Calhau da Lapa: Complete Guide to Madeira's Hidden Gem
Pristine turquoise water, ancient caves you can sleep in, gigantic volcanic cliffs, and a remote pebbly beach – Calhau da Lapa is a hidden gem that feels like stepping back in time. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about visiting one of the best hidden gems in Madeira.
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If you love venturing off the beaten track and exploring areas most people never hear about, a visit to Calhau da Lapa is an absolute must and one of the best places to visit in Madeira.
Nestled at the foot of a gigantic volcanic cliff, this tiny, secluded spot is one of the best hidden gems in Madeira. You’ll discover a cascading waterfall, ancient fishermen’s caves carved into the rock, a quiet pebble beach and some of the clearest, turquoise water on the island – perfect for a refreshing dip.
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In this guide to Calhau da Lapa, we’ll share what makes this secret spot so special, why it’s managed to stay off the tourist trail, how to get there and one of the most unique places to stay in Madeira.
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Contents
Calhau da Lapa; one of the best hidden gems in Madeira
Calhau da Lapa has largely managed to stay off the tourist radar – and that’s part of what makes it so special. Its secluded location makes it tricky to reach (more on that below), but if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most incredible places to visit in Madeira, Portugal.
When we visited, we had the entire cove to ourselves for a couple of hours – enjoying the sound of the waves echoing off the rocks and seabirds overhead – it felt like stepping back in time.
The landscape here is unlike anywhere else on the island! Gigantic volcanic cliffs rise dramatically from the ocean, and carved into the rock face, you’ll notice several caves. These were built centuries ago by sea traders who used them as shelters when Madeira’s coastline was a hub of maritime activity.
This truly is one of the best places to see in Madeira!
Today, around 30 caves remain, and some have been uniquely restored and are available to rent. Talk about one of the most unique places to stay in Madeira – imagine waking up in this secluded cove with only the sound of the Atlantic’s crashing waves to start your morning!
Current update as of Oct 2025: the cave houses are temporarily closed for repair and maintenance. A date is yet to be scheduled for reopening.
How to get to Calhau da Lapa, one of the best places in Madeira
Calhau da Lapa sits hidden from view in the civil parish of Campanário in the municipality of Ribeira Brava, on Madeira’s south coast.
You can’t reach it by car – your only options are by boat or on foot!
By boat
Several boat trips depart from Funchal, sailing up the west coast, stopping at scenic points including Calhau da Lapa. Boat trips are among the best things to do in Madeira, Portugal – offering a completely different perspective of the island’s dramatic and diverse landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot whales, dolphins and turtles along the way!
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During the summer months (May to September), small taxi boats run between Ribeira Brava Bay and Calhau da Lapa daily. Ribeira Brava is 19 kilometres from Funchal and can easily be reached by car, bus or taxi.
Our top tip: in winter, boats usually can’t dock at Calhau da Lapa as the temporary disembarking platform is removed at the end of summer. You may be able to ask a local to give you a ride, but the sea conditions have to be right.
On foot
This is how we visited, and it’s definitely an adventure!
Park at the Vereda do Paço trailhead, on Estrada da Lapa. If you don’t have a car, you can get the bus from Funchal to Campanário and walk 30 minutes to the trailhead.
Be warned: the path to Calhau da Lapa is extremely steep – around 1 kilometre long with about 700 steps – it should take about 30 minutes. Sturdy footwear is required, and we wouldn’t recommend doing it with young children.
Although steep, the path is well-maintained, with railings to hold onto most of the way. It starts gently, but soon turns sharply downhill. As you get closer to the bottom, the path also becomes quite slippery, so take your time.
When your knees need a break, pause and take in the sweeping ocean views in front of you – the colour of that water is unreal!
As you get closer to the bottom, you’ll notice the sound of a waterfall – turn around and see it cascading down the cliff; this is honestly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Madeira.
Where to Stay Near Calhau da Lapa
For a truly memorable experience, Calhau da Lapa offers one of the most unique places to stay in Madeira – the chance to sleep in a traditional fisherman’s cave house carved into the cliffs.
Some of the caves have been beautifully restored and transformed into holiday homes, kitted out with a fully equipped kitchen, warm shower, toilet, barbecue and balcony overlooking the ocean and mountains. It’s rustic, peaceful and feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
To reach the caves, you’ll need to tackle the steep walk down the cliff, so only pack what you’ll need.
Current update: as of Oct 2025, the cave houses are closed for repair and maintenance with no date scheduled to re-open yet.
There are also guesthouses close by in Ribeira Brava and Campanário – both a short drive or boat ride away.
Aside from Calhau da Lapa, there isn’t much else in the immediate area. You can easily visit on a day from Funchal and use Madeira’s vibrant capital as your base. Or, do what we did and stop off on your way to Funchal from Calheta as part of our 10-day Madeira itinerary.
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Everything Else You Need to Know About Calhau da Lapa
What to bring to Calhau da Lapa
If you’re hiking down, you’ll need to wear sturdy footwear. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and depending on how long you’re staying, bring snacks and food.
Bring swimwear and a towel if you’re planning on enjoying the crystal-clear waters – this is one of the best places to visit in Madeira, Portugal for a refreshing ocean swim.
If you’re staying overnight, pack light and only bring your essentials so you won’t be weighed down on the hike.
Entrance fee
Calhau da Lapa is completely free to visit! Another reason why it’s one of the best hidden gems in Madeira.
How long to spend in Madeira
To really experience Madeira’s natural beauty and vast landscapes, we’d recommend spending at least a week on the island. We spent 10 days in Madeira, and honestly, there was still a lot we wished we had time for.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to Calhau da Lapa, one of the very best hidden gems in Madeira. If you have any questions or want to know more, drop a comment below – we’d love to hear from you.
And, if you’re planning a trip to Madeira, don’t forget to check out our other guides for travel tips and inspiration.
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