Calhau da Lapa (Madeira)

Looking for a hidden beach with a lot of charm?
Hike down to Calhau da Lapa, Madeira to discover the volcanic cliffs, troglodyte houses and waterfall...
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with tips, map and photos.

Before all my tips + photos, let me share my best-of to plan your Madeira trip:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: Discovercars

My favorite boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite places to stay in Funchal: Les Suites at the Cliff Bay (Luxury) - Sé Boutique Hotel (4 stars) - Market Place by Storytellers (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal: Saccharum Resort near a beach (Luxury) - Estalagem da Ponta do Sol (4 stars) - Engho Velho Hotel (mid-range)

Table Of Contents

Why visit Calhau da Lapa in Madeira?

Planning Tips & Map - Calhau da Lapa, Madeira

Beginning of path & Calhau da Lapa hiking path

The Calhau da Lapa Waterfall

Cave Houses

Calhau da Lapa Beach & Pier

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Why visit Calhau da Lapa in Madeira?

Calhau da Lapa is still one of the hidden gems of Madeira.
It has increased in popularity, but since the hike down is quite steep (700 stairs), not too many people flood it.

This is quite a unique place in Madeira with:

a waterfall,
a secluded beach at the bottom of the volcanic cliffs,
fishermen' cave-houses inside those colorful cliffs,

And it is said to have the clearest waters on Madeira.

Calhau da Lapa, Madeira

More photos after the planning tips.

Planning Tips & Map - Calhau da Lapa, Madeira

Location of Calhau da Lapa - Map

On the South Coast of Madeira island
West of Funchal and West of Camara de Lobos
Funchal to Calhau da Lapa = 20min drive
Camara de Lobos to Calhau da Lapa = 10min drive
Ribeira Brava to Calhau da Lapa = 10min drive
Below is a map to locate it and get oriented:

Map Calhau da Lapa Madeira - Location

This highlight (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) is included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip:

Plan your perfect trip around Madeira!

7 easy-to-plan Maps
120+ pre-selected scenic locations
Planning tips to make the most of your time
260+ large photos to decide where to go
GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

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How to get to Calhau da Lapa

Car + Walk - Since it is not a touristy destination, the easiest way to reach it is by car. During weekends and holidays, there is ample parking near the school. However, during school days, it can be difficult to park unless you visit early.
Bus + walk - it is located in the village of Campanario - you can look for bus options here - but those are not frequent
Boat - Between May and September, there are boat transfers possible from Ribeira Brava. However, you need to be a group and find a local with a boat (taxi-boats)

Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:

Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Madeira

Visit Tips

This is a short but difficult hike. The beginning is rather flat.
There are lots of stairs - 500 of the 700 steps are extremely steep and uneven.
You need a good level of fitness or have plenty of time
This is not for people with knee issues
You should wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water
In season, there is a small restaurant with fresh fish at the bottom
It took me around 20 minutes to go down and 25 minutes back up (taking pictures and breaks).
During weekends, it can be very busy with locals

Where to stay

This village is more of a locals' living area.
However, if you are looking for a unique stay, at the bottom one of the houses can be rented - Check out more photos and availability
Otherwise, Ribeira Brava is centrally located and not far - See best rated accommodations in Ribeira Brava

Where to stay in Madeira?
My tips:

For a choice of restaurants and if you don't rent a car - See best rated accommodations in Funchal
For luxury resorts, check out the Lido area in Funchal
For a sandy beach - See best rated accommodations in Machico
For a quiet village in beautiful scenery - See best rated accommodations in Porto da Cruz
For a practical location to explore the island - See best rated accommodations in Ribeira Brava
To enjoy the natural pools - See best rated accommodations in Porto Moniz

More tips on my article about where to stay in Madeira

Beginning of path & Calhau da Lapa hiking path

The walking path starts at the bridge in Campanario, close to the school.
It is clearly indicated: Verada do Paço.
The sign indicates:

1,05km
Medium difficulty
15 minutes (I needed 20min down and 25 up with breaks and pictures)
164m of difference in elevation

The beginning of the path is quite easy and scenic.
You walk along the little gorge towards the sea.

The paths is well maintained with railings.
And you think... "What did people say? It is not hard at all.."

Calhau da Lapa trail

But then you reach the area of the cliff...
The views are gorgeous...

View down over Calhau da Lapa

But you start seeing the many staircases...
They are very steep and the height of steps are uneven.
So take your time, take breaks to relieve your knees and enjoy the views!

And to finish, you enter an area with steep slopes.
Careful, after rain it can be slippery. It is already a little slippery when dry...
I really don't recommend flip-flops.

But the end is in sight!

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The Calhau da Lapa Waterfall

While going down, you will hear water flowing.
And on the way down, make sure to take breaks to enjoy the waterfall.
But know that in August, it probably won't be flowing anymore...

The water flows on a long drop, bouncing off the cliff.
I have not found any data on its height but the cliffs in the area are around 200 / 250m I think.

The Calhau da Lapa Waterfall and staircase

Cave Houses

The features that make Calhau da Lapa unique are the cave houses inside the cliffs.
There are around 20 of them. They are around 300 years old.

I visited in the morning and fishermen were already there early enjoying their coffee.
I read that they are owned by an association in Campanario and that locals rent them during Summer holidays. But I don't have a second source to confirm.
And there is one that you can rent on Airbnb.
So I am not sure of who owns them and who can use them.

Calhau da Lapa Cave Houses

Plan your trip to Madeira:

Calhau da Lapa Beach & Pier

And at the end of the trail are the beach and the pier.
It is not a beach to sunbath. There are rocks of various sizes.

However, for those wanting to go for a swim, access via the pier is really easy.
The water here is said to be the clearest in Madeira.
It was quite clear, but I don't think the difference is that obvious... LOL.

I visited early morning, so I had the place almost to myself.
It sat down on the pier and enjoyed the views of the cliffs in both directions.
Towards the west, there is a small rock formation. I looked for the name, but I have not been successful.