Quinta Grande

Quinta Grande combines impressive coastal landscapes with a history that can be read in its chapels, paths and agricultural traditions. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in a place shaped by its culture, the parish offers various points of interest: historic buildings, viewpoints, paths through the countryside and special destinations along Madeira’s south coast.

Chapels and history in Quinta Grande

One of the notable historic sites is the Capela Vera Cruz de Quinta Grande. It is one of the oldest chapels in the Diocese of Funchal and was built in the mid-16th century on the orders of João Gonçalves Zarco. This makes it an important point of reference for anyone wishing to discover Quinta Grande not only through its landscapes but also through its history.

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios also shapes the local character with a portal, two windows, a medium-sized churchyard and a bell tower with clocks. The Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima was built in 1931. Its construction is said to have been prompted by the rockfall at Cabo Girão on 4 March 1930. In Fajã dos Padres, meanwhile, the land belonged to the Society of Jesus for more than 150 years. These stops give a journey through Quinta Grande historical depth without requiring you to commit to just one destination.

Cabo Girão, views and coastal landscape

At 580 metres high, Cabo Girão is one of the most impressive landscape features in the area. Its viewpoint is described as the parish’s main tourist attraction. The famous Skywalk glass platform is located there. The destination particularly appeals to travellers who want to combine striking views and unusual structures on their trip to Madeira.

The cliff at Cabo Girão is also used for paragliding and BASE jumping. Cabo Girão Surf Spot is the first surf spot in Portugal to have been formally protected by law.

Paths through the countryside

The Caminho Real 23 circles Madeira along the coast and passes through the parishes of Quinta Grande and Câmara de Lobos. From west to east, the Levada do Norte crosses the upland areas of the parishes of Quinta Grande, Câmara de Lobos and Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. The Vereda da Levada do Norte footpath was created along its route.

The Vereda da Partilha offers a shorter route. It is about 850 metres long and serves as a footpath to an extensive agricultural area in Vera Cruz. Following its redesign and paving, a new viewpoint was also created there, offering views of Fajã dos Padres and the hillside of Campanário.

Agriculture, festivals and a special destination

After the construction of the Levada do Norte, agriculture in Quinta Grande shifted towards horticulture and fruit growing in the 20th century. The parish is now known for this production. The Mostra do Trigo e do Chícharo, an event in Quinta Grande, also offers an insight into the local character. The Nossa Senhora dos Remédios festival takes place on the second Sunday in September.

Another distinctive excursion takes you on the Fajã dos Padres cable car over the steep coast to Fajã dos Padres in four minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy views of Madeira’s south coast. When choosing accommodation in Quinta Grande, you can therefore decide according to your preferred travel pace: historic sites and paths for varied days, viewpoints for special landscape impressions or Fajã dos Padres as a clearly defined destination.

Other places to include in your travel plans

To compare other destinations, you can also include Ribeiro Frio, Sao Jorge, Tabua, Ponta Do Pargo, Boaventura, Machico, São Vicente and Câmara De Lobos in your further search.

For the overarching travel overview: Madeira.