Cristo Rei Viewpoint, Machico (Madeira)
Beach, Cable Car and Viewing Point near Machico (Madeira)
Ponta do Garajau is one of the top attractions in Madeira if you want big Atlantic views without committing to a full-day hike. Just east of Funchal, this headland combines a clifftop Cristo Rei statue, a dramatic viewpoint reached by stairs, a cable car plunging down to a pebble beach, and a protected marine reserve known for clear water and abundant sea life. It's the kind of place where you can start with sweeping panoramas, then be swimming or snorkelling in calm water just a few minutes later.
What makes Garajau so appealing is the variety packed into a relatively small area. You can wander up to the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, ride the Teleférico do Garajau down the cliff, relax at the beach bar, and then slip into the water for snorkelling, SUP, or a guided dive. It's often visited on tours of Funchal and the surrounding coast, but it also works perfectly as a half-day DIY trip by car or bus, especially if you're staying nearby in Caniço.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Things to See and Do in Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- How to Get to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Practical Tips on Visiting Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Where to Stay close to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Is Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Nearby Attractions to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
History and Significance of Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
The Cristo Rei Viewpoint takes its name from the imposing Sacred Heart of Jesus statue that stands at the edge of the cliffs, arms outstretched towards the Atlantic. Commissioned by Aires de Ornelas, the son of Caniço's last majorat, the statue was inaugurated on 30 October 1927, decades before the more famous Christ monuments in other parts of the world. Perched above a steep ravine, it has become a landmark for both locals and visitors, symbolising protection and blessing over the sea and the communities along this coast.
Over time, the viewpoint has grown into a small pilgrimage and contemplation site as well as a scenic stop. The staircase and paths around the statue encourage you to slow down and take in the shifting perspectives over the cliffs and ocean. On clear days you can see the coastline curve towards Funchal and, in the opposite direction, the rugged outline of Madeira's eastern headlands, making this one of the best places to see in Madeira if you're trying to understand its geography in a single glance.
Below the cliffs, the Garajau coastline became increasingly valued not just for its beauty but for its underwater environment. In 1986, the area was declared the Garajau Nature Reserve, Madeira’s pioneering underwater conservation zone. That decision helped protect habitats for species like dusky grouper and visiting manta rays, and gradually turned the bay into a reference point for sustainable snorkelling and diving on the island.
Things to See and Do in Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
The classic starting point is the Cristo Rei Viewpoint itself. A staircase and ramps lead you from the parking area down towards the white statue, with viewpoints along the way that frame the figure against cliffs and sky. Standing beside the statue, you get a feeling of exposure and freedom as the headland drops away beneath you and the Atlantic stretches out to the horizon. It's a great spot for photos, but also for simply leaning on the rail and watching the light change on the water.
Just a short walk away, the Teleférico do Garajau cable car offers a quick and scenic descent to the beach. The ride drops about 200 metres in just a few minutes, gliding over the rocky ravine and opening up new angles on the headland and marine reserve below. For many visitors, the cable car is an experience in itself: an easy way to feel the drama of Madeira’s cliffs without having to hike them.
At the bottom, Garajau Beach is a pebble shoreline backed by high rock walls and lapped by usually calm, clear water. Here you’ll find a beach bar/restaurant for drinks and simple meals, as well as a SUP area and a diving centre that runs trips into the Garajau Marine Reserve. With no fishing allowed and only small boats permitted, marine life is relaxed and abundant, and it’s not unusual for fish to approach snorkellers and divers. On the right day, seeing manta rays glide past or dusky groupers emerge from the rocks is a reminder of how rich this protected underwater world can be.
How to Get to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
Most visitors reach Ponta do Garajau after flying into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, which sits between Santa Cruz and Funchal and is the main gateway to the island. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Machico (Madeira) on Booking.com.
From Funchal, getting to Ponta do Garajau by car is straightforward: follow the coastal road or expressway east towards Caniço, then take the signed exits for Garajau and Cristo Rei. The drive usually takes around 15-20 minutes, and there is parking near the viewpoint and cable car. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Public buses also link Funchal with Caniço and Garajau, making it possible to visit without a car; services are less frequent than in a big city, so it's wise to check current timetables and allow some flexibility in your schedule.
There are no trains on Madeira, so all travel to Ponta do Garajau is by road, whether by rental car, taxi, local bus, or organised excursion. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Many visitors choose to include Garajau as part of a guided east-coast or Funchal-area tour, which often combines the viewpoint and beach with other nearby highlights, and takes care of all transport and timing.
Practical Tips on Visiting Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Suggested tips: Combine a visit to the clifftop Cristo Rei Viewpoint with a cable car ride and a swim or snorkel at Garajau Beach for a well-rounded half-day coastal outing.
