Cabo Girão, Madeira | Exploring Portugal

Cabo Girão is a lofty sea cliff on the southern coast of the island of Madeira, Portugal. The cliff is part of the municipality of Câmara de Lobos. At an elevation of 580 meters, it is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Cabo Girão is a world-famous viewpoint, and it is known for its panoramic views and its thrilling glass skywalk.

The identity of Cabo Girão is defined by its dramatic natural setting and its role as one of Madeira’s premier tourist attractions. The name “Cabo Girão” means “Cape of the Turn,” and it is said to have been named by the island’s discoverer, João Gonçalves Zarco. This was the point where his ship turned back on its first reconnaissance of the coast. Today, the site offers visitors a unique experience, combining natural beauty with the modern thrill of a suspended glass platform high above the ocean.

History of Cabo Girão

The history of the Cabo Girão viewpoint is a modern one, and it is tied to the development of tourism on the island of Madeira in the 20th century. For centuries, the sea cliff was a remote and wild landmark, known primarily to local farmers and fishermen. The construction of a formal viewpoint and, more recently, the addition of the glass skywalk, have transformed this natural wonder into one of the most visited and iconic attractions on the island.

A Historic Landmark

The cape itself has been a significant landmark since the first days of the Portuguese colonization of Madeira in the 15th century. The name “Cabo Girão” or “Cape of the Turn” was given to it by the discoverer João Gonçalves Zarco. This was the point where he turned his ship around during his initial exploration of the southern coast. At the foot of the massive cliff, there are small, terraced plots of land known as “fajãs,” which have been cultivated for centuries. For a long time, these plots were only accessible by boat.

The Modern Viewpoint and Skywalk

The development of the modern viewpoint at Cabo Girão has made this location accessible to everyone. In 2012, a major renovation of the site was completed, which included the installation of the famous glass skywalk. This transparent, U-shaped platform extends out from the edge of the cliff. It offers a thrilling and vertiginous view directly down to the sea 580 meters below. The skywalk has become a major international tourist attraction. It has further cemented Cabo Girão’s status as a must-see destination on the island.

Sights at Cabo Girão

The sight at Cabo Girão is the panoramic view from its clifftop viewpoint. The main attraction is the thrilling glass skywalk, which offers a unique and unforgettable perspective. The viewpoint is the only feature at this specific location. A visit is centered on the experience of standing high above the ocean and admiring the scenery of Madeira’s southern coast.

The Glass Skywalk

The main attraction is the famous Cabo Girão Skywalk. This is a suspended glass platform that extends out from the edge of the massive sea cliff. Walking out onto the transparent floor provides a thrilling and vertiginous experience. You can look directly down 580 meters to the terraced fields and the Atlantic Ocean below. The skywalk offers a unique and exhilarating perspective of the sheer scale and the dramatic beauty of the cliff.

The Panoramic View

From the viewpoint at Cabo Girão, you have spectacular panoramic views of the entire southern coast of Madeira. To the east, you can see the bay of the capital city, Funchal, and the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. The view also takes in the vast, deep blue expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The viewpoint is a particularly popular spot for watching the sunrise, which creates a memorable display of colors.

The Fajãs of Cabo Girão

Looking down from the skywalk, you can see the small, terraced fields at the base of the cliff. These are known as the Fajãs do Cabo Girão. For centuries, these fertile plots of land were cultivated by local farmers, who grew vines and other crops. For a long time, these fajãs were only accessible by boat. Today, a cable car, the Teleférico do Rancho, located a few kilometers away, provides access to this secluded and picturesque coastal area.

How to Get to Cabo Girão?

Cabo Girão is located on the southern coast of the island of Madeira, approximately 15 kilometers west of the capital city, Funchal. The main gateway to the island for all international visitors is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). From the airport and from Funchal, the journey to Cabo Girão is a short and easy drive along the main motorway.

Arriving by Air

The main airport on the island is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). The airport is located on the eastern side of the island. From the airport, the drive to Cabo Girão takes about 25-30 minutes. The easiest way to reach the viewpoint from the airport is to rent a car or to take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer service.

Driving to the Viewpoint

Driving to Cabo Girão is very straightforward. From the capital city of Funchal, you take the main VR1 motorway west in the direction of Ribeira Brava. You then take the exit for Cabo Girão. The viewpoint is well-signposted from the motorway. The journey is very quick, taking only about 15-20 minutes from the center of Funchal.

Using Local Buses

The public bus system on Madeira is operated by several different companies. The company Rodoeste operates several bus routes that run from the capital city of Funchal to the west of the island, and these buses make a stop at Cabo Girão. A very popular and convenient option for tourists is the red City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus, which also has a dedicated route that includes a stop directly at the Cabo Girão viewpoint.