Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve Madeira
A stunning nature reserve on Madeira's north coast, featuring dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and a unique cable car descent to a secluded beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for hiking
Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve Madeira
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning nature reserve on Madeira's north coast, featuring dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and a unique cable car descent to a secluded beach.
"Absolutely stunning, feels like a scene from an Avatar movie!"
🎯 Cable Car Cost & Hours
Round trip is €8. Check operating hours, as they close for lunch. 🎟️
🚶♀️ Hiking Trail Caution
The trail down is often restricted to mornings only. Be cautious if wet. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 228 reviews
Type
National Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rocha do Navio Cable Car
Santana
A thrilling descent offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the nature reserve below.
The Nature Reserve Beach
Bottom of the cable car
Explore the secluded beach and walk along the sea path, soaking in the pristine natural beauty.
Waterfalls and Cliffs
Within the reserve
Witness stunning waterfalls cascading down dramatic cliffs, a signature feature of this reserve.
Marine Life Spotting
Coastal waters
Keep an eye out for monk seals, dolphins, and diverse marine life in this protected sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car Access & Timing
Embrace the Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Cable Car Cost & Hours
Round trip is €8. Check operating hours, as they close for lunch. 🎟️
🚶♀️ Hiking Trail Caution
The trail down is often restricted to mornings only. Be cautious if wet. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Breathtaking Views
Prepare for 'Avatar'-like scenery; the views are truly spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🦭 Wildlife Encounters
Lucky visitors might spot monk seals or dolphins.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Cable Car Cost & Hours
Round trip is €8. Check operating hours, as they close for lunch. 🎟️
🚶♀️ Hiking Trail Caution
The trail down is often restricted to mornings only. Be cautious if wet. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Breathtaking Views
Prepare for 'Avatar'-like scenery; the views are truly spectacular. :camerawithflash:
🦭 Wildlife Encounters
Lucky visitors might spot monk seals or dolphins.
🚗 Parking Available
Street parking is available at the top near the viewpoint. 🚗
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Rocha do Navio's breathtaking, almost surreal landscapes, often comparing it to scenes from 'Avatar.' The cable car ride is a highlight, offering spectacular views. While the reserve is stunning, some note the cable car's lunch closure and the restricted access to the hiking trail. +1
"Car park at the top of the hill and a great view down to the beach! We took the gondola down to the bottom where we enjoyed our picnic lunch. It was €8pp rtn and the ride takes about 5min. Be mindful they will close for an hour or so over lunch. There apparently is a trail to go down and back up but you have to do this in the morning only otherwise you can be fined.
At the bottom you can access the beach and walk along a sea path."
Ellie D'Silva
"This is undoubtedly my favourite place on the entire island. Look at the photos and tell me it doesn't feel like a scene from an Avatar movie. Absolutely stunning 😍"
Ivilina Todorova
"The view is outstanding. There is a beautiful waterfall. You can visit the village by cable car. Return 8€. It is amazing experience. There is car parking on the street."
sermin erden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is located in Santana on Madeira's north coast. Most visitors access it via the Rocha do Navio Viewpoint, where the cable car station is located. Street parking is available nearby.
While specific bus routes directly to the viewpoint might be limited, you can reach Santana by public transport from Funchal and then potentially take a taxi or arrange a ride to the viewpoint. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Madeira's viewpoints.
Yes, there is a trail, but it's often restricted to morning access only. It can be slippery if it has been raining, so caution is advised.
Taking the cable car down offers a thrilling experience with stunning views. Once at the bottom, you can explore the beach and walk along the sea path.
Yes, viewpoints like Miradouro de Santo António offer different perspectives of the reserve and the surrounding coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cable car costs €8 per person for a round trip.
The cable car typically operates daily but has a lunch closure, usually for about an hour. It's advisable to check the exact times before your visit.
The primary cost associated with accessing the reserve is the cable car fee. Entry to the reserve area at the bottom is generally included with the cable car ticket.
Tickets for the cable car are usually purchased on-site at the station. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially during peak season, though crowds are generally manageable.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard €8 round trip fee is generally applied to all visitors.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the scenic cable car ride, explore the beach, walk along the sea path, admire waterfalls, and potentially spot marine life like monk seals or dolphins.
Yes, families can enjoy the cable car ride and the beach area. The hiking trail might be challenging for very young children, but the overall experience is family-friendly.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the beach or walk along the sea path. Layers are advisable as coastal weather can change.
Swimming conditions can vary. The beach is more for exploring and enjoying the scenery. Always assess the sea conditions before considering a swim.
Basic facilities like picnic areas are available. It's a good idea to bring your own food and drinks as options at the bottom are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic cliffs, the cascading waterfalls, the rugged coastline, and the cable car itself offer incredible photographic potential. The views from the top viewpoint are also stunning.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the landscape without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also offer golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing any distant marine life.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in protected nature reserves before flying.
Yes, the cable car ride offers unique perspectives of the cliffs and the sea. Be mindful of safety and hold your camera securely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit