Fonte da Areia

Wind-carved sandstone cliffs on Porto Santo's wild north shore.

Wind-eroded striped sandstone cliffs at Fonte da Areia on Porto Santo
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0

A spring at the base of striped sandstone cliffs, eroded into ridges and hollows by the north wind. It is the scenic counterpoint to the island's calm southern beach.

What is there

A viewpoint and picnic area above the cliffs, steps down towards the spring, and a shoreline that takes the full force of the Atlantic. Swimming is not advisable here.

The water from the spring was long believed to have restorative properties, and the fountain structure remains.

Local tips

  • It is genuinely windy — hold onto hats and keep back from the cliff edge.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
    3 hours Funchal Marina

    Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

  • Sunrise, Sunset & Moonlight private Sailing Cruises in Madeira in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(12)

    Sunrise, Sunset & Moonlight private Sailing Cruises in Madeira

    Since 2001, we've been cruising the waters of Madeira and Porto Santo in all sorts of nifty vessels, from dinghies to windsurfing boards and catamarans.

  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

  • Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(103)

    Fanal e Porto Moniz: O Lado Icónico

    Discover Madeira’s most iconic side on a journey through the island’s most spectacular viewpoints, featuring the magical Fanal Forest and the famous Porto Moniz natural pools.

  • Arieiro Peak, Santo Serra, Cristo Rei in Open Roof 4x4 Experience in Madeira
    4.5 hours Madeira 4.9(132)

    Arieiro Peak, Santo Serra, Cristo Rei in Open Roof 4x4 Experience

    Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands.

  • Cristo Rei, Arieiro Peak and Santo da Serra 4x4 Experience in Madeira
    4 hours Madeira 4.9(22)

    Cristo Rei, Arieiro Peak and Santo da Serra 4x4 Experience

    Step into the wonderful world of Madeira as our journey starts at Largo do Miranda, where you have beautiful views over Funchal and Desertas islands.

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

Read next

Remote cliffs and ocean on Madeira's north coast

Things to Do

Hidden Gems in Madeira

Twelve places we send returning guests, none of which appear on the coach routes.

7 min read