PR 20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar
The Staircase to the Sea
Distance
1.2 km (One Way)
Duration
45m (Down)
Difficulty
Moderate
Status
✅ OPEN
🕐 Best Time to Visit
💡 Pro Tip: This cliff is a “sun trap.” Even in winter, it can feel like 25°C+ on this slope. Bring plenty of water, as there is no shade until you reach the village at the bottom.
⚠️ Technical Difficulty Rating
Why Hike Vereda do Jardim do Mar?
The PR 20 is the sister trail to Paul do Mar (PR 19), but many locals consider it prettier. It offers a spectacular, almost vertical descent into the charming pedestrian village of Jardim do Mar (Garden of the Sea).
The path features a unique circular stone staircase at the top and offers uninterrupted 180° views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the descent.
Trail Map
From Prazeres (Top) to Jardim do Mar (Bottom).
Step-by-Step Guide
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1
Prazeres (Start)
Start near the church in Prazeres. The trail entrance is near the “Quinta das Colmeias”.
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2
The Spiral Staircase
The trail begins with a beautifully engineered circular stone staircase that cuts through the upper terrace walls.
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3
The Cliff Descent
Zig-zag down the cliff face. You will pass an old water mill ruin (Moinho da Água) halfway down.
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4
Jardim do Mar (Finish)
The trail ends right in the heart of the village. Wander through the narrow, flower-filled alleys to the seafront.
📸 Best Photo Spots
The circular stairs at the start are unique in Madeira. Shoot straight down for a dizzying geometric photo.
Jardim do Mar looks like a toy village from above, with its terracotta roofs contrasting against the deep blue sea.
Once in the village, the narrow streets are lined with bougainvillea and hibiscus. It truly lives up to its name “Garden of the Sea”.
Facilities & Amenities
How to Get There
Drive to Prazeres. You can park near the Church (Igreja dos Prazeres) or near the trailhead itself.
🚕 Linear Logistics
Recommendation: Park at the top (Prazeres). Hike down. Spend some time in Jardim do Mar. Then call a taxi to take you back up to your car (approx €15-20). Hiking back up is possible but exhausting.
The Driver’s Perspective
🚘 Easy Highway Access
Smooth roads all the way.
Our Rental Recommendation: You can drive any car here. Note that you cannot drive inside the narrow streets of Jardim do Mar village; you must park at the large lot at the village entrance. A Convertible is great for the sunny south coast drive.
Essential Gear
- Sun Protection: You are on a south-facing cliff with zero shade.
- Hiking Poles: Save your knees on the 500m descent.
- Cash: For a taxi back up or a drink at Joe’s Bar.
🍹 After the Hike: Where to Eat?
Joe’s Bar
An institution in Jardim do Mar. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, fresh tuna steaks, and cold Coral beer. It’s the meeting point for hikers and surfers alike.
