From heaven down to earth in three minutes

From heaven down to earth in three minutes

There is a new cable car taking you to one of the most beautiful places in Madeira, Fajã dos Padres.

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Ever since people settled there in the 15th century, Fajã dos Padres has always been a difficult place to reach. Doing so required walking, sailing or using a lift. But now, this can be done via a cable car that crosses around 500 meters in about three minutes giving travellers a magnificent view of the cliff.

The name given to the area comes from the fact that the land belonged to priests from the Society of Jesus for over 150 years, ‘Padres’ meaning Fathers. Earlier, though, it was known as Fajã da Conceição, referring to a chapel dedicate to the Lady of the Conception that used to exist there. The first landlord was João Gonçalves Zarco, one of the discoverers of the Madeira archipelago.

Fajã dos Padres became well-known for its wine famous well beyond national borders, made from the Malmsey grape, introduced by Jesuits, as well as for its entirely agricultural crops.

Boarding the cable car costs ten euros, a price that includes access to the bathing area. The crystal clear seawater together with the restaurant and the many other rural tourism houses are what makes the fajã a real treat.

www.fajadospadres.com