Updated in September 2026, this Achadas da Cruz Cable Car guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, transport, accessibility and what to see.
The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car is a small municipal cableway in the far northwest of Madeira, Portugal, connecting the clifftop village of Achadas da Cruz to a small farmed plateau at sea level. As of September 2026, a return ticket costs €5, and the cableway keeps a midday break between its morning and afternoon sessions rather than running continuously. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official Porto Moniz council website in September 2026, when this guide was last updated.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily, 8am–12pm and 1pm–4pm |
| Ticket prices | One-way €3; return €5; senior/student concessions from €1 |
| Address | Caminho do Teleférico, Achadas da Cruz, 9270-014 Achadas da Cruz, Madeira |
| Nearest transport/parking | Car recommended; medium-sized car park at the top station |
| Typical time needed | 20 minutes (viewpoint only) – 2 hours (with the walk to the shore) |
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car opening hours
The cable car operates daily, with a morning session from 8am to 12pm and an afternoon session from 1pm to 4pm.
Ticket sales close before the final departure each session, so arriving with time to spare is worthwhile. As a small municipal service, it can occasionally close for maintenance or bad weather without much notice, so calling ahead on +351 291 852 951 is sensible before a special trip.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car ticket prices
A one-way ticket costs €3, and a return trip costs €5.
Concession rates apply for seniors aged 65 and over (€1 one-way, €2 return), students (€1 one-way, €2 return) and visitors with a reduced-mobility card (€1 one-way, €2 return); farmers with land on the Calhau pay a discounted €0.50.
The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car is not currently part of a multi-attraction city pass scheme; it is a council-run facility, with tickets sold only at the top station.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in September 2026.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
How to get to the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
The top station stands on Caminho do Teleférico, in the parish of Achadas da Cruz, about 15–20 minutes’ drive west of Porto Moniz village.
Driving from Funchal, the western route via Calheta reaches Achadas da Cruz before continuing to Porto Moniz, a journey of around 1 hour. A private car or taxi is effectively required, as public bus services to this remote parish are limited.
Parking at the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
A medium-sized car park serves the top station, next to the cable car entrance.
The official website does not list a parking charge, and the car park is free to use. Spaces can fill on peak summer days, though the location’s remoteness means it is far quieter than central Porto Moniz.
How long to spend at the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the viewpoint and a return cable car ride alone.
Visitors who plan to explore the shore below, known as the Calhau, or walk back up via the Vereda do Calhau or Vereda da Ladeira paths instead of riding back, should allow one to two hours in total.
Accessibility at the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
The cable car offers a discounted reduced-mobility ticket, but the official website does not describe step-free access at either station in detail.
Given the site’s remote, sloped setting, visitors with mobility needs are advised to call +351 291 852 951 ahead of a visit to check current conditions.
Inside the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
The cable car descends 451 metres down a cliff face to the Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a small farmed plateau at sea level.
The initial section of track is widely reported to have a gradient of around 98%, making it one of the steepest cable cars in Europe, according to several independent travel guides to Madeira.
At the bottom, the fajã holds small terraced plots growing vines and local vegetables, tended by farmers who also use the cable car to move their harvests.
The journey takes about five minutes each way, with views over the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean along the north coast of Madeira.
Visitors who prefer not to ride can still reach the shore, known as the Calhau das Achadas da Cruz, on foot via the Vereda do Calhau or Vereda da Ladeira footpaths.
Practical visitor tips
| Focus | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit in the morning session for calmer winds, which can affect the ride later in the day. |
| Crowds | The site is far quieter than central Porto Moniz, though coach tours occasionally stop at midday. |
| Layout | The cable car has just two cabins, one descending as the other ascends, so waiting your turn is normal. |
| Entry process | Tickets are sold only at the top station, with no online booking. |
| On-site logistics | Bring sturdy shoes if planning to walk down or up via the Vereda do Calhau or Vereda da Ladeira paths. |
Frequently asked questions about the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car suitable for children? | Yes, though the steep descent and height may unsettle younger children or nervous visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No. Tickets are sold on-site only, with no online booking. |
| Is the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car open every day? | Yes, but it closes at midday between its morning and afternoon sessions. |
| How long does the cable car ride take? | About five minutes each way. |
| Is the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car the steepest in Europe? | Several independent travel guides describe it this way, though this is not an official classification confirmed by the operator. |
Things to do near the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
- Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse — the westernmost point of Madeira, about 15 minutes further along the coast.
- Fanal Forest — an ancient laurissilva forest known for its wind-sculpted trees, about 20–25 minutes away.
- The Madeira Aquarium and natural pools, Porto Moniz — about 15–20 minutes’ drive back towards the village.
- Ribeira da Janela — a coastal viewpoint over small rock islets, a short drive away.
- Miradouro da Santa — a viewpoint over Porto Moniz and its natural pools.
Alternative attractions
- Teleférico do Cabo Girão — about 40 minutes away, near Europe’s tallest sea cliff and its glass skywalk.
- Teleférico da Rocha do Navio, Santana — about 1 hour away, descending to a coastal nature reserve.
- Teleférico do Monte, Funchal — about 50 minutes away, the island’s longest and best-known cable car.
- Teleférico do Jardim Botânico, Funchal — about 50 minutes away, linking Monte to the botanical garden.
- Teleférico do Garajau, Caniço — about 1 hour away, next to a large statue of Christ the King.
More Madeira travel
Other Madeira travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to Madeira’s north coast highlights, including the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Seixal Beach and the Fanal Forest.
- Guides to Madeira’s best south coast attractions, including Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava Beach.
- Survey the mountains from Madeira’s Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint.
- Funchal travel guides: The Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, Monte Church and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
- Madeira’s cable cars: Guides to the Madeira Cable Car and Botanical Garden Cable Car.
