
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. 💶

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 732 reviews
Address
Website
cm-santana.comHighlights
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. 💶
Hidden Gem Status
Skip the Funchal crowds for this stunning, less-visited spot. 💎
Roadside Parking
Parking is mostly roadside, arrive early to secure a spot. 🚗
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. 💶
Hidden Gem Status
Skip the Funchal crowds for this stunning, less-visited spot. 💎
Roadside Parking
Parking is mostly roadside, arrive early to secure a spot. 🚗
Embrace the Scenery
Enjoy the dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and ocean views. 🌊
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.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit