Jardim Do Mar: Surf and Architectural History

Jardim Do Mar lies on a fajã sheltered by imposing cliffs. At the same time, the Atlantic shapes the town’s sporting character: Jardim Do Mar is considered a prime spot for catching swells from the North Atlantic. Surfing is recommended for surfers at an advanced or expert level. This clear indication of the required skill level is especially relevant when surfing is one of the main reasons for your trip.

The Atlantic and Praia do Portinho

Praia do Portinho consists of basalt pebbles. A pontoon and a ramp make it easier for swimmers and athletes to access the sea; check the conditions before visiting. The area around Praia do Portinho has already been selected as the venue for various national and international competitions. These details highlight different aspects of the coastal town: the surfing recommendation indicates the experience level required, while the pontoon and ramp relate to access to the sea.

Trails, terraces, and views

The PR 20 – Vereda do Jardim do Mar connects Prazeres with Jardim do Mar and is 1.9 kilometres long; the estimated duration is one hour and 30 minutes. The route is currently marked as closed. Check its status before including it in your plans; do not treat it as currently open for hiking. It winds between agricultural terraces supported by stone walls.

Miradouro do Jardim do Mar is located at the entrance to the parish; from there, you can enjoy a detailed view of the typical village. The restored Moinho de Água is near the viewpoint. It was formerly used to grind the grain grown in the parish and its surrounding area. At Sítio das Roseiras, Moinho de Água is right at the start of a trail connecting Jardim do Mar with Prazeres.

Religious buildings and industrial history

A curacy was established in Jardim Do Mar on 15 November 1734, with its seat in the existing chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, which was completely rebuilt in 1786. The parish church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário is considered a 20th-century replica of Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral. During the church’s reconstruction, the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade served as the seat of the parish.

Quinta da Piedade, also known as Solar de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, is also a Madeiran country house with a chapel. The Engenho of Francisco João Vasconcelos Couto Cardoso was built in 1900. The ruins of the old Engenho are considered symbolic evidence of Jardim Do Mar’s centuries-old past. These buildings and ruins add further aspects of the town’s architectural heritage to the history of its churches and chapels.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Jardim Do Mar, Ponta Do Sol, Caniço, Calheta, Vila Baleira, Arco De Sao Jorge, Madeira, Porto Santo

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