Cabo Girao: Madeira's Glass Skywalk

Cabo Girão is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising almost 600 metres above the Atlantic just west of Funchal. A glass-floored skywalk juts out from the top, so you can look straight down to the tiny terraced fields at the foot of the cliff.

Quick answer: Cabo Girão is about 20 minutes’ drive west of Funchal, past Câmara de Lobos. Walk onto the glass skywalk, take in the view along the coast, and ride the cable car down to the fields and beach at the bottom. Allow about an hour. It’s a stop on most west-island tours. See west Madeira tours.

What to see

• The skywalk: a glass platform over the edge with a dizzying view straight down.
• The view: along the coast to Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.
• The cable car: descends to the Fajãs do Cabo Girão, small farmed terraces at sea level, once reachable only by boat or ladder.

Nearby

• Câmara de Lobos: a colourful fishing village. See Câmara de Lobos.
• The west coast: continue to Porto Moniz. See the Porto Moniz pools.

Tips

• Clouds: come on a clear day for the best view; mornings are often clearer.
• Vertigo: the glass floor isn’t for everyone, but the view from the railings is just as good.
• Crowds: tour coaches arrive mid-morning.

More: things to do in Funchal, the Madeira itinerary and the best Madeira tours.

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