When planning a visit to Madeira Island, include the Garajau Cable Car in your itinerary!
It’s a super fun experience, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the island! Discover more about the island in Things To Do On Madeira. Learn more about the capital city in Things To Do In Funchal.
- Coordinates: 32.638685, -16.853248
How to Get There?
If you have a rental vehicle, follow the expressway and take the exit for Caniço/Garajau. Then, the signs for Cristo Rei.
There is free parking available next to the cable car.
Map
Capacity
Each cabin can accommodate up to a dozen people. The cable car is a relatively new addition, constructed in 2007.
Experience
At first, we thought that descending to the beach via the steep road was an amateur move. However, a sudden sense of vertigo overtook us.
We felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath us, and our legs had become weak and unsteady.
Thankfully, safety is a top priority. The cable car undergoes rigorous maintenance procedures to ensure everything is in good condition and up to safety standards.
In less than five minutes, we reached the other end of the Garajau Cable Car line, and the view was breathtaking! We could see the entire southern coast of the island and the Christ the King monument in Garajau.
Although we must admit, the Garajau Christ was built earlier than the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. However, we must be fair and say that it is impossible to compare the two monuments, given the vast difference in size.
Aside from the adrenaline rush, the cable car also plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution emissions.
Price
The round-trip fare for the cable car is only 3 euros.
Opening Hours
The cable car operates on weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.
Ponta do Garajau Beach
This is a beach that makes you want to dive right in! Crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life await you!
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
If you feel like taking a break from sunbathing, head to the bar for a refreshing, ice-cold drink.
And there’s nothing quite like walking barefoot on a pebble beach. Each step is a new challenge… And for the more adventurous, there’s always the diving school.
Here, you can explore the sea depths and experience the thrill of seeing lost treasures and species.
The beach is part of the Garajau Natural Reserve, Portugal’s first marine reserve (created in 1986).
Things to do nearby
The Garajau Christ is the local star and stands atop a promontory in an enviable position for a privileged view of the sea and the Deserted Islands.
For those who want to feel like underwater paparazzi, there’s nothing better than renting equipment and diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Garajau Natural Reserve.
The Pináculo Viewpoint, located on the road between Funchal and Caniço, offers a stunning view of Funchal bay and the surrounding mountains.
We don’t need to travel to the Amazon to find exotic plants and relax. Enjoy the botanical garden at the Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden!
At the Lido Galomar Complex, in addition to swimming in the pool, you can enjoy a cocktail at the bar and sunbathe on the loungers while listening to the sound of the sea waves.
The Reis Magos Beach is a hidden gem on the pebbled coast of Madeira’s east side. With cemented spaces that invite relaxation and contemplation, the calm sea blends seamlessly with the sky’s tone.
Where to stay?
If you want to stay nearby, there are several accommodation options. You can opt for comfortable hotels like the Hotel Dom Pedro Garajau or the Hotel Riu Palace Madeira, or cosy apartments like the Reis Magos Apartment. All are just a few minutes’ drives from Garajau Beach.
Where to eat?
In addition to the Cristo Bar on the beach, you must try Madeira’s typical cuisine in the surrounding area, such as espetada on a laurel stick, bolo do caco or black scabbardfish.
And for that, there’s no better place than the A Lareira Portuguesa restaurant, which promises to seduce your taste buds with authentic Madeiran flavours.
