Summary
The coastal town of Câmarade Lobos is recognized as one of Madeira’s oldest settlements, dating back to the 15th century. It is home to a pair of churches from this era, along with a cove where caravels would have moored six centuries ago. While these vessels have been replaced by modest fishing boats, the town continues to thrive due to its maritime activities, despite the growing number of visitors.
The town’s dramatic landscapes are a significant attraction, featuring cliffs that soar 500 meters above sea level and deep valleys nestled among mountain peaks inland. The area offers breathtaking viewpoints, secluded beaches nestled at the base of towering cliffs, adventurous “levada” hikes, Madeira wine experiences, and charming remote villages.
Let us examine the top attractions in Câmarade Lobos:
1. Cabo Girão
The cliffs to the west of Câmarade Lobos reach astonishing heights. In 2012, a skywalk was inaugurated at Cabo Girão, which towers 580 meters above the ocean.
This is the highest cliff skywalk in Europe, undoubtedly not suitable for those susceptible to vertigo.
The striking sight of the steep cliffs and the distant views toward Funchal may leave visitors breathless, as they can look down upon small patches of farmland situated half a kilometer below.
Farmers can only access these agricultural plots via a cable car!
2. Waterfront
The most picturesque location in Câmarade Lobos may very well be the cove that initially attracted Portuguese settlers to this coastal area.
During daylight, the waters are dotted with colorful fishing boats, while at night, fishermen venture out to catch the elusive black scabbardfish, which tends to ascend closer to the surface after dark.
From the harbor wall, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the inland mountains, which rise sharply from the coast and are marked by terraces used for agriculture.
Visitors can admire the fleet of painted boats drawn onto the shoreline while enjoying a “poncha” (a type of punch) at one of the various bars lining the cobblestone streets nearby.
3. Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião
A religious structure has stood at this site since the year Madeira was claimed by Portugal.
The chapel that predated the current church was constructed in 1426, but the increasing population of the town necessitated expansions during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The facade displays the coat of arms of the explorer and colonizer, João Gonçalves Zarco, who established Câmarade Lobos in 1419. The interior predominantly features Baroque architecture, highlighted by a classic gilt-wood main altar.
The chapel of the blessed sacrament (Santíssimo Sacramento) showcases 18th-century tile panels that evoke the Agnus Dei.
4. Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
This chapel, situated by the bay, is even older, having been completed in 1420 at the command of João Gonçalves Zarco.
Though its status is debated, it may indeed be the oldest chapel on the island.
Similar to the Church of St. Sebastian, it received lavish Baroque renovations in the 18th century, with the walls and ceilings adorned with decorative marbling and opulent frescoes created by the Madeira painter Nicolau Ferreira.
These artworks depict scenes from the life of St. Anthony, the patron saint of Portuguese sailors and fishermen, reflecting its significance as a place of prayer for the local fishers prior to their maritime ventures.
5. Levada do Norte
A levada walk is an essential experience when visiting Madeira.
Levadas are unique water channels synonymous with the island; they are often carved into mountain sides and traverse through the laurisilva forests to irrigate agricultural areas and settlements.
The levada closest to Câmarade Lobos is among the best, covering a distance of 12.5 kilometers from Ribeira Brava to Cabo Girão, taking approximately three hours to complete. This relatively easy trek requires sturdy footwear due to some narrow ledges with steep drops on either side.
This trail includes several tunnels (bringing a flashlight is advisable) as well as lush forests and breathtaking views of meticulously cultivated agricultural land.
6. Fajã dos Padres
Adjacent to Cabo Girão is a rocky beach accessorized solely by a hotel, restaurant, and stretches of vine plantations.
This enchanting location is inaccessible by road, nestled at the base of towering cliffs that exceed 250 meters in height.
The only means of access is via a cliffside cable car.
The cable car operates from 10:00 to 18:00, extending its hours in the evening to accommodate hotel and restaurant patrons.
During less frequented months, only a few individuals venture down to this beach, allowing for serene sunbathing on the stone pier while contemplating the vast ocean and the monumental basalt cliffs overhead.
7. Museu de Imprensa da Madeira
Within a spacious hall in the library of Câmarade Lobos resides a museum dedicated to documenting the history of media in Madeira.
Established in 2013, it serves as a repository for an extensive collection of printing and lithographic machines, along with vintage cinema projectors and typecasting equipment from the 20th century.
The museum houses a total of 48 vintage machines, some of which are sizable, including a large newspaper printing press from the 19th century.
