Rocha do Navio

Rocha do Navio is most of the typical natural phenomena of Madeira all in one; steep green cliffs, a small beach village accessible only after climbing a few hundred steps, a pebble beach with access to the ocean, and a waterfall rising from one of the cliffs.

You can park at the top of the cliff at the very end of the road, right next to the cable car leading down below the cliff, but unfortunately it is temporarily closed. There are a number of steps to climb to reach the beach and the village below the cliff, so it’s a good idea to set aside at least two hours for the trip so you can explore the Rocha do Navio area properly and comfortably.

After climbing all the steps that lead down the cliff, you will reach the village of Rocha do Navio, which is only accessible by this route and looks as if time stopped there a few decades ago. In the village there are traditional houses typical of Madeira and fields of local inhabitants.

In terms of nature, Rocha do Navio gives access to a beautiful and almost empty beach, or a short walk to the Cascata Ribeira de Santo António waterfall, which rises from a cliff above the village.

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Week in Madeira – hikes, levadas and breathtaking views