Jardim do Mar (Parish)
Cliffside village in Calheta with cobbled lanes, no through-traffic and an internationally known surf reef break below.
About Jardim do Mar (Parish)
Jardim do Mar (Parish) is part of the municipality of Calheta, with a population of around 200
Jardim do Mar (Parish) sits where terraced banana plantations and sunny south-facing cliffs 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
Visit any month; locals consider May, June and September the sweet spot — long daylight, settled weather and fewer cruise-ship crowds.
Location
South-west, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.73500, -17.18940
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Is Jardim do Mar (Parish) worth visiting?+
Yes. Jardim do Mar (Parish) 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 Jardim do Mar (Parish) from Funchal?+
Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.
Plan around Jardim do Mar (Parish)
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Jardim do Mar (Parish) in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Jardim do Mar (Parish).
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.