Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve is located in Santana and was the last park to be created in 1997.
Rocha do Navio means “Ship Rock” and it is one of four major natural reserves on Madeira. Its aim is to preserve the marine fauna specifically and nature at large, the perfect place to view many bird species.
The name Rocha do Navio comes from the Dutch shipwreck that occurred there in the 19th century. And the second reason is that the little island resembles the front of a ship.
Access to the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve can be by cable car that on a very lucky day, you could even see a monk seal on the beach or a school of dolphins splashing in the ocean during the descend.
And you can also go down through a trail.
The trail begins right next to the cable car station and leads you down a series of stairs and switchbacks.