An organic farm and resort on the south coast, Faja Dos Padres in Madeira is a hidden gem that is only accessible by cable car or boat. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To Faja Dos Padres
Located on the south coast of Madeira, Faja dos Padres is in Quinta Grande, a 20 minute drive from Funchal, and is only accessible by cable car or boat.
There are free parking spaces once you arrive at the upper cable car station.
By Cable Car:
You can pay the entrance fee for Faja dos Padres organic garden when you pay for your cable car ticket and this will cost you €10 all together.
You also have the choice of paying an extra €7.50 for a guided tour or and extra €15 for a guided tour with tasting. These tours give you information about the history of Faja dos Padres and all the crops that are grown on site.
The cable car journey takes approximately 4 minutes, travelling down the cliff side towards the Faja dos Padres.
Furthermore, it gives you great views over the south coast of Madeira and the small bay below as you descend down the huge cliff.
By Boat:
There are daily boat trips from Funchal to Faja dos Padres. You need to book in advance and a one way trip costs €15.
Also, there are daily boats to Faja dos Padres from the port of Camara de Lobos, which is a pretty fishing village just 9.7km (6 miles) along the coast from Funchal. A one way trip from Camara de Lobos cost €10.
By Canyoning:
For the really adventurous, there is a canyoning route, including a waterfall, located at the east side of the farm.
Canyoning is a type of mountaineering that uses a variety of techniques including navigating fast flowing water!
This would need to be booked with the company ‘Fast Descent’.
By Tour:
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
One tour that offers the option of visiting Faja dos Padres is the Private Guided Cabo Girão Tour.
Faja Dos Padres Entrance Fee
Entry starts at €10 if entering via the cable car.
Entry starts at €10 if entering via boat.
Tours and tasting sessions are an additional cost.
Faja Dos Padres Opening Times
Open every day 10am – 6pm for visitors.
Best Time To Visit Faja Dos Padres + Tips
This is a popular tourist attraction so it will be busy, especially during peak season, as it’s one of the best viewpoints in Madeira. So aim to get there early if you want to avoid some of the crowds.
August and September are the hottest months of the year in Madeira. Although Madeira has a sub-tropical climate that offers sunshine throughout the year.
I would recommend the cable car to access the farm as the views as you descend are amazing.
If you are interested in the history of Faja dos Padres and also horticulture then booking a tour would be a good idea – I have heard they are very good!
Have lunch in the restaurant and try their delicious organic food.
What To Pack
History of Faja Dos Padres
This area of land has been cultivated since the island of Madeira became populated. With crops being grown here as far back as the 15th century.
At one time it was inhabited for 15 years by priests, hence the name Faja dos Padres. Faja meaning landfall at the base of a cliff and Padres meaning priests.
These priests introduced Malmsey (Malvasia) wine to the island of Madeira. Originally a sweet white wine imported from Greece, it is now a fortified sweet Madeira wine that is known around the world.
If you visit the small rebuilt houses and the old cellar you get the opportunity to taste the famous Malmsey wine.
Fajas do Padres was only accessible by boat until 1998 when an elevator was built. Since the cable car was installed, in 2016, the elevator has been used mainly to transport goods.
It’s easy to imagine the historic past of Faja dos Padres as you walk along the old stone walkways in the cultivated gardens.
What To Expect At Faja Dos Padres
Faja dos Padres is situated at the bottom of the cliffs next to the Atlantic Ocean and has been producing only certified organic produce since 2008.
This farm also has holiday cottages, a beach and a restaurant and is well worth a visit for a unique and enjoyable experience.
In addition, it can also be educational if you choose to take one of the tours around the farm. You can learn about all the different produce on the farm and can get to taste some of it too!
We arrived via the ‘state of the art’ cable car which gave us amazing views on the smooth 4 minute journey down the side of the cliff.
Once at the bottom of the cliff you can walk along the paths between the fruit trees, including banana, cherry, pear and papaya trees, as well as all the various vegetables and herbs.
Beach & Restaurant
Head towards the sea and you will find a restaurant with a beautiful beach to the front of it offering wonderful swimming and fishing along with stunning sea and mountain views.
In the restaurant you can enjoy delicious, organic dishes made with fruit and vegetable from the surrounding gardens alongside tuna and other fresh fish dishes.
After lunch you can relax on the beach or spacious solarium area, where beach chairs and parasols are available, as well as showers and cabins for guests.
I would recommend this peaceful little gem, tucked away on the coast, as a great and unique way to spend a day on the island. Also one of the most interesting and unique things to do in Madeira.
Start with a fascinating guided tour, followed by lunch in the restaurant and then chill out in the beach area – perfect!
Where To Stay In Madeira
Luxury – The Vine Hotel
Recently awarded as Europe’s Leading Design Hotel, the luxurious Vine Hotel is located in Funchal.
It offers a fusion restaurant with stunning views, a Wine Therapy Spa, access to the fitness centre and a rooftop infinity pool.
Each room features an LCD TV with in-room movies, free WiFi and a laptop-size safe.
The roof terrace sports a heated infinity pool, massage facilities as well as a 20 yard hot tub, with views of Fort São João and the mountains.
Mid-Budget – Hotel Baia Azul
The newly renovated 4-star Hotel Baía Azul is ideally situated a 4-minute walk from Funchal’s beachfront.
It offers 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, a Spa and a sun deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the gardens.
The hotel has a total of 215 bedrooms with sea-inspired decor. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom, bath amenities and a hairdryer.
Not only that, but a flat-screen cable TV, a minibar, a kettle and a safe deposit box too.
Free WiFi access is provided in all rooms and common areas.
Budget – Funchal Apartments – City View
Funchal Apartments – City View is venue is set in Se district, around a 10 minute walk from Funchal center, and features a terrace with the cathedral view.
The property includes free WiFi, plus express check-in and check-out.
There is also a shared kitchen, ATM and currency exchange for guests.
All rooms include a wardrobe, a desk and a shared bathroom.
For more places to stay in Madeira, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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