The 7 cable cars in Madeira (best views + tips + map)

Some of the most surprising attractions on Madeira island are the "Telefericos".
With steep cliffs dropping into the sea, locals have set up gardens on tiny pieces of land and they have built the Madeira cable cars to easily reach them.
Today they are still being used by garden owners, but also have become attractions. 
Below are the 7 cable cars you can enjoy around the island with photos, tips and map.

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• Location -
   North shore, near the town of Santana
• Height -
  Around 330m (1082ft) - not the steepest ride
• Running hours -
  9am to 1pm / 2pm to 5pm (to 6pm on weekends)
• Price -
  5€ return ticket - cash
• Practical info -
  Toilets at the top
  5min ride
  Small carpark, otherwise park along the street.
  Alternative hike: 1.5km with 330m height difference
• My opinion - 
  This is my favorite cable car on the island. Even if you don't go down, the views is worth the detour! I think the viewpoint at the top is one of the best on the island (see my list).
  As you ride down to sea level, you will be able to several waterfalls.
  In my opinion, it has be best scenery. You can even see a traditional Santana house in the gardens.
  The name Rocha do Navio’ refers to the sinking of a Dutch ship in the nineteenth century.
  Learn more on my Rocha do Navio article.

• Location -
   West coast near Porto Moniz
• Height -
  451m of height over 600m - It is written that the beginning has a slope of 98%, making it the steepest in Europe.
• Running hours -
  8am to 11:30am / 12:30pm to 7pm - everyday
• Price -
  3€ return ticket
• Practical info -  
  Travel time is 5min
  Cafe and toilets at the top
  Medium-size carpark
  Alternative hike is 4.5km and takes 2h (Calhau das Achadas da Cruz)
• My opinion -
  This is really an impressive ride... so steep!
  Despite my vertigo and overall anxiety, I enjoyed the ride because the scenery was breathtaking.
  There is a great walking path at the bottom and beautiful views of the cliffs.
  Learn more in my Achadas da Cruz article

• Location -
   Cabo Girao - 3km from skywalk
• Height -
  You don't leave from the highest point at 589m but from a lower point. However, it is still a steep ride down.
• Running hours -
  8am to 7:30pm (closed 12:30pm to 2pm on Tue and Thur)
• Price -
  5€ return price
• Practical info -  
  3min ride
  Carpark just below the cable car, few spaces.
  Restaurant and toilets at the top
• My opinion -
  Everybody flocks to the skywalk attraction, which, to be honest, disappointed me.
  But I really enjoyed the cable car. It takes you down those impressive cliffs, and this is one of the best places in Madeira to admire volcanic features. The cliffs are not only impressive because of their size but also because of their display of the volcanic history of the island.
• Learn more in my Cabo Girao article.

• Location -
   Funchal - connects the Monte area to the Botanical gardens
• Height -
  Ride above a valley, not down to sea level
• Running hours -
  10am to 4:30pm - Last boarding at 4:20pm
• Price -
  8,25€ one way (13€ with garden entrance ticket) - 12,75€ return (16,50€ with entrance) - combinations possible with Monte Cable car
• Practical info -  
  9min ride
  A little of a walk on a slope to reach the top of the cable car (or to climb if traveling the other way around)
  Toilets at the top and bottom of cable car
  Official website
• My opinion -
  Of the 2 cable cars in Funchal, I like this one the best because it is more in nature and it is not over the city. I think it is a very practical way to get from the Tropical Garden to the botanical garden, if you are planning a "garden day".

• Location -
   South-East shore, near the town of Caniço and near the Christ statue of Ponta do Garajau
  10min East of Funchal
• Height -
  150m (492ft)
• Running hours -
  10am to 8pm
• Price -
  3€ return ticket
• Practical info - 
  Large carpark
  Toilets and restaurant at the top and the bottom
• My opinion -
  It is a great combination of attractions. You can first enjoy the statue Cristo Rei and walk down the staircase to get a beautiful view of the coastline.
  And then you can enjoy the cable car ride down, with stunning views of the volcanic rocks and interesting cliffs. 
  At the bottom, the beach is famous for the diving opportunities. Enjoy one of the best beaches in Madeira.
  Or you can just relax and have lunch!
  See article about Ponta do Garajau.

• Location -
   10min West of Funchal
• Height -
  300m (984ft)
• Running hours -
  10am to 7pm (to 6pm in Winter)
• Price -
  10€ return ticket (19,50€ with guided tour, 27€ with guided tour and fruit tasting)
• Practical info - 
  2min30 ride
  No carparks - parking is along the street which makes it difficult
  See official website
• My opinion -
  It has become a big tourist attraction. The gardens are better (and you can book a guided visit and the restaurant is a plus), but it does not have the vibe of the other cable cars that have remained less popular and quieter.
  Plus, the lack of parking spaces is a nightmare. If you want to visit, come early enough in the morning, have lunch and leave after lunch.

• Location -
   In Funchal - departs from the seafront and arrives not far from the Monte Palace Tropical Garden
  Also known as the Funchal cable car.
• Height -
  Length of 3.2km (2mi) - various slopes
• Running hours -
  9am to 5pm
• Price -
  11€ one way (you can get back down with the sled ride) - 16€ round trip - combination tickets possible with Botanical Garden cable car 
• Practical info -  
  15min to 20min ride
  Underground carparknearby
  See official website
• My opinion -
  Compared to the others, it is a more typical cable car with several cabins.
  But if offers great views of the city and is very practical to visit the Monte area.

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