- Best time to visit: Late morning to mid-afternoon usually offers the best light and conditions for the beach, while early evening can be beautiful at the viewpoint for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Entrance fee: The viewpoint is free to visit; the cable car round-trip is typically around €3.00 per person.
- Opening hours: The cable car normally runs Monday–Friday 10:00–18:00, and Saturday–Sunday 10:00–17:00; the viewpoint and beach area are open in daylight hours.
- Official website: https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/east-coast/santa-cruz/cristo-rei-viewpoint/
- How long to spend: Allow 2-4 hours to enjoy the viewpoints, cable car, beach, and perhaps a short snorkel or SUP session; divers may want to spend longer.
- Accessibility: The viewpoint area is partly accessible but includes slopes and stairs; the beach is reached via cable car and a short walk over pebbles, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Facilities: At the top you’ll find parking and basic services; at the beach there is usually a bar/restaurant, toilets, and water sports providers during the main season.
- Photography tip: Capture the statue in silhouette against the ocean from below on the path, and use the cable car ride to shoot vertical views of cliffs and water; a polarising filter or phone equivalent helps cut glare on the sea.
- Guided tours: Consider a snorkelling or diving excursion with local operators to get the most out of the marine reserve, or a half-day coastal tour that includes transport, viewpoints, and beach time.
- Nearby food options: Besides the beach bar, there are cafés and restaurants in Garajau and Caniço where you can enjoy a meal with sea views before or after your visit.
Where to Stay close to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
If you want easy access to Ponta do Garajau, staying in Garajau or nearby Caniço makes a lot of sense. A classic clifftop choice is Sentido Galosol, which offers sea views, direct ocean access, and quick road links to the Cristo Rei Viewpoint. For a slightly more intimate feel, Hotel Vila Ventura sits in a quiet residential pocket within a short drive or bus ride of Garajau. If you prefer to base yourself in Funchal but still want easy access to the east coast, Four Views Monumental gives you a comfortable city base with straightforward driving or bus routes out to Ponta do Garajau.
Is Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint Worth Visiting?
Ponta do Garajau and the Cristo Rei Viewpoint are definitely worth visiting, especially if you're looking for a coastal spot that combines views, history, and easy access to the sea. The clifftop statue and ravine-side viewpoint give you a dramatic sense of Madeira's rugged shoreline, while the cable car and beach make it simple to get right down to the water without a strenuous hike. It's an ideal half-day outing from Funchal or Caniço, and a refreshing change of pace from busy city streets or long levada walks.
The Garajau Nature Reserve adds another layer of appeal, turning a simple beach stop into an encounter with thriving marine life in a protected setting. Whether you’re floating above fish with a snorkel, watching manta rays and groupers while diving, or just enjoying a drink by the water, you’re directly benefiting from decades of conservation work. For many visitors, this mix of scenic drama, easy logistics, and underwater richness makes Garajau one of the must-see places in Madeira’s south coast region.
What Other Travellers Say...
Cristo Rei in Caniço perches on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Atlantic, offering sweeping ocean views, a clifftop walkway and a cable car/funicular down to the beach; visitors praise the vistas, affordable tickets and souvenir shop, recommend walking around the grounds for different perspectives, and note occasional maintenance work on the statue and sightings of wildlife such as the Mediterranean monk seal.
FAQs for Visiting Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
Nearby Attractions to Ponta do Garajau & Cristo Rei Viewpoint
- Reis Magos Beach - A small seaside spot in Caniço with clear water, a promenade, and easy swimming access.
- Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) - The island's historic heart, packed with restaurants, painted doors, and harbour views, just a short drive or bus ride away.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden - A lush hillside garden above Funchal with exotic plants, art, and sweeping views over the bay.
- Machico - One of Madeira's oldest towns, with a sandy beach, promenade, and historic churches, ideal for combining with an east-coast drive.
- Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) - The wild eastern peninsula hiking trail offering windswept cliffs and Atlantic vistas, perfect if you want a more demanding coastal adventure after Garajau.
The Cristo Rei Viewpoint appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Machico (Madeira)!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
The cable car normally runs Monday-Friday 10:00-18:00, and Saturday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; the viewpoint and beach area are open in daylight hours.
The viewpoint is free to visit; the cable car round-trip is typically around €3.00 per person.
Nearby Attractions
- Palheiro Gardens (3.2) km
Gardens - Fortress of São Tiago (4.6) km
Castle - Capela do Corpo Santo (4.7) km
Church - Madeira Botanical Gardens (4.9) km
Gardens - Madeira Story Centre (5.0) km
Museum - Funchal Electricity Museum (5.1) km
Museum - Mercado dos Lavradores (5.1) km
Market - Funchal Customs House (5.3) km
Historic Building - Largo dos Varadouros (5.4) km
City Gate - A Cidade do Açúcar Museum (5.4) km
Museum
