Ribeira da Janela is a small parish southwest of Funchal in Madeira with a population of less than 300 and mystical rock formations located off the coast.

This location on the north of Madeira has 3 islets:

🪨 Ilheu Zinho, the smallest, 🪨 Ilhéu da Rama, the middle sized one, 🪨 Ilhéu Alto (or Ilhéu Comprido) the largest one.

The islests lie about 200m off the shore of Madeira (650ft), near the mouth of River Ribeira da Janela. They are composed of volcanic rocks.

Praia Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela beach - sea stacks The largest one is the most famous. It is 40m high (131ft), the equivalent of a 13 storey-building. At the top of this large one, there is a small hole, called Window. This is what gave the name to the village, river and valley.

It is actually difficult to see the hole from the beach, but you can visit this place in your trip on Madeira and find it from the left side hill of the coast 😉

Ribeira da Janela means “creek or river of the window” 💁

A visit to this remarkable destination should not be missed!

Lombinho waterfall is a wonderful and hidden gem of Madeira Island. Located deep in the forested valleys, this breathtaking natural wonder can be an amazing destination for travellers seeking to explore lush landscaped scenery and the region's rich biodiversity. Towering at 100 feet tall, the moss-covered rock cliffs enveloping the waterfall looks like it has been plucked out of a cinematic scene.

This spectacular waterfall boasts its vibrant beauty that would make any travel experience memorable.

While most visitors stick to the well-trodden paths, there’s a secret part of this ancient forest that 99% of tourists miss.

Mist-covered trees, untouched trails, and a silence that feels otherworldly.

Step off the beaten path and discover a world where nature reigns supreme.

Important! Don’t venture too deep into this forest, as the trails often become less visible the further you go, and you might get lost.

Porto Moniz on the Northwestern coast of Portugal offers a one-of-a-kind swimming experience. Visitors can take a dip in its unique network of crystal clear natural salt water pools formed by millennia of volcanic eruptions. Windy days bring waves crashing over the walls of the pools into the sea, while a calmer day grants an opportunity to revel in a serene bathing experience without battling breakers. On shore, the complex features changing rooms, lockers, a snack bar, and more. To top it off, hikers can follow the Levada da Ribiera da Janela path while an aquarium nearby brings an additional dose of beauty. In short, a trip to Porto Moniz is sure to be exciting with many natural wonders to explore.

Achadas Da Cruz Promenade is located in the municipality of Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal. It features some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe, with clear and lively seas, rugged cliffs, and wild beaches – providing an enchanting spot for a leisurely stroll. Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz can take you down from a huge cliff to an incredibly unique spot on Madeira, which is the traditional village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova.

Nestled away on the north-western coast of Madeira, the small parish was once home to hundreds who tended to their livestock and agriculture. Today, many of the small, traditional homes have been unoccupied for years.

Keep in mind that the cable car operates from 8:00 to 18:00, with a lunch break from 12:00 to 13:00, and the last descent is at 16:30. However, it may not operate during strong westerly winds, so it’s a good idea to call +351 291 852 951 ahead before your visit. The operator speaks excellent English and can inform you if the cable car is running and how long the current wait time is for the descent. Lately, the area has become very popular, and especially after lunch, the queues for the descent can be quite long, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours.

You can also reach the promenade by hiking down a trail instead of waiting in line for the cable car. This way, you’ll enjoy a more unique experience. Follow my route to stay on track!

I recommend doing this hike at sunset to avoid crowds and witness an unforgettable view with your own eyes.

NOTE! To experience the same light here, you need to arrive just before sunset. This is only possible in December and January, as the sun sets quite early and in a specific location, allowing the green slopes to be painted in such a stunning shade.

Don’t miss this unique spot exploring Madeira.

Miradouro Vereda dos Zimbreiros is an enchanting pathway that will take you to its final destination, Paul do Mar. This charming 1.6-mile out and back trail, located near Fajã da Ovelha, Madeira offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and untouched natural landscapes.

This location has an uncanny way of transporting me straight to the Wild West. It's the cacti, the heat, the rustic wheel – so unconventional for the typical Madeiran landscape.

A trip down memory lane reveals that a similar wheel once existed in Paul do Mar, an ancient funicular serving as a crucial mode of transport for people and goods into the town.

Along the hike, hikers can look forward to glimpses of species of native wildlife. The path has been designated a moderately challenging route, taking hikers an average of 1 h 40 min to finish. Whether its taken in the morning or late afternoon, Vegarda dos Zimbreiros promises visitors a peaceful and stunningly beautiful experience!

Madeira is known for its beautiful landscapes, cliffs, and ‘miradouros’ which means viewpoints in Portuguese.

This beautiful viewpoint is easily accessible, featuring a short walk from the parking lot and stunning views up and down the coast.

In the uncharted expanses of Madeira’s western territory, I chanced upon a haven of tranquility and solitude. A place scarcely whispered about, yet one that holds an ineffable allure. This serendipitous encounter led me to a place I would, without hesitation, deem a concealed pearl in the vast treasure trove of Madeira’s undervalued locales.

A vista of heart-stopping beauty unraveled before me, a spectacle of the sun’s final bow into the ocean’s embrace. This is not the famed spectacle at Ponta da Pargo lighthouse, nor the popular sunset display at Pico do Arieiro. This is a place where one can find communion with nature, undisturbed.

Catch this tip as Miradouro da Raposeira, or the Raposeira Sunset Viewpoint, is an incredible spot to watch the sun go down over the south coast of Madeira Island. Its golden southern coastline offers a magical orange glow during sunset, creating a breathtaking view as the sky lights up with vibrant colors. Make sure to bring shoes for the slippery and dusty track which leads to the viewpoint— it's well worth the effort!