Cristo Rei do Garajau
Iconic clifftop statue of Christ the King offering stunning Atlantic Ocean views, with a cable car to a unique rocky beach below.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Cristo Rei do Garajau
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic clifftop statue of Christ the King offering stunning Atlantic Ocean views, with a cable car to a unique rocky beach below.
"Breathtaking! The statue offers incredible panoramic views of the ocean and coastline."
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit during sunset for a truly magical experience and incredible photo opportunities.
👟 Rocky Beach Footwear
Bring water shoes for Praia do Garajau; the pebbles can be tough on bare feet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Cristo Rei Statue
A majestic statue of Christ the King, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline.
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Soak in stunning, sweeping views of the vast Atlantic and Madeira's dramatic coastline from the clifftop.
Praia do Garajau Beach
Accessible by cable car or a scenic walk, this rocky beach is perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Beach Access & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit during sunset for a truly magical experience and incredible photo opportunities.
👟 Rocky Beach Footwear
Bring water shoes for Praia do Garajau; the pebbles can be tough on bare feet.
🚶♀️ Cable Car or Walk
Choose the cable car for easy beach access or enjoy a steep, scenic walk down.
📸 Photo Tips
Explore the grounds for different angles; the view looking up from below is impressive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Magic
Visit during sunset for a truly magical experience and incredible photo opportunities.
👟 Rocky Beach Footwear
Bring water shoes for Praia do Garajau; the pebbles can be tough on bare feet.
🚶♀️ Cable Car or Walk
Choose the cable car for easy beach access or enjoy a steep, scenic walk down.
📸 Photo Tips
Explore the grounds for different angles; the view looking up from below is impressive.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is free and readily available, making it convenient to visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magnificent Cristo Rei statue and its breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline. Many appreciate the free access and the peaceful atmosphere, with the sunset being a particularly magical time to visit. Some note the rocky nature of the beach below and recommend water shoes for comfort.
"Beautiful statue overlooking the ocean. Stairs take you down a path so you can see the statue on all sides. Easy hike. I think there are about 200 stairs.
Beautiful views of the ocean and coast line.
It's an iconic spot to see when visiting Madeira.
It is free to park and to enter the pathway."
Sharon Olson
"What a magnificent monument! It’s reminiscent of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro but with a clone of the Golden Gate Bridge right next door. Yes, go on the grounds, but don’t forget to look around the area for even better views of this magnificent statue. What has been is a beautiful city, and sometimes dominates the skyline from across the river."
David Stejkowski
"The statue reminded me of a smaller version of Christ the Redeemer in Rio, though I’m not sure about the exact differences, just had that same vibe. It’s a beautiful spot with a nice, peaceful atmosphere. The best part is that it’s free to visit and open 24/7. There’s a set of steps leading downhill to the base of the statue, and walking down felt really nice. You also get stunning panoramic views of the cliffs and the ocean as you go down, which makes the experience even better. The view looking up at the statue from below is also pretty impressive. They have cable cars that take you down to the beach for 5 euros per person, but we didn’t try them. Overall, it was a really nice experience and definitely worth a visit if you're in the area."
Isuru Chamara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or a bus to Garajau. From there, it's about a 1km steep walk or you can opt for the cable car. Bolt rides are also a convenient and often cheaper option from Funchal.
Yes, buses run to Garajau. From the bus stop, you'll need to walk or take the cable car to reach the statue and beach area.
Yes, driving is a convenient option as there is free parking available at the site.
The walk down to Praia do Garajau can be steep, especially if you choose to walk instead of taking the cable car.
The cable car offers a direct and scenic route to the beach, while walking down provides beautiful views but is a steeper option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, it's free to park and enter the pathway to see the Cristo Rei statue.
The cable car to Praia do Garajau typically costs around 3 euros per person for a round trip.
The site is generally open 24/7, offering flexibility for visitors to enjoy the views at any time.
No advance booking is necessary as entry to the statue area is free. Tickets are only needed if you choose to use the cable car.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned, but it's always good to be mindful of the natural surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers magical lighting, while early mornings provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Arriving very early in the morning or during off-peak hours can help minimize crowds for better photos.
Yes, explore the grounds for various angles. The view looking up at the statue from below is particularly impressive.
Drone usage might be restricted in certain areas, especially near protected marine reserves. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and the full statue. A telephoto lens can be useful for details.
🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities
Praia do Garajau is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its rich marine life in the protected reserve.
Yes, the water is crystal clear, but the beach is rocky, so water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
It's a protected area where fishing is prohibited, ensuring a vibrant underwater ecosystem perfect for divers and snorkelers.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms or cafes at Praia do Garajau is limited, so it's advisable to come prepared.
Yes, at lower tide, you can explore an old footpath winding around the mesmerizing rocky cliffs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Cristo Rei do Garajau
For visitors with their own vehicle, parking at Cristo Rei do Garajau is free and generally ample, making it a convenient choice. The accessibility of the site, combined with various transport options, ensures that most visitors can easily incorporate it into their Madeira itinerary.
When planning your journey, consider the time of day. While the site is open 24/7, visiting during peak tourist hours can mean sharing the space with many others. For a more tranquil experience and better photographic opportunities, early mornings or late afternoons, particularly around sunset, are highly recommended.
Experiencing Praia do Garajau
+1The beach itself is characterized by its rocky terrain, making water shoes a highly recommended item for comfortable exploration and swimming. The crystal-clear waters are a major draw, especially for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts who can marvel at the abundant marine life.
+1During low tide, adventurous visitors can explore an old footpath that winds around the mesmerizing rocky cliffs, offering a different perspective of the coastline. The combination of the dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and protected marine environment makes Praia do Garajau a distinctive natural attraction.
Photography at Cristo Rei
Creators often share tips on how to get photos without many people in them, suggesting early visits or exploring different vantage points. The grounds around the statue provide numerous angles, and looking up at the monument from its base offers a dramatic perspective. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the statue and the expansive ocean views.
For an even more magical experience, plan your visit around sunset. The golden hour light casts a warm glow on the statue and the surrounding landscape, creating breathtaking photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit