The PR19 leads to Campanário; Calhau da Lapa is a small bathing area in the municipality. At Fajã dos Padres, the cable car and boat are the only ways to get there; the cable car ride takes four minutes and offers views of Madeira’s south coast and the bay of the Fajã. You can swim at the pebble beach and by the small landing stage.

Hiking on the PR19

The PR19 runs from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos via Levada do Norte and Quinta Grande to Campanário. The PR19 is one of Madeira’s 25 designated recommended hiking trails.

At the destination, Campanário, you’ll also find Glória Chapel and the Ilha das Aves mini-zoo, located in the town’s park.

Chapel and birdlife

Glória Chapel in Campanário was built in 1599. Its construction in 1599 dates the chapel to the late 16th century.

The Ilha das Aves mini-zoo is located in Campanário’s park. Ilha das Aves covers 7,000 m², or 0.7 hectares; its gardens are home to 200 bird species. The gardens are likely to be of particular interest to bird lovers.

Swimming at Calhau da Lapa

Calhau da Lapa is a small bathing area in the municipality of Campanário, known for its peaceful atmosphere and the excellent quality of its waters. The path down leads over steep cliffs. So if you’re considering this spot for a swimming trip, planning for the descent is just as important as the destination by the water.

Fajã dos Padres: access, swimming and fruit trees

Fajã dos Padres can only be reached by cable car or boat. The cable car ride takes four minutes and offers views of Madeira’s south coast and the bay of the Fajã. You can swim at the pebble beach and by the small landing stage.

Tropical fruit trees grow at Fajã dos Padres throughout the year, including mango, banana and avocado trees. The fertile soil and local microclimate encourage this growth.

Calhau da Lapa and Fajã dos Padres differ mainly in how you access the water. Calhau da Lapa is known for its peaceful atmosphere and the excellent quality of its waters; the descent there leads over steep cliffs. Fajã dos Padres can only be reached by cable car or boat. The four-minute cable car ride offers views of Madeira’s south coast and the bay of the Fajã; you can swim at the pebble beach and by the small landing stage. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the steep descent or access by cable car or boat.

Discover more destinations: Fajã Da Ovelha, Lombada Velha, Machico, Sao Jorge, Arco Da Calheta, Arco De São Jorge, Gaula, Madalena Do Mar

For the main travel overview: Madeira.