Tabua in Madeira: Sea, Levadas and Local Traditions

Tabua is located by the sea on the southwest coast of the island of Madeira. The town combines the landscape of the Ribeira de Tabua with levada paths, historic chapels and local traditions. This gives families who want to combine nature, culture and varied daily plans several ways to shape their trip.

Between the Sea, Ribeira and Levada Paths

The Ribeira de Tabua rises near Pico das Pedras at an altitude of 1,510 metres. Its course, approximately 7 km long, flows into the Freguesia of Tabua. The local soil also shapes the character of the area: it is suitable for growing grapevines and sugar cane. The name Tabua refers to a plant that was once common in the area and was used to make mats and seats for chairs.

Those who want to explore Tabua on foot will find various options. Tabua has levada paths that are suitable for hiking and offer scenic views. At the access point to Levada Nova in Candelária, a small retaining wall, paving and a railing have been added. The Ribeira da Tabua Trail, on the other hand, is described as a challenging circular route, measuring 12.96 km in length and having a high difficulty level. The start and finish are in the village of Ribeira da Tabua within the Freguesia of Tabua. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between levada paths and a longer, clearly defined trail loop.

Chapels and Traces of Local History

Tabua has several religious buildings with different historical connections. The Capela Mãe de Deus is a religious building dating from 1593, in the 16th century. Its architecture features Mannerist and vernacular elements. The Capela da Mãe de Deus in Corujeira was rebuilt in 1767 after it had been destroyed by floods on the opposite bank of the river. One of its features is a round-arched portal decorated with diamond-shaped points.

The Igreja Paroquial de Tabua also dates from the late 17th century. The parish of Tabua originated from the chapel of the Santíssima Trindade. Near the coast, the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição was founded in 1688. Those interested in churches, architectural history and the religious development of a place can include these different connections in their explorations without limiting their day of hiking to nature trails.

Festivals, Castanholas and Flavours

Cultural life is also reflected in festivals and traditional crafts. The celebration in honour of the patron saint of the Capela Mãe de Deus takes place on the first Sunday in May and draws people to Corujeira. At the Arraial held as part of this celebration, Espetada, Bolo do Caco and the traditional sandwiches with Carne de Vinho e Alhos are served. Tabua also celebrates Senhora das Candeias on 2 February.

The castanholas tradition in Tabua includes training for young people and older learners. The castanholas reappear during the Christmas season. In Candelária, photographs show figures drawn on 53 stones forming a 22-metre-long wall. Arlindo Lourenço, who was born in Tabua, continues to dedicate himself to making these artefacts, thereby keeping the tradition alive. Alongside the landscape and architecture, details like these give a trip a local, craft-focused dimension.

Tabua as a Base for Planning Your Trip

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Tabua, your preferred plans for each day can help guide your choice of location. The seaside setting and a road connecting Tabua with Calheta and Funchal are also practical points of reference when planning your trip.

Other Places to Consider for Your Trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Tabua, you can also visit the pages for Camacha, Machico, Madalena Do Mar, Caniço, Caniçal, Estreito Da Calheta, Ponta Delgada and Quinta Grande.

For the higher-level travel overview: Madeira.