Ponta do Garajau is a promontory on the south coast of the island of Madeira, about 8 km from the capital and above the Garajau nature reserve, in Caniço – Santa Cruz.
This viewpoint is located next to the statue of Cristo Rei. It offers a fabulous panoramic view over Funchal, the Desertas Islands, the Reis Magos and Galo beaches. Near the monument, there is a descent whose path is believed by the locals to bring good energy. It culminates in an imposing cliff above the beach, from where you can watch various seabirds.
The Christ the King statue was inaugurated in 1927 and bears many similarities to the Christ the Redeemer monument in Brazil. At the top, there used to be a lookout post for whales and sperm whales. At its base, in the place known as Calhau do Garajau, there was a whaling station.
Ponta is currently connected to Praia do Garajau, in the nature reserve of the same name, which is located in a small fajã at its eastern base. To get there, you can take the cable car. Once there, you can go to the beach or take advantage of the café and restaurant services. This area is very popular for diving and snorkeling, where you are guaranteed to see several species, including the famous grouper.
