Madeira.Vacations

Cristo Rei, Garajau

An open-armed Christ statue on the headland east of Funchal, from 1927.

Christ the King statue standing on a headland above the sea at Garajau
Photo: Ввласенко · CC BY-SA 3.0

Older than the Rio statue it resembles, the Cristo Rei at Garajau stands on a cliff above a marine reserve with a clear view back over Funchal's bay. A cable car drops from beside it to the pebble beach below.

The headland

The statue sits in a small park with benches and parking, ten minutes east of Funchal. The view runs from Cabo Girão in the west to Ponta de São Lourenço in the east on a clear day.

Below it, the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve is the island's best-known shore-diving and snorkelling site, with resident groupers used to people.

Local tips

  • — Take snorkel gear — the reserve is worth the trip on its own.
  • — The walk down to the beach is steep and hot; the cable car is worth the small fare.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Dolphins swimming beside a small boat in the Atlantic off Madeira
    2.5 hours Calheta Marina

    Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour

    A marine-biologist-led catamaran trip into the deep Atlantic, where pilot whales and three dolphin species are resident year round. Rated 4.9 from over 1,200 reviews.

    from €74

    Check availability
  • Funchal waterfront and old town at golden hour
    2 hours Funchal

    Funchal Old Town & Monte Toboggan Tour

    A private tuk-tuk through the painted doors of the Zona Velha, up to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down.

    from €80

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  • West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups in Madeira
    7 hours Porto Moniz 4.9(372)

    West Tour-Fanal Forest & Porto Moniz Natural Pools Small Groups

    Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in.

    from €35

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  • Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
    3 hours Funchal Marina

    Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

    from €40

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  • Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco in Madeira
    8 hours Porto Moniz 4.8(744)

    Madeira West Porto Moniz pools - Enchanted Terraces Fanal Unesco

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we showcase the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's northwest coast.

    from €69

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  • Madeira West Coast: Old West Road Private Vintage Sidecar Tour in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(232)

    Madeira West Coast: Old West Road Private Vintage Sidecar Tour

    Indulge in a private 3-hour coastal and hillside adventure in Madeira aboard a classic sidecar motorcycle. Explore historic roads and visit some of Madeira’s most breathtaking viewpoints, including Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos.

    from €165

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Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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