Fodor's Expert Review Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz

About 12 km (7 miles) south of Porto Moniz is the Achadas da Cruz cable car—an engineering marvel that transports visitors down the almost vertical drop to the windswept farming area of Fajã da Quebrada Nova. Before the cable car was built a few years ago, the only way to get there was by boat. The tiny carriages operate only when needed, so press the button to confirm you're ready to go. At the bottom you'll find a truly beautiful part of Madeira, with wind-contoured fields, black-stone beaches, deafening waves, and a tangle of grape vines used for local wine making.