Ponta do Garajau, on Madeira’s south coast, has a lot to offer! Dominated by the imposing statue of Cristo Rei, you’ll discover a majestic staircase that seems to plunge into the ocean. You can also take one of Madeira’s famous cable cars to one of the island’s most beautiful beaches!
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 Ponta do Garajau
Is Ponta do Garajau worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely! Here are the reasons why we think you should visit Ponta do Garajau:
- Cristo Rei Statue: this impressive statue, very popular in Madeira, is reminiscent of Brazil’s Corcovado. It majestically overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
- Panoramic views: an impressive staircase leads up to Pointe de Garajau. It offers magnificent views of the cliffs, the ocean, the Bay of Funchal and the Desertas Islands.
- The Cristo Rei cable car, also known as the Teleférico do Garajau, takes you down the cliff to one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches. A unique experience!
- Garajau Beach, with its tranquil, clear waters, is ideal for swimming and relaxing. Accessible only by one of Madeira’s cable cars, it is part of the Garajau Nature Reserve, renowned for its rich marine fauna. It’s an excellent spot for scuba diving.
Ponta do Garajau is one of Madeira’s most beautiful spots!
Our favorite moments
- Discover the Cristo Rei Statue and its history
- Admire the breathtaking views of the ocean and Madeira’s cliffs from the grand staircase leading up to the Pointe de Garajau.
- Cable car ride to the magnificent Garajau Beach
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How to get to Praia do Garajau: access and map
Where is Ponta do Garajau?
- In the town of Caniço, in the south-east of the island
- Driving time from Funchal: 15min
- Driving time from Machico: 30min
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 reach Pointe de Garajau is by car. If you arrive via the magnificent ER101 panoramic road that circles the island, follow the signs for Caniçal. The road to Cap de Garajau is easy.
Buses no. 109, 136, 155 and 157 stop about 1km from Ponta do Garajau. If you can walk, it’s possible to reach the site. View timetables and plan your route here.
Parking
At the end of the road, you’ll find a free, well-equipped parking lot. It’s spacious, so you should have no trouble parking.
BLOCK Where to sleep city nearby if applicable or region
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
The cable car fare is €3 for a round trip.
Opening hours are as follows: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm in winter and until 8pm in summer.
We recommend you make the trip on a clear day with no wind. In this way, you can fully admire the scenery and avoid the turbulence that can be caused by the breeze. But you don’t have to! You’ll enjoy the crossing and won’t risk anything if conditions aren’t perfect.
Length of visit and main difficulties
We recommend that you allow between 1 and 2 hours for:
- see the statue of Cristo Rei
- up and down the grand staircase
- take the cable car there and back (journey time approx. 5min)
- admire Garajau Beach
If you want to spend some time on the beach, you’ll need to allow extra time!
Among the difficulties are the many steps on the staircase. Also, the cable car can be tricky to ride for those prone to vertigo. Even if it’s safe! People with walking difficulties can therefore enjoy the Cristo Rei Statue and the surrounding views. Then take the cable car and enjoy the beach.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
We saw toilets in the parking lot and on the beach. There are also changing rooms at the beach.
If you’re feeling hungry, there are several restaurants on the outskirts of Ponta do Garajau: one at the top of the cliff called O Mero and 2 near the beach. We had a meal in one of the 2 restaurants downstairs and really enjoyed the food, the sea view and the peaceful atmosphere.
Otherwise, you’re just a stone’s throw from Funchal, which is home to some very fine restaurants! Discover our favorites in our article dedicated to the best restaurants in Funchal.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Discovering the Statue of Cristo Rei
When you arrive at the Ponta do Garajau cableway, you won’t want to miss the huge statue of Cristo Rei. Located not far from the parking lot, at the end of a paved walkway, this stone figure overlooks the ocean. He seems to be watching him. We learned that this statue is extremely famous on the island.
As you look at it, you may find yourself asking the same questions we did: who is Cristo Rei and what is he doing here?
