluded nature reserve on Madeira's dramatic north coast, featuring waterfalls and a tranquil beach.
"This is a great hidden gem on the island, offering a unique perspective of the cliffs and waterfalls."
Check Operating Hours
Cable car closes for lunch 12:50-2 PM. Verify daily hours before you go! :clock1:
Affordable Round Trip
Only €8 for a round trip, offering great value and perspective. :euro:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rocha do Navio Cable Car Ride
North coast of Madeira, near Santana
A thrilling descent down dramatic cliffs to a secluded nature reserve with stunning ocean views.
Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve
Bottom of the cable car
Explore untouched beauty, waterfalls, and a tranquil beach, a true hidden gem.
Coastal Views & Waterfalls
Along the cable car route and reserve
Witness breathtaking views of the Atlantic, lush vegetation, and cascading waterfalls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Cable Car Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Hours
Cable car closes for lunch 12:50-2 PM. Verify daily hours before you go! :clock1:
Affordable Round Trip
Only €8 for a round trip, offering great value and perspective. :euro:
Hidden Gem Status
Skip the Funchal crowds for this stunning, less-visited spot. :gem:
Roadside Parking
Parking is mostly roadside, arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Hours
Cable car closes for lunch 12:50-2 PM. Verify daily hours before you go! :clock1:
Affordable Round Trip
Only €8 for a round trip, offering great value and perspective. :euro:
Hidden Gem Status
Skip the Funchal crowds for this stunning, less-visited spot. :gem:
Roadside Parking
Parking is mostly roadside, arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
Embrace the Scenery
Enjoy the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean views. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Rocha do Navio cable car and nature reserve, calling it a 'great hidden gem' with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. While the cable car ride is thrilling and affordable, a few guests have experienced minor mechanical issues. The natural beauty of the cliffs, waterfalls, and beach is consistently praised.
"This is such a great experience and does not require particular fitness. Go down by cable car, enjoy the scenery, watch the sea, have a small hike, if you like or just relax on one of the benches. Round-trip is 8 Euro. Parking is mostly roadside. There is a lunch break from 12:50 pm to 2 pm."
Al Hau
"Great find on the island! Everyone will flock to Funchal cable car but this is a great hidden gem. Free parking very close by and only €8 to go down and come back up. Worth doing as it offers a great perspective of the cliffs and waterfalls."
Tom Banks
"Beautiful cable car ride and friendly staff. Make sure to check the hours ahead of time. They break for lunch and are closed 1-2pm."
Jillian Fairbanks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rocha do Navio cable car is located on the northeast coast of Madeira, near Santana. Many visitors drive and find roadside parking available nearby. While some Reddit users mention other cable cars in Funchal, this one is a distinct experience outside the main city.
Yes, parking is generally available roadside near the cable car station. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up.
Information on direct public transport to Rocha do Navio is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient method mentioned by visitors. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Madeira's viewpoints.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round trip on the cable car costs approximately €8, which is considered great value by visitors for the unique perspective it offers.
It's crucial to check the operating hours in advance as the cable car has a lunch break from 12:50 PM to 2 PM. Hours can also vary, so confirming on the day of your visit is advised.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Rocha do Navio cable car. Tickets can typically be purchased on-site. However, always check for any updates or special circumstances.
The cable car ride itself is generally considered accessible and doesn't require significant fitness. Visitors can enjoy the scenery from the car and relax at the bottom reserve.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the bottom of the cable car, you can explore the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve, enjoy a tranquil beach, admire waterfalls, and take short hikes. It's a place to relax and soak in the natural beauty.
While there is a beach at Rocha do Navio, swimming conditions can be rough due to the Atlantic Ocean. It's more of a place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery than a typical swimming spot.
The reserve is a haven for endemic flora. On lucky days, visitors might spot dolphins or even monk seals near the beach.
Yes, families can enjoy the scenic cable car ride and the natural beauty of the reserve. However, one review mentioned a brief scare with the cable car for a child, so parental supervision is always advised.
The cable car offers breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and the vast Atlantic Ocean, providing a unique perspective of Madeira's coastline.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car ride itself provides stunning aerial shots of the coastline. At the bottom, capture the waterfalls, the rugged beach, and the dramatic cliffs. The entire area is incredibly photogenic.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the details of the cliffs and vegetation. Late afternoon light can offer dramatic shadows and a warm glow on the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Once at the reserve, capture the raw beauty of the rugged beach, the cascading water, and the imposing cliffs. The interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs throughout the day creates dynamic photographic opportunities.+1🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers
Keep an eye out for potential wildlife sightings like monk seals.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rocha do Navio Cable Car Experience
+1 It's an adventure that appeals to photographers and nature lovers alike, offering a thrilling descent into a secluded paradise.While the experience is overwhelmingly positive, it's worth noting that one visitor reported a brief mechanical issue with the cable car, causing a moment of concern. Despite this, the staff were described as friendly, and the overall sentiment remains that the cable car is a safe and worthwhile attraction.
Key takeaway: The cable car is more than just transport; it's an integral part of the Rocha do Navio experience, offering unparalleled views and a sense of adventure before you even reach the reserve itself. Always confirm operating hours, especially around the lunch break, to ensure a smooth visit.
Exploring the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve
+1 This reserve is a sanctuary of endemic flora, offering a stark contrast to the dramatic cliffs above. The landscape is characterized by lush greenery, cascading waterfalls that tumble down the rock faces, and a secluded beach that feels like a world away from the bustling island life. It’s a place where nature truly speaks for itself, inviting exploration and relaxation.Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the reserve, taking in the sights and sounds of this natural haven. While the beach is a focal point, the reserve also offers opportunities for short hikes, allowing for a deeper immersion into its unique ecosystem. On particularly fortunate days, you might even catch a glimpse of local wildlife, such as playful dolphins in the ocean or the elusive monk seal basking on the shore.
This makes Rocha do Navio not just a scenic spot, but a place of ecological significance.Essential tips: Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the reserve, and be prepared for a more rustic experience compared to manicured tourist spots. The reserve is perfect for those seeking peace, natural beauty, and a chance to disconnect. Remember to check the cable car's operating schedule for your return journey.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit