Cabo Girão is a sea cliff viewpoint with a glass skywalk platform on the south coast of Madeira, Portugal, rising 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. This visitor guide, updated in September 2026, covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
The beach is a prime stop on a small group Madeira coast tour that also visits Ribeira Brava Beach, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Fanal Forest and the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 8am to 8pm, daily |
| Admission | €5 (free for Madeira residents and children under 12) |
| Address | Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal |
| Nearest public transport | Bus routes 4, 7, 8, 27, 80, 142 from Funchal; hop-on-hop-off buses |
| Time needed | 20 to 45 minutes |
| Height | 580 metres above sea level |
Cabo Girão opening hours
Cabo Girão is open daily year-round, from 8am to 8pm. The viewpoint remains open on public holidays.
Cabo Girão ticket prices
Admission is €5 per person. Children under 12 and Madeira residents enter free. Payment is made at a ticket office near the entrance or online in advance. The admission fee covers access to the glass skywalk platform and viewpoint area. Note that the admission price was increased in October 2025.
This guide’s opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in September 2026.
Why book the Madeira West Coast waterfalls and peaks tour?
- Scenic west coast landscapes: Travel along Madeira’s dramatic western coastline with views of cliffs, sea and lush mountainous terrain.
- Waterfall viewpoints: Stop at stunning waterfalls and natural cascades, perfect for photos and soaking up the island’s verdant scenery.
- Highland peaks and panoramas: Enjoy sweeping vistas from elevated lookouts, offering a striking contrast between mountain and ocean.
- Guided commentary: Learn about Madeira’s geology, flora and local culture from an experienced guide throughout the tour.
- Comfortable day trip from Funchal: Includes transport for a hassle-free way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful natural highlights in one day.
How to get to Cabo Girão
By bus: Multiple Rodoeste bus routes (4, 7, 8, 27, 80, 142) connect Funchal to Cabo Girão. Buses depart from Avenida do Mar near Funchal Marina. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Not all services on these routes stop at Cabo Girão, so confirm with the driver before boarding.
By hop-on-hop-off bus: Yellow Bus and City Sightseeing operate tourist buses with stops at Cabo Girão. A 48-hour Yellow Bus ticket including Cabo Girão costs approximately €24.50. Services run daily except Christmas Day, with departures from Câmara de Lobos to Cabo Girão approximately hourly between 11.15am and 5.30pm.
By taxi: Taxis from Funchal to Cabo Girão take approximately 15-20 minutes and cost €20-30. Many visitors arrange for the taxi to wait during their visit. Pre-booking is recommended.
By car: From Funchal, follow the coastal ER101 road west through Câmara de Lobos. Follow signs for Cabo Girão on the winding uphill road (approximately 6.5km from Câmara de Lobos). The drive from Funchal takes 15-20 minutes.
You can also visit as part of a small group tour of Madeira’s highlights.
Parking at Cabo Girão
Free parking is available in a car park adjacent to the viewpoint. Spaces are limited and the car park fills quickly, particularly between 10am and 2pm when tour buses arrive. Arriving before 9am or after 3pm increases the likelihood of finding parking. Some spaces are reserved for tour buses and taxis.
How long to spend at Cabo Girão
Most visitors spend 20 to 45 minutes at Cabo Girão. This allows time to walk on the glass skywalk, take photographs, and view the panorama from different angles. Visitors may spend less time during poor visibility or when crowds are present. Those visiting the café or souvenir shop may extend their stay to one hour.
Top Madeira experiences to book in advance
- 🚙 Northern Madeira jeep tour combining ocean pools, cliffs and mountain views on this guided off-road adventure
- 🍷 Funchal food and wine tour for a relaxed way to feast in the capital on this small-group tasting experience
- 🐬 Dolphin and whale watching cruise on a luxury catamaran tour
- 🌲 West Madeira highlights tour visiting waterfalls and the Fanal Forest on this full-day scenic island trip
- 🚶 Old Funchal walking tour covering the historic heart of Madeira’s capital with a local expert guide
Accessibility at Cabo Girão
The viewpoint is accessible from the car park via a paved path with minimal slope. The distance from parking to the skywalk is approximately 100 metres. There are a few steps to reach the glass platform itself. The site does not have designated accessible parking spaces or wheelchair access to the skywalk platform. Visitors with mobility restrictions should contact the facility in advance to discuss access arrangements.
