QUINTA GRANDE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Cable Car to an Organic Orchard: Quinta Grande’s Fajã dos Padres Farm Experience
A four-hour guided visit that combines a three-minute cable-car descent, a walk through subtropical orchards and vineyards, hands-on farming activities and a taste of locally grown tropical fruit.
Cable Car to an Organic Orchard: Quinta Grande’s Fajã dos Padres Farm Experience.
Adventure brief
Cable Car to an Organic Orchard: Quinta Grande’s Fajã dos Padres Farm Experience
Perched above the south coast of Madeira, an organic farm at Fajã dos Padres is reached by a state-of-the-art cable car from Quinta Grande. The guided visit threads ancient paths through orchards and Malvasia vines, pairs hands-on farming with a tasting of subtropical fruits and finishes with lunch on a seaside terrace—an intimate slice of Madeira’s agricultural history and coastal beauty.
Set on the rugged coast of Madeira Island, the Organic Farm & Fruit Taste Experience offers an invigorating escape into the island’s rich agricultural heritage and vibrant subtropical flora. Located in Quinta Grande, this immersive adventure begins with a scenic cable car ride that sweeps you from the island’s hillsides down to an organic farm where centuries-old farming traditions meet modern sustainable practices. Surrounded by steep volcanic slopes and the Atlantic Ocean’s vast blue, visitors walk ancient stone paths shaded by a canopy of exotic fruit trees—bananas, passion fruit, and custard apples thrive here, nurtured by Madeira’s fertile volcanic soil.
This experience is far more than a farm visit. Guests engage directly in hands-on farming activities alongside local farmers, gaining insight into Madeira’s unique viticulture and organic cultivation methods. The farm’s dedication to sustainability shines through in every detail, from composting practices to water conservation techniques, showcasing a model of responsible agriculture on Madeira Island.
A highlight awaits at midday—a delicious lunch featuring freshly harvested tropical fruits and organic dishes prepared with local ingredients. Savor bright flavors that reflect the island’s subtropical environment and culinary traditions, all while seated in the farm’s garden with ocean views stretching to the horizon.
Beyond the farm, Quinta Grande itself is a quiet village that offers a glimpse into traditional Madeiran life, framed by steep cliffs and dramatic coastal views. This experience stands out by offering a deep connection to the land that feeds Madeira, appealing to travelers eager to learn about local culture and sustainability in a hands-on, flavorful way.
Whether you’re an avid foodie, a nature enthusiast, or a curious traveler seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, the Organic Farm & Fruit Taste Experience highlights the island’s lesser-known facets beyond its famed levada walks and seaside cliffs. The combination of an exhilarating cable car descent, vibrant tropical plants, and intimate farming immersion makes this an exceptional activity for eco-conscious visitors looking to taste and touch Madeira’s natural bounty.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
From the upper station in Quinta Grande you descend to Fajã dos Padres and move through orchards, vineyard terraces and the farm’s seaside spaces.
Quinta Grande — Upper Cable Car Station
The visit begins at the road‑level upper station in Quinta Grande, where there are some parking spaces and the cable car departs toward Fajã dos Padres.
Cable Car Descent
A state‑of‑the‑art cable car carries visitors along a cliff over roughly 300 metres down to Fajã dos Padres in an approximately three‑minute trip.
Guided Walk Through Orchards and Vineyards
A guided visit of about one hour follows ancient paths through subtropical orchards and Malvasia vineyards, with commentary on organic farming, local history and access infrastructures.
Group Farming Activity & Fruit Tasting
Depending on season and the farming calendar, groups take part in planting or harvesting tasks and sample two varieties of locally produced subtropical fruit.
Seaside Terrace, Pier and Beach Access
The lower station sits about 500 metres from an exclusive pebble beach; the property includes a small pier, solarium and showers and cabins for visitors, and the farm restaurant overlooks the sea.
The route and activities are adapted seasonally—group farming tasks vary with the farming calendar—and the guided walk follows uneven, historic paths that traverse terraces and vineyards.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three Minutes Above the Cliff
The approach is part of the experience: a comfortable cable-car ride carries visitors down a dramatic 300‑metre cliff from Quinta Grande to Fajã dos Padres, delivering immediate coastal views before the farm visit.
Ancient Paths and Subtropical Fruit
Guided walks move along old paths through orchards of bananas, mango, avocado and other subtropical varieties, with explanations of organic techniques and the local viticulture that has shaped this fertile strip of land.
Lunch and Local Tastes on the Terrace
The farm restaurant sources produce from the organic plots and is noted for fresh fish and a terrace overlooking the sea; visits include a tasting of two locally produced subtropical fruits that vary by season.
What the day feels like
How the Visit Feels
The experience begins with a compact, cinematic descent to the sea and unfolds as a slow, sensory walk along cultivated terraces—vines, orchards and renovated island houses—interspersed with a one‑hour guided stroll, a seasonal group farming activity and a seaside lunch that highlights the farm’s organic harvest.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full experience is scheduled as a four‑hour visit; the cable‑car descent itself is roughly a three‑minute ride along the cliff.
The upper cable‑car station is at road level in Quinta Grande and offers some parking spaces, with additional parking available along the access road.
At Fajã dos Padres there is a small pier, a solarium, showers and cabins available to visitors, plus a farm restaurant with a sea‑facing terrace.
Group farming activities and the fruit varieties available for tasting change with the farming calendar and can be adapted to group interests.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the experience last?
The guided visit is four hours in duration.
Where do we meet and how do we access the farm?
The access begins at the upper cable‑car station in Quinta Grande (road level); the cable car descends to Fajã dos Padres where the farm visit takes place.
What are the prices?
Adult rate is €56; there is a child rate of €25 for ages 0–11.
Is there a minimum group size or participant limit?
A minimum party of four is required to book; the operator accommodates groups up to the stated maximum.
Can the activities be adapted or rescheduled?
After booking the operator will send reservation details and farmer contact information; if you wish to propose another day or time they will attempt to reschedule or add another experience for the day.
What fruit or farming activities are included?
Tasting includes about two seasonal varieties drawn from fruits like banana, passion fruit, mango, papaya, avocado and others; group farming activities depend on the time of year and can include planting, harvesting or composting.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-03T22:29:07.984Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.