Cabo Girao

Cape Girão in Madeira is one of the most famous spots, and for good reason: it is one of the highest cliffs in Europe, at 580 metres high. Getting there will give you an impressive panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the southern shores of the island, as well as Câmara de Lobos and Funchal! At the foot of the lookout, and halfway up, you will discover terraced crops.

In Portuguese, the lookout is called Cabo Girão, and tourists don't miss this Madeira landmark, many taking a short stopover tour to get there, making it one of the most popular places on the island. Another argument: access to the site is free and has been arranged to take advantage of the incredible view offered by this promontory: it is possible to climb onto a platform with a glass floor to see the void at one's feet, 580 metres high, that's something! Provided, of course, that you are not subject to vertigo, the glass platform is still impressive! Built in 2012, it will allow you to enjoy the panoramic view in complete safety.

How to get to Cabo Girão?

The site is located just 20 minutes from the city of Funchal. If you have opted for a multi-stop day trip, it is best to park at the car park at the top of the cliff. You can also take the cable car to the Fajãs do Cabo Girão located at the foot of the cliff, in the village of Câmara de Lobos, where there is also a car park. Beware, the massive influence of tourists can cause a bit of a wait to take the cable car. It is also possible to get there on foot via different paths.

Unquestionably impressive, but a must do? It is true that the place is touristy, arranged and secured thanks to its glass platform (access is free) so it would be a shame to miss it. Perhaps stopping at the car park at the top of the cliff is the easiest way to quickly enjoy the view.

And what to do near Cape Girão?

It would be a shame not to take advantage of the proximity to Câmara de Lobos to visit this fishing village. It is a really charming village, ideal for taking some pictures in its small marina, with its many colourful boats and fish drying here and there, and a special atmosphere with many Madeirans playing cards here and there. It is also possible to go to fajã dos padres, a small heavenly spot at the foot of the cliff accessible only by cable car or by boat, to enjoy the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.

You can also go deeper into the island, with the village of Curral Das Freiras a little further north, one of the few freguesia not located on the coast of Madeira Island, and which will offer panoramas just as impressive as Cabo Girão.

Finally, you can discover the whole southern part of the island by the expressway.