What to see at Cabo Girão
The glass-floored skywalk platform extends over the cliff edge, providing views 580 metres down to the Atlantic Ocean. The transparent floor creates the sensation of standing suspended in air above the cliff face. The platform opened in 2012 and is constructed from reinforced glass.
From the viewpoint, visitors can see the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and on clear days, views extend along the coastline in both directions. At the base of the cliffs are the Fajãs do Cabo Girão, narrow strips of cultivated land where farmers grow vegetables and fruit. These terraces are accessed by cable car from a separate location 4km away (Teleférico do Rancho).
The Capela de Nossa Senhora de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima Chapel) is located near the car park, approximately 100 metres from the skywalk. The current chapel was built in 1974 to replace an earlier structure from 1931. The chapel is a pilgrimage site and can be visited free of charge.
A café and souvenir shops are located near the entrance to the skywalk. The facilities include toilets (fee charged).
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit before 9am or after 3pm to avoid tour bus crowds and secure parking more easily. |
| Check weather conditions before visiting, as clouds and mist can obscure views completely. |
| The glass floor may cause vertigo; visitors can view from the sides of the platform without walking on the glass. |
| Wear appropriate footwear as the glass surface can be slippery, particularly if wet. |
| Combine a visit to Cabo Girão with Câmara de Lobos village, 3km away by road, which has restaurants and is accessible on the same bus route. |
| Not all buses on routes 4, 7, 8, 27, 80 and 142 stop at Cabo Girão; ask the driver to confirm before boarding. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Cabo Girão suitable for children? | Yes. Children are admitted free under age 12. Supervise children closely on the glass platform and viewpoint. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. Tickets are purchased on arrival. Advance booking is not available or necessary. |
| Is Cabo Girão open on Sundays? | Yes. The viewpoint is open daily including Sundays and public holidays. |
| Can you access the terraced fields at the base of the cliff? | Not from Cabo Girão viewpoint. The Fajãs are accessed via Teleférico do Rancho cable car, located 4km away by road. Cable car return tickets cost approximately €10. |
| Is there a café? | Yes. A café is located near the entrance serving drinks and snacks. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Check on arrival as policies may vary. |
Things to do near Cabo Girão
- Câmara de Lobos – The traditional fishing town is only about 3km from Cabo Girão and has a harbour, waterfront restaurants and the Churchill viewpoint.
- Ribeira Brava Beach – This south-coast bathing complex combines a pebble and volcanic-sand beach with protected swimming pools and is a practical stop further west.
- Fajã dos Padres – A cable car descends from the cliffs to this coastal farming area, where subtropical fruit plantations sit beside the Atlantic.
- Teleférico do Rancho – The cable car provides access to the Fajãs do Cabo Girão below the cliffs and gives a different perspective on the landscape around Cabo Girão.
- Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint – This mountain pass provides views towards both Madeira’s north and south coasts and can be combined with a drive through the central mountains.
Alternative attractions
Eira do Serrado Viewpoint – A high mountain viewpoint overlooking Curral das Freiras and the steep volcanic valley surrounding the village.
Miradouro do Véu da Noiva – This north-coast viewpoint looks across to a waterfall dropping directly into the Atlantic and is one of Madeira’s more distinctive coastal viewpoints.
Miradouro Ribeira da Janela – A coastal viewpoint overlooking dramatic basalt formations and offshore rocks at the mouth of the Ribeira da Janela valley.
Miradouro do Pico da Torre – This viewpoint above Câmara de Lobos provides broad views over the town, coastline and surrounding hills.
Boca da Corrida Viewpoint – High above Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, this viewpoint looks across Madeira’s central mountain landscape and towards the deep valleys below.
More Madeira travel
Other Madeira travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guides to Madeira’s north coast highlights, including the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, the Miradouro Ribeira da Janela, Seixal Beach and the Fanal Forest.
- Guides to Madeira’s best south coast attractions, including Cabo Girao and Ribeira Brava Beach.
- Survey the mountains from Madeira’s Boca da Encumeada Viewpoint.
- Funchal travel guides: The Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, Monte Church and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
- Madeira’s cable cars: Guides to the Madeira Cable Car and Botanical Garden Cable Car.
