The small promontory of Ponta do Garajau, Madeira lies about 5km east of Funchal. Extending into the Atlantic Ocean, the tip is known for an island icon, the magnificent Cristo Rei statue, named after the unique viewpoint.
However, Garajau Madeira is also home to a quiet pebble beach, nature reserve and a thrilling cable car.
Here’s our guide to visiting all the attractions at Ponta Do Garajau Madeira.
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HOW TO GET TO GARAJAU MADEIRA
The small coastal village of Garajau, close to Caniço, lies in the south-east corner of Madeira.
- From Funchal: via ER101 to Caniço. Journey time is 22 min (10.4 km)
- From Machico: via ER101 to Caniço. Journey time is 24 min (18.5 km)
FACILITIES AT PONTA DO GARAJAU
Aside from free parking, there is a restaurant and toilets to the side of the car park. This is where you access the Garajau cable car, the Cristo Rei statue, and the walk to the promontory.
ATTRACTIONS AT GARAJAU MADEIRA
The beauty of visiting Ponta do Garajau, is that you have numerous sights to see in the same visit.
1. CRISTO REI STATUE (CHRIST THE KING)
The majestic statue of Christ the King of Garajau, with arms outstretched, stands guard over the promontory and is an iconic sight. Completed 4 years before Brazil’s Christ The Redeemer statue, it stands at a height of 15 metres (49 ft) tall including its pedestal.
- Financed by local lawyer Aires de Ornelas and his wife, it was built and consecrated in 1927.
- Designed by the French sculptor Georges Serraz, in an art deco style.
- It stands aloft with arms outstretched, facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Up until 1770, non-Catholic Christians were said to be thrown over the cliffs from this point. That is, until the British cemetery of Funchal was established as a burial place for them.
Today though, the magnificent statue seems to welcome you back from your arduous climb back up from the promontory!
2. CRISTO REI VIEWPOINT AND PROMONTORY
To the left of the statue, a steep narrow path goes down to the tip of the peninsula. The Cristo Rei Viewpoint owes its name to the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus built on this spot.
Today, the viewpoint affords stunning views across the Atlantic, and back up the ravine. To get there you have to descend down over 200 steps, which in the midday heat, is a sweat inducing feat.
However, when you reach the end of the path, which is close to the tip of the promontory, the walk is worth every bead of sweat trickling down your forehead.
- A great bird-watching spot, especially in the early evening, when Cory Shearwaters return from the open sea. Plus, you can sometimes hear Madeiran Storm Petrel returning to its breeding site.
- Take binoculars and see if you can spot any whales.
- Enjoy views of the bay of Funchal, Caniço de Baixo, and the nearby cliffs.
What comes down has to go back up, and on your return trip, you have the welcoming arms of the Cristo Rei statue to accompany you up all those steps.
3. TELEFERICO DE CRISTO REI (GARAJAU CABLE CAR)
Once you have explored the attractions at ground level, it’s time to head down the ravine via the cable car. Like other cable cars in Madeira, it is a necessary mode of transportation for accessing impassable places.
Opened in 2007, the short and quick descend of 200 metres to the pebbled shores of Praia do Garajau beach is smooth and scenic.
Two cars are in operation daily, with one going down and the other coming back up. As you pass the volcanic cliffs, look out for the curving road to your right. You can drive down here, but only to a certain point.
- Adult Return €4.00
- Summer hours are Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm | Winter hours are 10AM to 6PM.
4. PRAIA DO GARAJAU BEACH
Situated in a pretty bay, the pebbled shores of Garajau beach offer a quiet spot for relaxing and enjoying the ocean, mountain, and cliff views.
Part of Garajau Marine Reserve, the water is clear and the beach is monitored during summer by a lifeguard.
You will find toilets, changing rooms, a café, and a popular scuba diving centre.
5. GARAJAU NATURE RESERVE
The six-mile Partial Nature Reserve of Garajau was created in 1986, and is the only exclusive marine reserve in Portugal. With a rocky floor, and a depth of more than 20 metres, visibility is good.
Created to protect the seabed, the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic make it a perfect spot for exploring underwater. The scuba diving centre rents equipment and offers courses which are popular with photographers and wildlife lovers.
Several species can be spotted in the waters, including large Mero, Dusky Grouper, Giant Devil Ray, and Giant Manta Ray.
Be aware that fishing is prohibited in the reserve, which is regularly patrolled by the coast guard.
Check out these two tours:
RENT A CAR FOR YOUR MADEIRA TRIP
Our favourite platform for rental cars is discovercars.com. They compare prices from all the major car rental companies, to make sure you get the best deal for your requirements.
We hope this article has inspired you to include Ponta do Garajau in your Madeira itinerary. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
MORE POSTS ON MADEIRA
We have several interesting articles for you to read and help with your planning:
- Driving in Madeira – a guide for first timers
- Cable Cars in Madeira for a thrilling ride
- Visit Ponta do Garajau Madeira
- Renting a car in Madeira
- Best Towns in madeira
- Madeira Hidden Gems
And click here to find guides to other destinations.
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