Cabo Girao Skywalk | Madeira

Cabo Girão Skywalk is a high-altitude observation deck located on the southern coast of Madeira, situated on the highest cliff in Europe and the second-highest in the world, with an elevation of 580 meters.

Visual Characteristics

The primary feature is a transparent glass-bottomed platform that extends over the edge of the vertical cliff face. The structure provides a high-fidelity, unobstructed view directly down to the Atlantic Ocean and the small cultivated terraces (fajãs) at the cliff base. The surrounding area is composed of high-density basaltic rock formations typical of Madeira's volcanic origin.

Location & Access Logistics

The skywalk is located in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos (9300-351).

Public Transport: Served by Rodoeste bus lines (lines 4, 6, 7, 8, 115, and 142) from Funchal. The "Hop-On Hop-Off" tourist buses also have a dedicated stop here.

Road: Approximately 15km (20 minutes) west of Funchal via the VR1 highway.

Parking: A paved parking lot is located at the entrance, though it experiences high-density congestion during peak hours (10:00–15:00).

Access: Entry requires a paid ticket (approx. €2.00), payable via automated kiosks or at the entrance. The platform is fully wheelchair accessible.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The skywalk was inaugurated in 2012 to modernize the existing viewpoint. Geologically, the cliff is a massive sea-cliff formed by successive volcanic eruptions and marine erosion. The fajãs (small plots of land) at the base were historically accessible only by boat; they are now reached by a private cable car used by local farmers to cultivate vines and vegetables in the high-fertility volcanic soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Glass Platform: Offers a high-intensity "vertigo" experience with 580 meters of vertical drop visible beneath the feet.

Panoramic Views: Provides a 180-degree view of the Funchal bay, the town of Câmara de Lobos, and the Atlantic horizon.

Paragliding: The area is a primary launch site for high-altitude paragliding due to the consistent thermal currents generated by the cliff face.

Teleférico das Fajãs do Cabo Girão: A nearby cable car (separate from the skywalk) that descends the cliff to the coastal terraces.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site includes a visitor center, a café/restaurant, and a souvenir shop. Public restrooms are available on-site. 5G cellular coverage is exceptional due to the site's unobstructed coastal position.

Best Time to Visit

Open daily, 08:30–20:00 (summer) and 08:30–19:00 (winter). To avoid maximum human density from tour groups, visit before 09:30 or after 17:00. Sunset offers high-fidelity lighting for photography of the Funchal coastline.

Facts & Legends

A verified technical fact is that the glass panels are designed to support several tons of weight, featuring high-density multi-layered tempered glass for safety. While not a site of ancient legends, it is historically significant as a landmark for early navigators exploring the Macaronesian islands.

Nearby Landmarks

Câmara de Lobos: 5km East (fishing village).

Fajã dos Padres: 4km West (coastal estate accessible by lift).

Funchal: 15km East.