Fajã dos Padres in Madeira: A Place That Inspires Simplicity and Growth
Located on the southern coast of Madeira, Fajã dos Padres is a sliver of land nestled between the sea and towering cliffs, accessible only by boat or a dramatic cable car ride. This narrow strip of farmland, hidden beneath steep, rugged mountains, has been cultivated for centuries. Today, it offers more than just incredible views – it’s a place where time seems to stand still. Whilst it isn’t the most easily accessible place to visit, it is one of the most beautiful and inviting places for some extended moments of calm and reflection.
Travel has long been a way to escape the daily grind, experience new cultures, and indulge in the beauty of unfamiliar places. But at its core, travel does more than take us away from our daily routines; it inspires us to grow. Few places demonstrate this more than Fajã dos Padres in Madeira, a secluded paradise that strips away the trappings of modern life and can teach those who visit a lesson in the art of minimalism.
The History of Fajã dos Padres
Fajã dos Padres has a unique history that goes back centuries. The area first gained significance when it was claimed by Jesuit priests in the 16th century, who saw the secluded, fertile land as an ideal spot for cultivating crops. The priests worked to make this isolated paradise self-sufficient, introducing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and the now-famous Madeira wine. For over two hundred years, Fajã dos Padres remained the home of these Jesuits, who named it "Fajã dos Padres" (fajã meaning a small or flat piece of land, and dos padres meaning of the Fathers) to reflect their role as caretakers of the land.
The priests’ influence on the land is still evident today in the vineyards they planted and in the agricultural practices that have remained across generations. Even after the Jesuits were expelled from Madeira in the mid-18th century during the wave of religious expulsion across Portugal, Fajã dos Padres continued to be cultivated by other farmers who took over. This marked a shift in the ownership and care of the land, but the values of simplicity and agricultural dedication remained.
Over time, the community of Fajã dos Padres cultivated traditional crops like bananas, avocados, mangoes, and papayas. They relied on a small spring for fresh water and used centuries-old terraces to make the most of the fertile soil. Visitors to Fajã dos Padres find the lifestyle and its simplicity incredibly inspiring, having been reminded how people lived sustainably long before modern agriculture.
A Retreat From Life’s Distractions
Today, visiting this narrow strip of land is a chance to retreat and experience life without the overwhelming distractions of the modern world. The only accommodations available are nine beachfront cottages which overlook the Atlantic Ocean and are accessible exclusively via cable car.
One of the most immediate takeaways from this remote enclave is how little you actually need to enjoy living there. There are no sprawling resorts or bustling shops. Instead, the land is adorned with vineyards and subtropical fruit trees. Staying here means immersing yourself in a lifestyle that prioritises nature and your connection with it, versus any kind of material luxuries.
When you’re in Fajã dos Padres, there’s not much else you can do other than slow down and live in the present. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and steep cliffs on the other, you are literally wedged between nature. There is no hum of urban life, so the subtleties that often go unnoticed – such as the rustle of palm trees in the wind, the scent of ripe bananas, or the way the sun glows on the water at sunset - are magnified.
A Lesson In Living Well
Beyond the minimalist lifestyle, Fajã dos Padres offers a lesson on how to live well by looking at how people lived before us. In many ways, this pocket of Madeira is a testament to living sustainably and self-sufficiently. With so much talk about how we can live more sustainably, we can simply look to the lifestyle in Fajã dos Padres for inspiration. For centuries, the people here have relied on what the land provides, using traditional farming methods and working alongside nature to cultivate the food they eat and the wine they drink. It ties very closely to the Mediterranean way of life, where the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables that are grown on their own land is abundant and in the DNA.
The people of Fajã dos Padres show us that living minimally doesn’t equate to living without. On the contrary - they demonstrate that by stripping away what’s not needed, they’ve unlocked a way of life that’s deeply fulfilling, sustainable, and in tune with the world around them.
When you’re standing on the land in Fajā dos Padres, with the ocean on one side and the towering cliffs on the other, you’re reminded of the power of nature and of our small place within it. Standing between the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean and the dramatic, raw beauty of the cliffs above, is humbling and awe-inspiring.
Thinking of the lifestyle that the settlers and Jesuit priests had, living and working on the land, with next to no material belongings, it’s hard not to compare it to our modern lifestyle. The tranquillity and lack of distractions challenge you to take a moment, and reflect on your own life, your goals, and what truly brings you joy.
This moment alone is a powerful reminder of how much travel can challenge us to look deeper at what matters.
Nature’s Influence on Personal Growth
Travelling to remote parts of foreign lands, where the only access is by boat or cable car, is undoubtedly a slightly uncomfortable experience for many. You have the opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the outside world and reconnect with yourself. This kind of travel doesn't just inspire you during your stay – it leaves a lasting imprint, influencing how you live long after you’ve returned home.
The isolation and quiet at Fajā dos Padres create calm moments of introspection, which fuel the inner growth that happens when we do things that are slightly uncomfortable.
A Source of Inspiration
Inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere, and it can often come from travelling to new places. The simplicity of the monastic life at Fajā dos Padres pushes us to rethink our own priorities and reminds us that fulfilment doesn’t come from material belongings; it comes from the connections we build – with the land, with others, and with ourselves.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from the Faja is the re-evaluation of what is essential to our wellbeing. Perhaps life can be lived fully without the luxuries we’ve come to view as necessities. When we strip away those luxuries, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of who we are and what we truly need..
Travel as a Path to Personal Growth
As we move through life, it's easy to become consumed by the desire for more – more things, more experiences, more achievements. But places like Fajã dos Padres remind us that true happiness and fulfilment come not from continuously adding (somewhat unnecessarily) to our lives, but from stripping away what’s truly unnecessary. The beauty of this place, wedged between the mountains and the sea, is a powerful reminder that less can often be more.
In Fajã dos Padres, you find inspiration not in what you acquire but in what you let go of. And in that letting go, you discover a deeper sense of self, a greater connection to the world around you, and an understanding of how to live life with meaning and simplicity.
Visit Fajā dos Padres with More Life Adventures
Often described as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, Madeira is a haven of crystal clear waters, tropical volcanic landscapes and incredible mountain hikes. Fajā dos Padres is one of the highlights of our Madeira adventure, taking place in the spring of 2025. If you’re craving the outdoors, then it’s the perfect opportunity to escape the city for a few days in nature.