Campanário
Rural parish in Ribeira Brava with the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the Calhau da Lapa cove.
About Campanário
Campanário is part of the municipality of Ribeira Brava, with a population of around 3,327
Campanário sits where steep mountain interior and the Atlantic meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm — fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.
What to know before you go
- Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
- Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts — a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
- Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.
Best time to visit
Campanário is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.
Location
South coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.66750, -17.04670
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Is Campanário worth visiting?+
Yes. Campanário shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.
How do I get to Campanário from Funchal?+
Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.
Plan around Campanário
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Campanário in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Campanário.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.