Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliff of Cabo Girao is the highest in Europe. From the top of its 589m, it offers an impressive natural spectacle. This vertiginous promontory invites two unique experiences: the thrill of the Madeira Skywalk with its glass floor, and the descent by cable car to the bottom of the cliff.
Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Cabo Girao?
Are the Cliffs of Cabo Girao worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely! Cape Girao, on Madeira’s south coast, is one of Europe’s most impressive sea cliffs! In fact, it’s one of Madeira’s most beautiful vantage points. This diamond-shaped geological formation rises almost 589m above the Atlantic Ocean. We were captivated by its immensity.
The site’s star attraction is the Madeira Skywalk, a glass platform perched on the edge of the cliff. Although it offers a remarkable view, it’s a very popular spot, and the crowds can sometimes detract from the experience.
A lesser-known but equally interesting alternative is the Rancho cable car. It allows you to descend to the foot of the cliffs and admire the scenery as you go. We enjoyed the special view of the cliff strata, bearing witness to the island’s geological history. From the cabin, you can also see a traditional faja and its terraced vineyards.
Visiting Cabo Girao is one of Madeira’s best activities!
Our favorite moments
We loved discovering this impressive cliff, and here are some of the highlights:
- Discover the view of the ocean, cliffs and faja from the observation point near the top station of the cable car.
- The moment we learned about the history of this faja and its operators.
- Admiring Cabo Girao from the ocean on a dolphin-spotting excursion.
Embark on an eco-friendly catamaran and swim under Cabo Girão – See prices, photos and availability.
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How to get to Cabo Girao: access and map
Where are the cliffs of Cabo Girao?
- West of Funchal, near the charming village of Camara dos Lobos
- Driving time Camara dos Lobos: 10min
- Driving time from Funchal: 25min
- Driving time from Ponta do Sol: 20min
Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
How to get there? Access road
The best way to get to Cabo Girao is by car.
You’ll most likely arrive via the magnificent ER101 panoramic road that circles the island. Follow the signs for Camara dos Lobos. This will take you on the road to Estr. Padre António Dinis Henrique which winds gently up to Cabo Girao. The Skywalk is clearly signposted – you can’t miss it!
Parking
Parking is available near the Cabo Girao Skywalk and further down, at the Rancho cable car. However, there aren’t many places, so we recommend arriving early, especially if you want to visit the glass platform. It’s quickly taken over – and so is the parking lot – by the many visitors who flock there.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Madeira Skywalk:
- Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7 p.m. in winter)
- Price: most of the time, access is free, but there is a barrier system that can occasionally incur a charge (some visitors have had to pay 50cts).
Rancho cable car:
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 7:30pm and Sunday 9am to 7:30pm.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the station is closed between 12.30pm and 2pm, and may also be closed occasionally for maintenance. - Price: €2.50 each way and €5 return.
We recommend that you visit on a sunny, windless day. You’ll be able to admire the landscape to the full. You’ll also avoid the turbulence that can be caused by the breeze in the cable car. But you don’t have to! You’ll enjoy the crossing and won’t risk anything if conditions aren’t perfect. Check the weather forecast before coming here.
Length of visit and main difficulties
We recommend that you allow between 1 and 2 hours for:
- watch the scenery and get chills from the glass platform – Skywalk (20min)
- take the cable car there and back (the round trip takes about 6 minutes)
- stroll down the cliff and admire the ocean, examine the layers of rock testifying to the island’s volcanic history, walk along the path.
There are no particular difficulties to be expected, unless you suffer from vertigo. Indeed, standing on the transparent platform above the void or in the cableway suspended along the cliff face can be complicated for some people. However, we want to reassure you that, in both cases, you have nothing to fear!
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the cliff, the path is well-maintained and presents no difficulties.
Advice on how to visit
There’s no set direction for your visit, but here are a few tips:
- If you want to visit the Madeira Skywalk, arrive early, as soon as it opens. This way, you can avoid the crowds.
- If you’d like to discover Cabo Girao in a more authentic way, then head straight for the Cabo Girao cable car.
- If you’d like to visit both attractions, we recommend you visit the Skywalk first, then head for the cable car.
To help you find your way around, here’s a map of the area around the suspended promontory:
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
At the Skywalk and gondola level, you’ll find toilets (for a fee), souvenir stores and a restaurant.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Cabo Girao Skywalk: panoramic glass platform
Cabo Girao is partly famous for the Madeira Skywalk. This glass platform suspended 580m above the Atlantic Ocean was opened in 2012. It is very popular in the region and attracts many visitors.
