Prazeres – The Village of Delight
In Portuguese, „Prazeres“ means „joy“ or „delight.“ True to its name, the scenery here has the potential to evoke such emotions.
This picturesque village is perched on a high plateau, and its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere transfers to visitors as they stroll through its charming streets. Everywhere you look, plants are blooming, and traditional stone houses nestle among vibrant green oases.
Starting Point for Hikes
The friendly village is also an excellent starting or ending point for hikes. Levada trails branch out in various directions. For instance, the Levada Nova heads west toward Ponta do Pargo or east toward Calheta. On this eastern section, the Levada Nova is also known as the Eucalyptus Levada due to its route through a forest of the same name.
Hikers with strong knees might enjoy the short but steep descent to Paul do Mar (500 meters elevation drop over 2 kilometers / PR 19). This historic path was once used by farmers and traders to transport agricultural goods like meat and vegetables to Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar in exchange for freshly caught fish.
The trail starts below the „Jardim Atlantico“ hotel and quickly winds its way downhill. Before the steep descent, take a moment at the Miradouro dos Prazeres for stunning views into the gorge and over the dramatic cliffs of the southwest coast. Once you reach the bottom, there is only one bus option to return to Funchal: Line 142, which departs Monday to Friday at 2:15 PM. Alternatively, taxi company contact numbers are listed in the travel guide Madeira by Bus.
History
The name of this parish traces back to a small chapel dedicated to „Our Lady of Prazeres.“ Initially part of the parish of Estreito da Calheta, Prazeres became independent on December 28, 1676.
Quinta Pedagógica dos Prazeres
Prazeres actively promotes the conservation of the local wildlife and rural environment. The Quinta Pedagógica is part of a project that cultivates native plant species to restore the region’s natural balance. Visitors can learn more about Madeira’s flora and fauna here.
This church-owned estate features a small but impressive zoo, a fascinating herb garden, and a well-known tea house. Children, in particular, will enjoy seeing llamas, donkeys, goats, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, peacocks, and ostriches up close.
At the tea house, you can sample locally grown teas and jams, as well as award-winning liqueurs. The large apple press outside the church is used to produce the region’s tart and refreshing cider, which you can enjoy warm on cooler days at the tea house, spiced with a cinnamon stick to evoke the flavors of a winter market mulled wine.
Agriculture
In its early days, Prazeres was a vital hub for agricultural self-sufficiency. The village’s isolation fostered ingenuity among its residents, who worked hard to secure their livelihoods—a tradition that endures today in the area’s agricultural practices.
Across from the church, at the corner of Caminho Lombo da Rocha, stand the ruins of an old butter factory, a testament to the village’s self-sustaining past. Unlike today, when dairy products are imported in high quality from the Azores, the village once maintained many more dairy cows to meet local needs.
Prazeres’ relatively flat terrain and frequent mists make it ideal for farming, particularly fruits and vegetables. Local farmers sell their produce every Sunday at the Mercado Abastecedor dos Prazeres / Mercado dos Agricultores, a market hall at the southeastern end of the village.
Gastronomy and Culinary Delights
The local cuisine is another highlight, and Prazeres boasts numerous restaurants serving perfectly prepared traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
In addition to cider and jams, Prazeres is famous for its espetada (meat skewers), often featured at village events. The meat is traditionally grilled on laurel branches, giving it a unique flavor.
Village Church
The village church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Neves („Our Lady of the Snow“), was built in the 18th century and is a significant landmark. Its unexpectedly beautiful interior offers a tranquil space for quiet reflection.
Every year during the first weekend of August, the parish holds a grand festival in honor of its patron saint. Here, you can prepare your own espetada! Buy meat at one of the many stands and skewer it on a laurel branch. Then season it with salt and garlic, and grill it on communal barbecue pits. This lively and social tradition is a great way to connect with the locals.
Culture in the Village
In March, the unique Scarecrow Exhibition returns to Prazeres. (The exact date will be added to the events calendar on www.madeira-bus.com/westen once it’s announced.)
The exhibition highlights how farmers historically used scarecrows to protect their crops from birds.
Creative scarecrows can be found all over the village—along roadsides, in gardens, and particularly in the garden of the Quinta Pedagógica, where they compete in a contest on the opening day. Local artisans, artists, and youth groups pour enormous creativity into crafting these one-of-a-kind figures. Fortunately, the scarecrows remain on display throughout the year.
Conclusion
The name „Prazeres“ is often associated with the village’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Indeed, many visitors report experiencing a profound sense of peace and contentment here.
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