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Achadas Da Cruz

Calhau Trail – Beautiful Rock Formations loop from Achadas da Cruz

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Hiking trails & Routes

Achadas Da Cruz

Calhau Trail – Beautiful Rock Formations loop from Achadas da Cruz

Moderate

4.7

(47)

309

hikers

Calhau Trail – Beautiful Rock Formations loop from Achadas da Cruz

04:15

8.89km

760m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 15, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Paisagem Protegida da Ponta do Pargo

Parque Natural da Madeira

Zona Especial de Conservação das Achadas da Cruz

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.05 km

View of Fajã da Quebrada Nova and Achadas da Cruz Cable Car

Highlight • Viewpoint

As an alternative to going down or going up, you can shorten one direction by taking the train

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.18 km

View of the Achadas da Cruz cliffs

Highlight • Viewpoint

Magnificent view of the cliffs, but also a very interesting descent down

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.29 km

Calhau Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Vereda do Calhau hiking trail leads spectacularly along the cliffs of Achadas da Cruz to the secluded coastal plain of Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The path begins at the cable car's upper station and follows narrow, sometimes steep sections with rock steps and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean – sure-footedness and sturdy footwear are recommended. The approximately 5km long route, with a descent of about 450m, offers an intense nature experience and ends at the tranquil coastal area, from where you can return either via the same route or comfortably by cable car.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3.80 km

Stairway to the Sea at Achadas da Cruz

Highlight • Trail

The view along the steep walls is awesome

Translated by Google •

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3.87 km

Beautiful Rock Formations

Highlight • Natural Monument

Near Achadas da Cruz on Madeira, the coastal landscape impresses with striking rock formations that plunge steeply into the Atlantic Ocean. The volcanic cliffs display dramatic lines and structures, sculpted by wind and water over millennia. These impressive rock formations contrast sharply with the deep blue sea, making the location a spectacular and off-the-beaten-path photographic subject.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.08 km

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car and Fajã da Quebrada Nova

Highlight • Structure

Small cable car that transports people with a 92% gradient

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.89 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.14 km

3.36 km

1.17 km

203 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.16 km

3.80 km

600 m

203 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 20 July

25°C

17°C

2 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 26, 2025,Calhau das Achadas da Cruz – Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz Runde von Achada da Arruda

Contrary to the suggestion to hike down and take the cable car back up, we did it the other way around. It's easier on the knees and more fun for us. And to enjoy the view, you automatically make plenty of short stops.
We parked right at the top of the main road and walked steeply down to the cable …

Showing Translation

August 23, 2024,Vereda do Calhau- nicht drüber nachdenken. Einfach runter!

The plan was actually to follow a levada from the 🅿️. But it was no longer there. So we went along the road towards the cable car. From there, the descent to the beach began, which was breakneck for me. I hate gravel and rubble. Maximum concentration! But it was a beautiful path! We then went back up with the …

Showing Translation

May 22, 2023,Madeira/Achadas da Cruz - Wanderung zu den Meeresgärten und zurück

Beautiful but crisp hike down to the Sea Gardens and back again. There was also the option of taking the cable car up, but it wasn't an option for us. The stone beach is ideal as a short break for a snack.

Showing Translation

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Calhau Trail – Beautiful Rock Formations loop from Achadas da Cruz

View of Fajã da Quebrada Nova and Achadas da Cruz Cable Car

View of the Achadas da Cruz cliffs

Calhau Trail

Stairway to the Sea at Achadas da Cruz

Beautiful Rock Formations

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car and Fajã da Quebrada Nova

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