We discovered a beautiful view of Madeira’s coastline and the Fajas de Cabo Girao below.. Did you know? It’s one of the highest vantage points in Europe! However, we’d like to point out that despite our sensitivity to vertigo, we weren’t scared on the transparent promontory. Although this is a very popular attraction, it wasn’t here that we enjoyed the best views of our stay on the Isle of Flowers. We think this place is interesting, but not a must-see.
Cabo Girao cable car
Whether or not you’ve visited the Skywalk, we strongly recommend you take the cable car down. From the cabin, you can enjoy magnificent views, far from the crowds gathered on the transparent platform! In our opinion, this is the most authentic way to visit this part of the island.
Located 4km downstream from the glass promontory, the Teleferico do Rancho (also known as the Cabo Girao cable car) takes you gently down the cliff to the ocean.
Before taking it, take the time to climb to the top of the nearby lookout point for your first glimpse of the landscape.
We loved the bright red cabins on the cable car! It’s one of the Flower Island’s many cable cars, but we don’t think it’s the most impressive…
Breathtaking views of the cliffs and Atlantic Ocean
During the 3-minute descent, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding scenery. We enjoyed watching the basalt coastline from the cabin. Culminating at a height of 580m, Cap Girão is one of the highest cliffs in Europe! Note the layers that have formed over the years.
Depending on the weather, sea spray and clouds add to the spectacle. This type of landscape, with its raw, untamed beauty, stayed with us throughout our trip to the island.
From the ropeway, the wall gives the impression of plunging almost vertically into the sea. A grandiose spectacle, with the ocean as far as the eye can see. In fact, we suggest you keep your eyes peeled! Madeira’s coastline is home to many cetaceans, and you might just catch a glimpse of one! If you’re interested, check out our article on whale watching in Madeira.
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Faja de Cabo Girao and stroll along the waterfront
On the way down, we enjoyed the view of the Faja de Cabo Girao and its terraced vineyards. Faja is the name given to the farmland forming a narrow strip of cultivable land at the foot of the cliffs.. The cable car is a good vantage point from which to appreciate the ingenuity of the local people who have managed to cultivate this fertile land under sometimes complicated conditions. Indeed, we learned that before the cable car was built in 2003, the plantations were only accessible by boat! And when the weather didn’t allow it, farmers were forced to climb a 1,100-step path carrying their equipment on their backs.
There are numerous fajas all over the island, such as Achadas da Cruz.
Once we reached the bottom, we enjoyed the walk along the pretty oceanfront path. You’ll also find pebble beaches. Take a moment to look up at the cable car. See how steep the descent looks from this vantage point!
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Cabo Girao with these nearby attractions:
- Observe the Cliffs of Cabo Girao from the sea on one of Madeira’s best boat trips, including a swim with dolphins. Find out more and book.
- Flan to Camara de Lobos, a charming fishing village nestled in a picturesque bay (10min drive).
- Visit Funchal, capital of Madeira (25min drive).
We loved its rich heritage, lush green landscapes and traditional cuisine, making it an ideal place to get away from it all. You’ll be charmed by the legendary hospitality of the locals in this city full of surprises and contrasts. - Discover Ribeira Brava and its relaxed atmosphere (20 min drive).
- Stroll through banana fields to discover one of Madeira’s famous levedas, at Madalena do Mar (30 min. drive).
Frequently asked questions
What does “Cabo Girao” mean?
According to legend, the origin of the name “Cabo Girão” dates back to the first exploration of the Madeira coast by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1420. In his logbook, the explorer is said to have described an impressive dark promontory that he associated with the abode of demons and malevolent spirits. We’ve learned that this mysterious, eerie description gave rise to the name “Girão”. This word could be interpreted as meaning “Big Bend” or “Big Turn” in reference to the distinctive shape of this imposing cape.
We believe this interpretation adds a fascinating historical and folkloric dimension to a place already remarkable for its geography. It illustrates how early explorers perceived and named the places they discovered, often mixing real observations with the superstitious beliefs of the time.
Why are there so many cable cars in Madeira?
There are so many cable cars in Madeira, mainly because of the steep, mountainous topography of this volcanic island. They enable:
- To help local people gain access to fajas, arable land at the foot of inaccessible cliffs .
- To link isolated areas that are difficult to access by road because of the rugged terrain.
- To promote the spectacular volcanic landscapes to tourists.
Their use is also rooted in the traditions and way of life of Madeira’s inhabitants. Although they were built to enable farmers to reach their land more easily, today they are mainly used for tourism. Discover our article dedicated to Madeira’s cable cars.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
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