Jesus Christ Statue at Garajau, Madeira

Erected in 1927, the Christ statue at Ponta do Garajau is one of Madeira's lesser-known landmarks.

Similar to the larger statues in Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro, the statue of Jesus looks, with outstretched arms, out across the Atlantic where burials at sea were regularly performed in the eighteenth century.

Over the last ten years, extensive development has taken place in the immediate vicinity of the statue.

There is now a cable car nearby that, during the tourist season, takes visitors down to the pebble beach some 200 metres below.

The walk to the edge of the headland has also recently been upgraded and, on a hot summer's day, it provides a lovely picnic spot.

The sunsets viewed from this headland can be spectacular. And, at night, spotlights highlight the statue so that it almost glows against the black expanse of the ocean beyond.

Further development plans currently exist and you can expect the old, disused municipal swimming pool to disappear soon, swept away by a modern complex.

Even if you hold no strong religious beliefs, Ponta do Garajau is well worth a visit, if only for the spectacular coastal views that can be had from the platform at the end of the headland.

Key Facts

If you have a hire car, visiting will not be a problem. There is a free car park with ample spaces about 20 metres from the statue.

Near to the car park is a small café offering refreshments and hot drinks.

The cable car ride down to the pebble beach only takes a few minutes and the return journey is 2 euros (correct as at August 2009).

The pebble beach is popular with bathers during the summer and has newly installed changing facilities. There is also a small beach café.

The walk out along the headland is perfectly safe and there is little chance of vertigo. Part way, there is a somewhat neglected, concrete hide for birdwatchers.

There is limited seating for those wishing to take a picnic.

Please note: Although the Christ statue is free to visit and permanently open, many of the adjoining facilities are only open during the peak season.

Jesus Christ Statue, Garajau
Location	Ponta do Garajau
Café	On site
Pebble Beach	Nearby with Café and changing facilities
Car Park	Free
Cable Car fees	2 Euros round trip
(Details correct at August 2009)

See our Christ statue's Inauguration in 1927 page for a contemporary account.

Christ Statue at Garajau Video

This video introduces you to the statue of Jesus and its immediate vicinity in little more than two minutes. It gives you just a hint of what the Ponta do Garajau has to offer.

Directions

By Road:-

From Funchal, join the Rápida, the motorway that runs parallel to much of the southern coast of Madeira.

You need to join the motorway heading east, towards Caniço and Machico. If you find yourself heading towards Ribeira Brava then you are travelling in the wrong direction.

Leave the motorway at the exit for Garajau. If you reach Caniço, you have gone too far, but you can exit here as well.

Drive pass a small industrial/retail area down into the main street of Garajau. It has the Dom Pedro Hotel running along its length.

Just where the hotel building finishes, the road has a sharp left turn. Do not follow the road round to the left, instead turn into the small street on your right. This will take you down to the Christ statue car park.

By Bus:-

For the Ponta do Garajau, your best option is to catch an Empresa de Automóveis do Caniço bus line numbers 109 or 155. Both these line numbers have varying routes, so check with the driver that the bus goes via Garajau first.

The journey to Garajau takes about 20 minutes and it is easy to know when you have arrived.

Along the entire length of one side of the main street of Garajau is the hotel Dom Pedro. Opposite the hotel are a number of shops and cafés. This is where you need to get off the bus.

Where the Dom Pedro hotel ends you will see a road going down to your right. It is clearly signposted. Walk downhill here and continue on the road, you will soon see the statue of Christ down on your left.