Cristo Rei Viewpoint - Madeira Island

Ponta do Garajau is a headland located on the South Coast of the island of Madeira, about 8 km from the capital of Madeira and above the natural reserve of Garajau, in Canico - Santa Cruz.

This viewpoint is located next to the statue of Cristo Rei. It provides us with a fabulous panoramic view over Funchal, the ilhas Desertas (uninhabited islands) and the beaches of Reis Magos and Galo. Near the monument, there is a descending path whose route is traditionally believed to be a good energy booster. It culminates into a towering cliff overlooking the beach, where you can observe various seabirds.

The statue of Cristo Rei was inaugurated in 1927, it has many similarities to the monument of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. In the upper part, there used to be a lookout post for locating whales and sperm whales. At its base, on the site designated Calhau (pebble beach of) do Garajau, there was even a whaling station.

The Ponta is currently connected to the beach of Garajau, in the nature reserve of the same name, which lies in a small existing plot of land at its eastern base. To get there, you can go by cable car. Once in the enclosure, you can enjoy the beach or the café and catering services. This place is much sought-after for activities like diving and snorkelling, plus catching sight of several species is guaranteed, among them, the famous Jewfish.