Ponta do Pargo is the westernmost point of Madeira island. Set on a high plateau, it offers some of the most dramatic cliff-top views and the best sunsets on the island. The area is named after the "Pargo" (Red Snapper) fish that is abundant in the nearby waters.
Getting there and back
Which route
Where to board
Boarding reference: Funchal / Estrada Monumental. Select a journey that names Ponta Pargo (Salão); check the route page for the correct direction and any branch notes. The town name alone does not identify a boarding bay.
From the stop
Use the named Ponta Pargo (Salão) stop or timing point for Ponta do Pargo. Plan the pedestrian leg from that point to your exact destination; the bus sheet does not give a walking distance or confirm entrance access.
The way back
Choose the last usable return on the route page before leaving. Use its dated timetable where available, otherwise its linked SIGA sheet. Match the day, direction and stop; a departure from the terminus is not a departure from your stop.
Good to know
- The return is printed as 381 on the sheet linked from route 380. Its weekday and weekend stopping patterns differ; do not assume it retraces the outward journey.
- Salão is the named timing point, not the lighthouse entrance. Plan the onward leg to the lighthouse and back separately.
- The bus sources name stops, but do not establish a step-free walking route or the entrance location. Check the final approach and the return boarding point before leaving the bus.
The famous lighthouse
The iconic Faro da Ponta do Pargo (Lighthouse) stands at 312 meters above sea level. It was built in 1922 and remains one of the most photographed spots on the island. Nearby, you'll find a small museum and several walking trails that follow the cliff edge.
Highlights
- Lighthouse Museum: Learn about the history of Madeira's coastal navigation.
- Miradouro do Fio: A spectacular viewpoint offering a vertical drop over the Atlantic.
- Apple Festival: If visiting in September, don't miss the traditional apple festival (Festa do Pêro).
- Sunset Views: Quite literally the last place on the island to see the sun dip below the horizon.
