Rocha do Navio Cable Car, Santana

The cable car at Rocha do Navio, Santana is one of Madeira's lesser known cable cars.

Built mainly to give the locals access to farmland on the coast by the Fajã da Rocha do Navio, it is not not intended as a tourist attraction. However, visiting passengers are accepted.

There are two orange coloured cabins and the descent down to the coastal plain is sharp and exhilarating.

You can expect the entire journey to last no more than five minutes or so.

As you descend, you will be treated to some spectacular views of a waterfall on the cliff face. You'll also gain a bird's-eye view of the Ilhéu da Viúva, or the Rocha do Navio as it also known.

Those who suffer from fear of heights may want to give this particular ride a miss. For everybody else, enjoy your flight!

Key Facts

As the Rocha do Navio Cable Car was not intended to be a tourist attraction, do not expect souvenir photographers, glossy booklets or all the other paraphernalia that is associated with the Funchal Cable Car.

Also, note that the cable car is not operational every day. On those days that it is open, it runs to demand.

For those who are sure-footed, there is a dirt track that winds its way down to the pebble beach. It has wooden posts and wire protection for some of the descent. However, there are some sheer drops, so only embark on the trail if you are comfortable with that.

Rocha do Navio Cable Car
Opening times: Wednesday Saturday Sunday	8:30am to noon; 2:00pm to 7:00pm 8:30am to noon; 2:00pm to 7:00pm 9:00am to noon; 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Ticket prices:	€2.50
(Details correct at August 2009)

Nature Reserve

The area surrounding the Rocha do Navio is a nature reserve.

The reserve was created in 1997 when the local inhabitants became concerned about exploitative methods used by fishermen. Methods were being used that destroyed the marine ecosystem and environment. Since that date, no commercial fishing has been aloud and the marine environment and coastline is protected.

As a note of interest, spear-fishing that was once prevalent in this area is also prohibited.

The protected area stretches from Ponta de São Jorge to the Ponta do Clérigo, a distance of about 6 kilometres and covers the ocean to a depth of 100 metres.

In this area there are species of plants unique to the archipelago and the Macaronesian cliffs.

Birds that can be seen in the area include the Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz), the kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus Canariensis) and the buzzard (Buteo Buteo Harterti).

It is also hoped that the elusive Mediterranean Monk Seal may find the protected coastal waters inviting.

Cable Car at Rocha do Navio

This video contains a 7 minutes 58 seconds introduction gives a good overall look at the cable car at Rocha do Navio. It also gives a short tour around the Fajã da Rocha do Navio - the narrow coastal plain that is used for cultivation.

Directions

The cable car at Fajã da Rocha do Navio is a 25 minute walk from the Tourist Information Office found in the centre of Santana.

Make your way to the church of Saint Ana at the centre of the village. Here there is a signpost that points you toward the Rocha do Navio Teleférico.

Following the signpost, you will know that you are on the correct road as you should pass over an ER101 access road that goes to Faial via a tunnel.

You also pass by the Levada do Cantinho.

Eventually, the road splits, here you follow the road round to the right as it seems to turn back on itself.

Continue until you come to vineyards. The cable car terminal is at the bottom of a flight of concrete steps that follow the road down to it.

 

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