At 580 meters (1,902 feet) above the Atlantic, Cabo Girão is Europe's highest sea cliff and one of the world's tallest. The free glass-floor skywalk platform offers vertigo-inducing views straight down to the farmland terraces and ocean below. It is one of Madeira's most visited attractions, easily reached by bus from Funchal in about 30 minutes.
How to Get to Cabo Girão by Bus
Cabo Girão is well-connected to Funchal by regular SIGA bus services. Route 154 runs directly to the viewpoint, while Route 7 stops nearby on the main road.
Bus Schedule at a Glance
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Take the morning Route 154 from Funchal (departing around 09:00–10:00). The bus drops you right at the skywalk entrance — allow 45–60 minutes to enjoy the viewpoint, take photos, and visit the café. On your return, consider getting off at Câmara de Lobos (one stop before Funchal on Route 7) to explore Winston Churchill's favorite fishing village and enjoy fresh poncha at a waterfront bar. The round trip including Câmara de Lobos makes a perfect half-day outing.
What to See at Cabo Girão
The main attraction is the glass skywalk platform (Miradouro do Cabo Girão) — completely free to visit. On clear days, the views stretch along the entire south coast from Funchal to Ponta do Sol. Look straight down to see the fajãs (coastal plateaus) 580 meters below, where local farmers still cultivate grapes and vegetables accessed only by cable car.
A small chapel and café are located next to the viewpoint. The surrounding area offers walking paths along the clifftop with additional viewpoints. A wine production center nearby occasionally offers tastings of the local Madeira wine produced from grapes grown on the fajãs below.
Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit
Early morning for the clearest views and fewest visitors. Late afternoon provides beautiful golden light for photographs. Avoid midday when cruise ship tour groups arrive. The skywalk is spectacular year-round, though clouds can sometimes obscure the view in winter.