Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising almost 580 metres straight out of the Atlantic above the village of Fajã dos Padres. A glass-floored skywalk cantilevers out from the clifftop viewpoint, giving visitors a vertigo-inducing look straight down at the tiny terraced fields and turquoise water far below.
Cabo Girão sits above Câmara de Lobos on Madeira's south coast, and the main draw is the glass-floored skywalk that extends several metres beyond the clifftop, letting visitors stand directly over the nearly 580-metre drop to the sea. From the platform the view takes in the tiny fajã (coastal terrace) far below, where a patchwork of banana and vine terraces clings to a strip of land accessible only by a small cable car. Most visitors budget 30 to 45 minutes: a few minutes to work up to walking onto the glass, time to take photos of the terraces and the coastline curving toward Funchal, and a stop at the small gift kiosk and viewpoint café. The clearest photos come in the first hour after opening, when the glass is unscuffed by foot traffic and morning light rakes across the cliff face; midday sun creates harsh glare on the glass and the crowds from coach tours thicken noticeably between late morning and early afternoon. Weather can change quickly at this altitude, so a hazy or cloud-filled view is possible even on an otherwise clear Madeira day, and cloud cover is more common in the afternoon than at sunrise.
| Admission | Adult €2 (~$2.16) · Child Free under 6 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9AM–7PM daily (summer); 9AM–6PM (winter) |
| Typical visit | 30–45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning for calm skies and fewer coach groups |
| Getting there | Rental car or taxi from Funchal (20 min); hop-on-hop-off bus stop nearby |
| Address | Estrada do Pico Alto, 9300-121 Câmara de Lobos, Madeira |
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada do Pico Alto, 9300-121 Câmara de Lobos, Madeira
32.6547, -17.0044 View on map
Highlights
- Glass-floored skywalk platform suspended nearly 580 metres above the Atlantic
- Views down onto the terraced fajã farmland and small cable car below
- Coastal panorama stretching toward Câmara de Lobos and Funchal
- One of the highest sea cliffs in Europe
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening time to beat coach tour groups and get a clean, unscuffed glass floor for photos
- Wear socks or shoe covers if required, as some visitors remove shoes before stepping onto the glass
- Skip weekday late mornings, when tour buses cluster in the small car park
- Bring a light jacket, as wind at the clifftop can be strong even on warm days
- Combine the visit with the Fajã dos Padres cable car just down the coast for a full half-day out
When to visit
Visit shortly after opening on a clear morning for calmer skies, softer light and the smallest crowds before coach tours arrive.
Accessibility
The main viewing platform and skywalk are reached via a paved, level path from the car park and are wheelchair accessible, though the glass surface itself can be slippery when wet.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Cabo Girão take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes at the viewpoint, including time on the skywalk and at the small kiosk area.
Is Cabo Girão worth it for kids?
Children generally enjoy the novelty of the glass floor, though very young or nervous children may be unsettled by the height and should be held or kept back from the edge.
Is photography allowed on the skywalk?
Yes, photography is permitted and encouraged, though phones and cameras should be held securely given the drop below the glass.