Praia de Garajau

Madeira


At the foot of the cliff atop which stands the Cristo Rei statue, this stony beach was once used for dismembering and boiling up whales caught by boats off Madeira. It's since been turned into a leisure complex with a restaurant and other facilities, reached by cable car near the statue or a very long and zigzagging road.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madeira attractions

1. Cristo Rei

0.09 MILES

The upmarket village of Garajau hangs for dear life on the side of a cliff, 6km as the crow flies from central Funchal. On an often blustery promontory…

2. Miradouro do Pináculo

1.2 MILES

Featuring in many a holiday brochure, the view from this miradouro (lookout) east of Funchal is unique as it looks slightly back at the city from the…

3. Complexo Balnear Lido Galomar

1.27 MILES

Take the lift down from Caniço de Baixo's Hotel Galomar to discover this secluded sun-trapping bathing area with sea access, pools and a first-rate…

4. Jardins do Palheiro

1.74 MILES

Some 500m up in the hills east of Funchal, these much-loved subtropical gardens are a beautiful mix of formal and 'wild' areas with thousands of unusual…

5. Igreja do Socorro

2.73 MILES

This impressive clifftop church at the eastern end of the Zona Velha is a 1750 rebuild – the original was destroyed in the earthquake of 1748. Slightly…

6. Quinta da Boa Vista

2.77 MILES

Founded by a former Honorary British Consul Cecil Garton, this garden is the best place to experience Madeira's exquisite orchids. The orchid houses are a…

7. Fortaleza de Santiago

2.78 MILES

The ochre and dark-pink fortress that caps the Zona Velha seafront was built in the first half of the 17th century, when Funchal was vulnerable to pirate…

8. Camacha Wicker Factory

2.84 MILES

Camacha is the epicentre of Madeira's wicker industry, showcased at the O Relógio (The Clock) building in the centre of the village. The complex has three…