Jardim Do Mar: Atlantic Swells, Fajã and Village History

Jardim Do Mar is situated on a fajã sheltered by imposing rocky slopes and combines a striking landscape with water sports and an unusually multifaceted local history.

Between the Fajã, the Sea and Stone Terraces

At the entrance to the parish is the Miradouro do Jardim do Mar viewpoint. From there, you can enjoy a detailed view of the typical village and its location on the sheltered fajã. The PR 20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar runs between agricultural terraces supported by stone walls. The trail is currently marked as closed and connects Prazeres with Jardim Do Mar. The route is listed as 1.9 km long, with an estimated duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Chapels, Church and Historical Evidence

The history of the village can be seen in several buildings. A curacy was established in Jardim do Mar on 15 November 1734. Its seat was the existing Nossa Senhora do Rosário Chapel, which was completely rebuilt in 1786. During the rebuilding of the church, the Nossa Senhora da Piedade Chapel served as the seat of the parish. The parish church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário is described as a 20th-century replica of Notre-Dame de Paris.

The village’s history also includes the Quinta da Piedade, also known as Solar de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a Madeiran country house with a chapel, as well as the Engenho built in 1900 by Francisco João Vasconcelos Couto Cardoso. The ruins of the old Engenho are regarded as symbolic evidence of Jardim Do Mar’s centuries-old past. A recently restored Moinho de Água at Sítio das Roseiras is located directly at the beginning of the path connecting Jardim Do Mar with Prazeres. It was formerly used to grind the grain grown in the parish and its surrounding area.

Surfing, Access to the Sea and Special Events

Jardim Do Mar is considered a preferred location for receiving swells from the North Atlantic. Surfing here is recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers. At Praia do Portinho, the ground consists of basalt rubble. A pontoon and a ramp make it easier for swimmers and athletes to access the sea. The area has already been selected as the venue for various national and international competitions.

The Festa do Rosário is also part of the village’s cultural identity. During this festival, residents and visitors take part in creating flower carpets. Alongside the historic buildings, this creates a community event where local tradition can be experienced at first hand.

Which Accommodation Location Suits Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider the type of trip you want to plan. If surfing, the sea and the distinctive coastal landscape are the main focus, Praia do Portinho and the Atlantic swells favour a stay with a maritime emphasis. If you are more interested in history and the village character, the churches, chapels, mill complex, Engenho and viewpoint offer several different ways to explore the area. This makes it possible to plan a varied trip to Jardim Do Mar for a group with different interests, without every day having to follow the same pattern.

For further orientation, you can also visit the local page Jardim Do Mar. Other destinations to compare include Curral Das Freiras, Caniço, Calheta, Arco De Sao Jorge, Ponta Do Sol, Vila Baleira and Madeira.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Madeira.