Our research revealed that “Cristo Rei” means “Christ the King” in Portuguese. Built in 1927 (yes, before Brazil’s Corcovado!), this imposing Art-Deco sculpture is 14m high. We were astonished to learn that it was French artists (Georges Serraz and Pierre Charles Lenoir) who erected it. As for the reason for its presence, we’ve found 2 versions of the story:
- one says that Cristo Rei honors the memory of the non-Catholic Christians whose bodies were thrown from the Ponta do Garajau. Until 1770, only Catholics were allowed to be buried in Madeira.
- the other simply says that this statue is here to welcome visitors with open arms.
Choose the story that inspires you most!
Descent of the grand staircase with its impressive views
Once you’ve made Cristo Rei’s acquaintance, take note of the majestic staircase that seems to jut out into the ocean! We counted over 200 steps up to the volcanic dyke. Now a tourist attraction, it was once a whale-watching spot. They were hunted for their fat. Even if you’re not a whale hunter, you can take advantage of the breathtaking ocean views to get out your binoculars and try to spot some cetaceans.
Otherwise, you can simply enjoy the scenery. We enjoyed observing the cliffs, where the black of the volcanic rock blends with the green of the island’s lush vegetation. All suspended above the sparkling blue of the ocean. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see the Desertas Islands in the distance.
On the other side, you can see Garajau Beach and, in the background, Funchal, the island’s capital. Now it’s time to climb back up the stairs…
Would you like to see Madeira’s dolphins and whales? Book your catamaran excursion to observe and swim with them. See prices and availability
Cristo Rei cable car ride
If the view of the beach has awakened your desire for a swim, we recommend you take the Cristo Rei cable car (also known as the Garajau cable car) to get there.
In our opinion, taking one of Madeira’s cable cars is the best way to get down to the cliffs. This one, installed in 2007, will drop you about 200m below.
We enjoyed the smooth ride, which once again allowed us to admire the sumptuous surrounding scenery. Notice the colors on the cliffs and the different strata that can be distinguished. They bear witness to the island’s geological history. We also liked the road that winds along the mountain to the beach.
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Arrival at Praia do Garajau
Garajau Beach is one of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches! It’s surrounded by volcanic cliffs, adorned with small pebbles shaped by the ocean, and its water is beautiful and transparent. We found it extremely pleasant. Please note that the beach is supervised in summer and has toilets.
It’s also the perfect place for snorkeling enthusiasts! Indeed, we learned that Garajau beach is bordered by the Garajau nature reserve. A marine reserve created in 1986 with a depth of 20m! It is home to a wide variety of marine species, including eels and large fish such as grouper.
Explore Garajau’s underwater marine reserve on a kayak excursion that includes snorkeling! – Find out more and book.
Other nearby attractions
You can combine your visit to Ponta do Garajau with these nearby attractions:
- Observe Cap de Garajau from the sea in a kayak or catamaran
- Visit Funchal, Madeira’s capital (20min 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. - Go to Machico (30 min drive) to enjoy its beautiful golden sandy beach, take a tour of the town and visit the miradouros.
- Visit the village of Caniçal (30 min drive), home to one of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes.
- Discover Ribeira Brava and its relaxed atmosphere (35min drive).
Frequently asked questions
What does “Ponta do Garajau” mean?
We learned that “Garajau” means “sea birds” in the Madeiran dialect. “Ponta” means “point” or “cape” in Portuguese, referring to the rocky promontory. Thus, “Ponta do Garajau” can be roughly translated as “Cape of the Seabirds”. This reflects the importance of wildlife in Madeira’s ecosystem and local culture.
Interestingly, this practice of naming places after the local fauna is common in Madeira. Other examples include “Cerrado das Corujas” (owl enclosure) or “Ribeiro dos Milhafres” (goshawk stream).
Can I take the road to Garajau Beach?
No, the road is not accessible to tourists. To reach Garajau Beach, take the Cristo Rei cable car.
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
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
