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Towns · North coastReview

Faial: town in Madeira

Faial sits in the municipality of Santana, Madeira. Its population is around 1,611.

Quiet north-coast parish below the towering Penha de Águia rock, in the Santana municipality.

Edited by Madeira Info Editorial·Last checked

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Municipality
Santana
Population
1,611
Region
North coast
Coordinates
32.7956, -16.8625

About Faial

Faial is part of the municipality of Santana, with a population of around 1,611

Faial sits where thick laurisilva forest and waterfalls 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

Faial is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.

Location

North coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

32.79560, -16.86250

Visitor reviews

Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Faial. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.

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Frequently asked

Is Faial worth visiting?

Yes. Faial 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 Faial from Funchal?

Allow 45–75 minutes from Funchal via the VE1 and the north-coast tunnels, the drive itself is one of the scenic highlights.

Plan around Faial

The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Faial in a day.

ViewpointsMiradouro do Curtado113 m awayTrailsVereda da Penha de Águia2.7 km awayBeachesPraia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial661 m away

Nearby on Madeira

Other places within easy reach of Faial.

Viewpoints
Miradouro do Curtado
113 m
Beaches
Praia da Foz da Ribeira do Faial
661 m
Viewpoints
Miradouro do Guindaste
791 m
Restaurants
Casa de Chá
890 m
Bars
Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial)
1.4 km
Restaurants
Quinta do Furão
1.5 km

Plan the rest of your trip

The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.

GuideMadeira travel guideThe full island in one long read.Plans3, 5 & 7-day itinerariesReady-made road-trip plans.WeatherMonth-by-month climateAir, sea, rain and sun by month.TipsFirst-timer travel tipsCar hire, parishes, red flags.

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