Framed materials produced by these machines, including papers, posters, and pamphlets, are displayed on the walls.
This captivating museum offers an engaging experience, particularly on days when the weather may not be favorable or for enthusiasts of industrial technology.
8. Curral das Freiras
A visit to this village located in the northern section of the Câmarade Lobos municipality is highly recommended.
Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns) nestles within a vast gorge, surrounded by cliffs and peaks that elevate to 1,000 meters.
The nearly sheer slopes surrounding the village are cultivated with vines and cherry trees on exceptionally narrow terraces.
Historically, reaching this village from the coast was laborious, resulting in its development in complete seclusion; it wasn’t until 1986 that television signals became accessible here.
Thanks to the introduction of the road tunnel, access has since improved, reducing travel time to a mere 20 minutes.
9. Eira do Serrado
This vantage point allows for a full appreciation of the remoteness once experienced by Curral das Freiras.
Perched on the eastern rim at nearly 1,100 meters elevation, it features a parking area at the base of a stairway composed of 145 steps leading to this breathtaking lookout.
The surrounding rugged peaks, terraced hillsides, and steep cliffs create an impressively dramatic landscape.
Moreover, if one dares to look down, the modest collection of white buildings in Curral das Freiras can be seen far below.
10. Madeira Wine
This fortified wine possesses a fascinating history, originating from a practice in the Age of Discovery when wine spirit was blended during fermentation to enhance its preservation during lengthy voyages.
Given that Madeira served as a crucial stopover for explorers, expeditions would take on barrels of this wine before continuing their travels.
Vineyards grace the south-facing slopes above Câmarade Lobos, and the Barbeito winery provides an insightful behind-the-scenes experience, walking visitors through the preparation, fermentation, storage, and bottling processes. Visitors also have the opportunity to sample any of the 12 varieties.
11. Boca dos Namorados
In Jardim da Serra, situated in the mountains north of Câmarade Lobos, another viewpoint offers a different yet equally stunning perspective.
Boca dos Namorados, surrounded by tall maritime pines, features a long ledge from which one can gaze into the valley below, flanked by towering basalt peaks.
For those seeking an adventurous challenge, a hike from here down to Curral das Freiras could provide the thrill of a lifetime.
However, a more appealing option may be to prepare a meal on the barbecue and enjoy a picnic in this spectacular environment.
12. Praia Formosa
A short trek leads you to this beach located a couple of kilometers to the east of Câmarade Lobos.
The pathway hugs the coastline and runs through the cliffs.
Along the way, you will encounter caves sculpted by the crashing waves of the ocean, ultimately arriving at this sheltered beach.
With its large pebbles, it serves better as a scenic spot for exploration rather than traditional sunbathing, though a few restaurants can be found along the small promenade.
In calm weather, the beach can be suitable for swimming, though this can vary day by day.
Additionally, the natural volcanic lido at Doca do Cavacas is conveniently nearby and ideal for swimming enthusiasts.
13. Pico da Torre
Having viewed the steep hills surrounding Câmarade Lobos from below, this viewpoint situated just 205 meters up the mountainside offers a different perspective.
Set among terraced slopes cultivated with vines, bananas, and cherries, it provides an almost vertical view of the town and its cove, rendering the boats below as mere specks.
A cross at this site commemorates the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended over four decades of authoritarian governance.
14. Funchal
For all that Câmarade Lobos has to offer, the capital of Madeira is never more than a ten-minute journey to the east.
This city gracefully adapts to the dramatic terrain, featuring a cable car that transports visitors to the botanical gardens in Monte, while wicker sleds provide a thrilling descent.
The historic quarter adjacent to the harbor presents a maze of streets adorned with Portuguese cobblestones in lively patterns, leading to plazas with restaurant terraces.
The enduring monuments in this area, such as the 16th-century cathedral and the town hall, are all constructed from dark volcanic stone, undeniably enhancing their grandeur.
15. Food and Drink
In the local bars surrounding the cove, ordering a poncha is a must.
This beverage’s name may derive from the English term “punch,” and like punch, it may trace its origins back to India.
The basic ingredients consist of aguardente (a distilled sugarcane spirit) combined with lemon juice, honey, and sugar, although other fruit juices might be added for variation.
As for cuisine, the black scabbardfish caught by local fishermen, despite its unappealing appearance, offers delicious fillets often served with crunchy fried corn and banana.
This dish is among the numerous fish and seafood offerings available, with octopus, tuna, and shellfish like winkles and limpets also being prominent choices.
