The Ponta do Garajau Walk, Madeira

The Ponta do Garajau is famous for the statue of Christ that stands there, looking out to sea with outstretched arms.

However, there is also a lovely walk along to the tip of the headland and, if there is a stiff breeze coming off from the ocean, this has to be one of the most exhilarating walks in Madeira.

This headland has also played a major, and somewhat macabre, part in the history of the expatriate community in Madeira.

Formerly known to the British residents as the Brazen Head, it was from this headland on the island that many deceased, non-catholic corpses were consigned to the sea before the British Cemetery was established in the 1770's.

So, if you decide to enjoy the views and take the walk along the headland just spare a thought for some those who went before, undertaking the journey in rather less enjoyable circumstances.

Key Facts

The Ponta do Garajau is perfectly safe to walk.

However, you should be aware that the round trip will involve a sharp descent and climb on the way back.

The entire area has undergone major development work over the last few years and there is a recently installed cable car ride down to the pebble beach.

The walk from the car park to the statue of Christ the Redeemer is fully paved and only involves a slight incline.

On a clear day, from the platform around the base of the statue, you can view a nice stretch of the coast. From Ponta da Cruz, just beyond Funchal port in the west to Ponta da Oliveira in the east.

And, of course, the blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean reach to the horizon .

On to the Headland

Continuing from the statue to the end of the headland involves descending wooden-edged steps and following a short section of dirt track.

Once a scary jaunt, there is now safety fencing all the way along to the tip of the headland.

This part of the walk involves a drop of at least 100 metres in altitude and can be hard-going on the climb back, especially on a hot day.

Part-way down is a concrete bird watchers hide.

Reaching the tip of Ponta do Garajau you find that the viewing point offers vistas that are not vastly different from those that can be seen from higher up.

However, you do get an excellent view of Garajau stone beach from here and can plainly see the lower cable car terminal.

The Views

Funchal Bay

To your west you will be able to see Funchal port and any luxury cruise liners that are in transit.

If the day is particularly clear you may be able to see along the coast all the way to Ponta da Cruz.

 

Garajau Pebble Beach

Closer, will see Garajau pebble beach below you and the steep winding road that descends to it.

If it is during the peak tourist season, you will also likely see the cable car making its way up and down between the car park and the pebble beach.

 

To the East and Ponta da Oliveira

To your east you can see along the coast to Ponta da Oliveira.

This is a popular stretch of the coast for snorkelling and scuba-diving and forms part of the Garajau Marine Nature Reserve.

 

Directions

For road and bus directions to the car park at the start of the headland walk see the Garajau travel information on our Christ statue page.

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