![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-900281006.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe cable car in Achadas da Cruz is a sight to behold (Picture: Getty Images\/imageBROKER RF)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tThe cable car in Achadas da Cruz is a sight to behold (Picture: Getty Images\/imageBROKER RF)<\/p>\n
Thousands of tourists flock to Madeira<\/a> every year, lured in by it\u2019s mountain peaks, dramatic green valleys and rugged coastline, which have led many to describe it as \u2018the real life Jurassic Park<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n A Portuguese<\/a> island, but closer to the coast of Africa, Lonely Planet say it\u2019s deserving of its many \u2018fanciful nicknames\u2019 which include the Pearl of the Atlantic, the Hawaii of Europe<\/a> and the Island of Eternal Spring.<\/p>\n So with the promise of so much to explore, where to start?<\/p>\n Achadas da Cruz is a small village and parish\u00a0on the north-western coast of Madeira and, home to just 129 residents, its also where you\u2019ll find one of Europe<\/a>\u2019s steepest cable cars.<\/p>\n The Telef\u00e9rico das Achadas da Cruz<\/strong> rises to an incredible 451 metres above sea level with a dizzying 98% gradient \u2014 treating those who dare to brave it with quite possibly the most dazzling views in Europe.<\/p>\n The area itself is also worth a visit, offering a peaceful escape from bigger towns such as Funchal and Machico.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tBest of Metro Deals\t\t\t<\/p>\n Get exclusive\u00a0discounts\u00a0with\u00a0Metro Deals<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 save on getaways and spa days.\u00a0Powered by Wowcher<\/p>\n Bannatyne Spa<\/strong>: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco \u2014\u00a0save up to 57%\u00a0off.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Mystery Escape<\/strong>: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as \u00a392pp \u2014\u00a0save on worldwide holiday packages.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)<\/strong>: 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights \u2014\u00a0save up to 58%.<\/p>\n Get deal now<\/a><\/p>\n All you need to know about Madeira\u2019s cable car<\/p>\n The cable car was originally built to transport farmers and their produce up and down the cliffside.<\/p>\n Open every day from 8am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 7pm, it travels down a near-vertical drop, connecting the Achadas da Cruz area, to a small pebble beach below.<\/p>\n Plus, it\u2019s cheap, with the price of a return ticket set at just \u00a34.34 (\u20ac5).<\/p>\n \t\t Parking is available in the village, at the top of the cable car. Then, if you\u2019re feeling peckish, you can grab a bite to eat from Calhau snack bar at the top of the cliff. With a panoramic terrace, this is the perfect place to calm your nerves before the descent.<\/p>\n The actual cable car journey should only take five minutes, however it\u2019s recommended you give yourselves 20 minutes to an hour to visit the seafront and admire the surrounding area.<\/p>\n On your way down, make sure to look out for the Faja\u00a0de Quebrada Nova, the farmland at the foot of the cliff.<\/p>\n \t\t You\u2019ll see the volcanic landscape of Achadas da Cruz beach to the north, and to the south, you\u2019ll notice a number of small traditional stone houses, used to keep the farmer\u2019s tools safe.<\/p>\n Make sure to also look straight ahead of you. You\u2019ll be hard pressed to find a better view of the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tMore things to do in Achadas da Cruz\t\t\t<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning a trip to the area, there are a few other sights and activities you might want to jot down:<\/p>\n How to get to Madeira from the UK<\/p>\n \t\t The easiest way to get to Achadas da Cruz from the UK is by flying directly to Madeira.<\/p>\n Flying the first week of June, a return trip from Stansted<\/a> will cost you \u00a3132. However, if you\u2019re not fussed about returning to the same airport, you can purchase flights for just \u00a3107.<\/p>\n Once you land in Funchal Airport, the cheapest way to get to Achadas da Cruz is to take the bus, which will only cost approximately \u00a32. However, it will take you around two hours and 40 minutes.<\/p>\n If you want to arrive at your final destination faster, you\u2019re better off renting a car and driving yourself. This option should mean you\u2019re in the village in under an hour.<\/p>\n This article was first published on April 23, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-1134064113_dd1519.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s one of the steepest in Europe (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Achadas](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-1134064119.jpg\")
\n\t\tIt\u2019s less than \u00a35 to take a trip (Picture: VW Pics\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)<\/p>\n\n
![\"Idyllic](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/GettyImages-2204911993.jpg\")
\n\t\tWhy not take an idyllic afternoon stroll right next to the Atlantic Ocean (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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