Ribeira da Janela Campsite, Madeira

Ribeira da Janela Campsite, Parque de Campismo, is located near Ribeira da Janela village, at the mouth of the river. It is about a 20 minutes walk eastward from Porto Moniz. By car, the journey from Porto Moniz takes about 5 minutes.

It is one of only a two official campsites in Madeira. The other is on the island of Porto Santo.

It is possible to camp outside of the official campsites on Madeira, but you should first obtain permission to do so. Contact the Tourist Information Office in Funchal.

The campsite at Ribeira da Janela was opened in September 2004 and it replaced the one at nearby Porto Moniz that is now closed.

Ribeira da Janela, map of Madeira

Key Facts

The campsite is busiest during the months of July, August and September. During this time the majority of campers are Portuguese. If you intend to visit during these months, advance reservation is advised; contact the Porto Moniz Tourist Information Office.

During the period of October through to June, the campsite is less crowded. If you visit in the winter months, you may find that it is practicably empty.

Ribeira da Janela Campsite Information
Opening times: Monday to Sunday	9:30am to 9:30pm
Adult fees	€2.80 per person per night
Tent hire fees	€3.00 to €7.00 per tent per night
Maximum occupancy	115 persons
Telephone	(351) 291 853 856
Nearest tourist office	9270 Porto Moniz - Tel:(351) 291 850193
(Details correct at September 2009)

Campsite Facilities

The campsite offers cheap accommodation and good all round facilities. It is generally well-maintained and clean. It is set in grounds that cover more than 5,000 square metres.

You can bring your own equipment and just pay a small nightly fee of €2.80 per person (correct as at September 2009). Alternatively, you can hire a tent, available in 4 different sizes ranging in price from €3.00 to €7.00 per day (correct as at September 2009). A campsite deposit is required.

The camping area is over 1,500 square metres in size and has a night-watchman. Among the facilities available are the following:

Open all year round
Reception area
Cooking facilities
Laundry facilities
Shower and locker rooms
WC
Childrens' play area
Ample car parking spaces nearby
Night security guard
First aid station
No pets are allowed on site
Nearby bar/cafe and mini-market

When we visited, the showers and WC were kept clean. There was always soap and toilet paper to hand. However, you do have to pay to get hot water in the shower.

The site itself is rather bland - comprising of square areas of camping grass divided by a grid-work of pathways. There are regularly planted cycads to break the monotony.

Nearby is a hydro-electric power station that may cause a noise disturbance.

Things To Do In & Around Ribeira da Janela, Madeira

Ribeira da Janela is somewhat isolated on the northern coast of Madeira. Also, the weather here is generally cooler than the south of the island. Likewise, the sea is generally rougher than that of the south coast.

Near to the campsite is a pebble beach. The area is not well-maintained, however, it is a spot often chosen by surfers. Here, the north-easterly swell often gives good conditions on this rugged part of the coastline.

The large Atlantic rolling waves are an all-the-year-round feature. But, you should be aware that no lifeguards are on duty here.

Ribeira da Janela is also a spot often chosen for bird watching. The river mouth often attracts migrating waders. Notably, the Green-winged Teal, the Common Teal and Muscovy Ducks can frequently be seen here.

If you are lucky, you may also spot a Eleonora’s Falcon.

The nearby laurel forest is also a popular spot for twitchers.

The Levada Central da Ribeira da Janela, a popular hike, starts at nearby Lamaceiros. 9km in total length, this walk gives bird watchers and hikers some wonderful and varied views.

Porto Moniz is the nearest major tourist village and is the ideal spot to centre your activities around.

Here you will find excellent swimming facilities in the natural, sea-water, volcanic rock pools. There is also the Madeira Aquarium - housed in the renovated São João Baptista Fort, the Living Science Centre and a municipal sports complex in the village.

There are also many bars and restaurants, hotels, a youth hostel and a large supermarket.

The nearest Tourist Information Centre is also located in Porto Moniz.

Ribeira da Janela Photos Gallery

Travelling into Ribeira da Janela

Campsite, Parque de Campismo, views

Parking spaces near to the campsite

Ribeira da Janela Coastal Views

Leaving Ribeira da Janela

Ribeira da Janela Video

featuring the Parque de Campismo

This video contains camcorder footage of the campsite at Ribeira da Janela. It gives a 5 minute introduction to arriving at the location and what you can expect there.

Road Directions to Ribeira da Janela

By Car:-

From Funchal, join the freeway (Via Rapida) travelling towards Ribeira Brava. The Rapida is the nearest roadway Madeira has to a motorway.

You continue on the Rapida passed the Câmara de Lobos exit and finally reach a fork in the road. To your left is the fork to Ribeira Brava, do not exit here. Instead, continue through the tunnel to the central valley road, the ER104, signposted toward São Vicente.

Once on the ER104, just keep going. You will pass through the Encumeada Tunnel. Just before the tunnel, you will pass a signpost that points to Encumeada as a right turn and São Vicente straight on. Do not turn right here, unless you want to go on a detour up a winding road to a height of over 1,000 metres - however, the views are truly magnificent from here.

At São Vicente, pick up the ER101 heading for Seixal and Porto Moniz. You will pass through a number of short tunnels. The exit to Ribeira da Janela is clearly signposted. If you see a signpost for the Parque de Campismo, you will know you are almost there. The total distance from Funchal is about 46km and will take you approximately 1 hour.

By Bus:-

No bus travels direct to Ribeira da Janela.

However, the western part of Madeira is served by the Rodoeste bus company. Rodoeste buses currently have two, similar, logo designs. The older logo buses are white coloured with three red stripes along the lower sides. The newer design is in the same colours but the red stripes motif has a slick wave shape.

You could get the bus to Porto Moniz and then walk to the campsite. If you think you are up to carrying your baggage for the 40 minute walk then, get details of the bus routes to Porto Moniz here.

Madeira Features

Ponta Gorda Lido

On the south coast, beneath the Madeira Regency Cliff Hotel, is the Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda Lido.

This is a relatively new facility that is ideal for children and adults alike.

It has a number of different pool areas, including a shallow toddlers pool.

Refreshment facilities are available and the Lido has the advantage of a free WiFi access point.

The Espada Fish

The espada fish, also known as the black scabbard or swordfish, provide Madeira with a delicious meal that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world.

Caught in the deep waters off the coast of the archipelago, this fish has been a favourite dish with the local population since the early 1800s.

Today, almost every restaurant offers a variety of meals based on the tender, white, mild flesh of the espada.

Prices range from a humble few euros upward, so there is no excuse not to try this traditional fare.

Just one word of warning: Do not go to the supermarket and view the fish in its raw state before you sample its delights - you may not like what you see.