Madeira itinerary planning can feel overwhelming at first – especially when you realize how much...
Read MoreMadeira Cable Car Guide – 7 Scenic Rides for the Best Views
The Madeira Cable Car rides are among the island’s most exciting attractions, offering incredible ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and access to remote beaches and valleys. While many visitors know about the popular cable cars in Funchal, Madeira actually has seven cable cars spread across the island — some in truly hidden locations. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply want to enjoy the scenery without hiking, these scenic rides are worth adding to your itinerary.
In this guide, I’ll introduce you to all seven Madeira cable cars, share useful tips, and help you choose which ones to include in your Madeira adventure.
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Discover 7 stunning Madeira cable car rides for the best ocean views, hidden beaches, and dramatic cliffs. A must-do experience when visiting Madeira.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
Madeira cable car map
Useful Tips for Madeira Cable Cars
List of Cable Cars
- Rocha do Navio
- Teleférico Achadas da Cruz
- Teleferico do Rancho (Cabo Girão)
- Teleférico do Garajau (Teleferico do Cristo Rei)
- Teleférico Fajã dos Padres
- Teleférico do Jardim Botânico
- Teleférico do Funchal
Useful Tips for Madeira Cable Cars
Cable cars are called Teleférico in Portuguese.
Some rides only accept cash — always carry small bills or coins just in case.
Most rural cable cars have only two cabins: one ascending, one descending.
Timetables and opening days may vary due to maintenance – always check in advance.
Most rural cable cars were originally built by locals to access their agricultural land.
Fajãs & Beaches Cable Cars
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Location: Porto Moniz region (northwest Madeira)
Elevation: 452 meters (with a 98% incline!)
Access: By car only
One of the most remote and adventurous rides, this Madeira cable car takes you down to a quiet beach and the lush Fajã da Achadas da Cruz. With steep cliffs on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, this ride is truly unforgettable.
Fun fact: It’s considered the steepest cable car in Europe.
This was my personal favourite for the views and the walking path along the beach.
Rocha do Navio Cable Car (Santana Cable Car)
Location: Santana, northern coast
Elevation: approx. 330 meters
Access: By car only
Located on the north coast near Santana, this short but stunning Madeira cable car ride takes you down to agricultural terraces known as “fajãs,” passing waterfalls and ocean cliffs. The name Rocha do Navio comes from a 19th-century Dutch shipwreck in the area. The ride takes less than 5 minutes.
Teleférico do Rancho (Cabo Girão Cable Car)
Location: Câmara de Lobos (near Cabo Girão)
Elevation: 589 meters
Access: By car or Rodoeste bus line 27
Cabo Girão is home to Europe’s highest sea cliff, and this cable car offers breathtaking views over the southern coastline and the dramatic volcanic landscape. From the top, visit the Skywalk viewpoint before descending towards the hidden fajãs and terraced farms.
Popular activities in Madeira
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Fajã dos Padres Cable Car
Location: Câmara de Lobos (near Cabo Girão)
Elevation: approx. 300 meters
Access: By car only
- Website: Faja dos Padres website
Located at the base of Cabo Girão, this scenic ride brings you to a hidden pebble beach and a small organic farm growing bananas, avocados, and mangos. The descent takes just over two minutes.
Teleférico do Garajau (Cristo Rei Cable Car)
Location: Near Caniço and the Cristo Rei statue
Elevation: approx. 150 meters
Access: By car or public bus (lines 136, 155, 157)
This small cable car connects the cliffs near the iconic Cristo Rei statue to the charming Garajau Beach, which is part of a protected marine reserve. The beach has a café, changing facilities, and offers great snorkeling opportunities.
Funchal & City Cable Cars
Teleférico do Jardim Botânico
Location: Funchal – between Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte
Route length: 1.6 km, approx. 9 minutes
- Round trip ticket: €15 for adults, €8 for children (cheaper online)
- Website: Teleferico Jardim Botanico website
Perfect for garden lovers, this cable car connects the Madeira Botanical Garden with Monte, offering panoramic views of Funchal along the way. Combo tickets including entrance to the gardens are available.
Teleférico do Funchal
Location: Funchal – from Funchal city center to Monte
Route length: 3.2 km, approx. 15 minutes
Elevation: up to 540 meters
- Round trip ticket: €20 for adults, €10 for children
- Website: Madeira Cable Car website
Departing from the waterfront in Funchal, this is the island’s most popular Madeira cable car, floating above houses, gardens, and farmland. It’s a scenic way to reach Monte Palace Tropical Garden or the Botanical Garden.
Where to stay in Madeira
If you’re planning to explore Madeira, here are some great accommodation options in Funchal and beyond:
- Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – Funchal
Stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and a central location in Funchal — perfect for exploring the city’s cable cars and gardens.
👉 Check prices & availability - Hotel Alto Lido – Funchal Lido area
Modern comfort with ocean views, a large pool, and easy public transport access to Funchal’s main attractions.
👉 View hotel details
- Buganvilia Studio Hotel – Funchal Lido
A friendly, 3-star aparthotel featuring simple studios with kitchenettes, a refreshing pool, and easy access to Funchal’s coastal promenade
👉 Check rates and availability - Quinta do Furão – Santana
Stay close to the Rocha do Navio cable car at this stunning clifftop hotel with panoramic Atlantic views and a peaceful rural setting.
👉 Book your stay - Aqua Natura Bay – Porto Moniz
Ideal for exploring the northwest and Achadas da Cruz cable car, this oceanfront hotel offers direct access to the natural lava pools.
👉 See hotel offers
Need help planning your trip?
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Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
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Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide
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Conclusion – Which Madeira Cable Car Should You Choose?
Funchal to hidden routes descending volcanic cliffs, each Madeira cable car offers a different kind of adventure. Whether you’re after dramatic landscapes, quiet beaches, or lush gardens, taking a scenic cable car ride is a must-do activity in Madeira.
Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda
Affiliate Program: Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission on sales generated through this website. This doesn’t increase the price of the service, so if you found my post useful, you’re welcome to start your booking from the link above. Thank you very much for your support!
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