Miradouro da Garganta Funda – Waterfall Viewpoint

Miradouro da Garganta Funda is one of the most impressive waterfall viewpoints in Madeira. 

We stopped here around 10 AM on a sunny day, not knowing that this time isn’t ideal for photographing the waterfall. The light conditions weren’t perfect—the fall was still in the shade, and it was a bit dried up—but the place still took our breath away.

It’s just a short 5-minute walk from the parking area with almost no elevation, so there’s no real hiking involved.

From this viewpoint, you get astonishing views—not just of the dramatic waterfall plunging into a deep gorge, but also of the rugged coastline.

If you’re passing by on a west coast road trip, it’s 100% worth the stop.

Quick Overview

Miradouro da Garganta Funda is one of Madeira’s quieter gems. It takes just about 5 minutes to reach the viewpoint from the nearest parking area.

The lot isn’t very spacious, but we had no trouble parking—this spot isn’t on every Madeira itinerary, so it’s usually not crowded.

The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, ocean, and the impressive Garganta Funda Waterfall, which plunges into a narrow gorge below.

If you want better light on the waterfall, come in the afternoon. Also, keep in mind that in the dry summer months, the waterfall may not be as powerful, but the location is still beautiful.

This spot is also one of the ultimate sunset locations in Madeira, so if you can, come before sunset.

Where to stay in Porto Moniz

We stayed at Aqua Natura Bay in Porto Moniz and absolutely loved it. The area is much quieter than Funchal, making it ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful escape. The rooms are beautifully designed and come with stunning sea views.

Best of all, the hotel is located just across the road from the famous natural pools. Their meals, especially the dinners, were a real highlight—delicious and full of flavor.

We also loved watching the sunsets from the rooftop pool—it was the perfect way to end the day.

Where is Miradouro da Garganta Funda

The viewpoint is located near the village of Ponta do Pargo on Madeira’s wild western edge. We recommend renting a car to easily explore the island.

We drove from Porto Moniz, and it took us around 20 minutes to get to Miradouro da Garganta Funda.

If you’re coming from Funchal, expect about a 1-hour drive (roughly 60 km), depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Parking

There’s a small parking area near the last house on the road that leads to Miradouro da Garganta Funda.

You’ll also find a few extra spots behind the house, but keep in mind the road there isn’t paved. After heavy rain, it might get muddy and tricky to drive on.

Parking is free, and when we visited, we had no problem finding a spot. Since this viewpoint isn’t as busy as others in Madeira, you should be fine.

Our experience

From the parking area, we walked a few minutes down a dirt road to reach the viewpoint.

The trail was short and easy, and along the way, we were already rewarded with incredible views of Madeira’s landscape, green cliffs on the sides, and the vast Atlantic Ocean stretching ahead.

When we reached the Miradouro da Garganta Funda, we were stunned. The waterfall plunges deep into a hidden gorge, and we couldn’t even see the bottom—it felt surreal even though it was a bit dried up.

We weren’t alone—this spot is becoming more popular—but it didn’t feel crowded at all. We spent time just soaking in the view, admiring the drop of the waterfall and the panoramic coastline that stretches out on both sides.

There’s also a hidden trail along the cliff edge, not marked on any map. We didn’t go down as we were told that it’s a bit exposed in places, and Nika was carrying our little gem, Ema, in a baby carrier.

If you’re up for an adventure, the views from down there must be incredible—just take extra care.

This spot is also one of the ultimate sunset locations in Madeira. The sun sets right in front of the viewpoint, so if you can, plan your visit for golden hour.

Flying a drone is allowed, but this part of the island can get quite windy, so be cautious.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Miradouro da Garganta Funda—no toilets, no cafés, not even a bench. If you’re planning to grab a bite or something to drink, head to the nearby village of Ponta do Pargo. You’ll find a few local restaurants there where you can enjoy a proper meal.

Other viewpoints nearby

Miradouro da Boa Morte – Just a short drive away, this spot offers wide open views over the green hills and the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a beautiful short paved trail leading directly to the viewpoint.

Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo – Located near the lighthouse, this viewpoint gives you dramatic coastal views. Parking is directly at the viewpoint, and it’s only 5 minutes by car from the Garganta Funda viewpoint.

Final thoughts

Miradouro da Garganta Funda is one of those spots that truly takes your breath away. The waterfall, the coastline, and the surroundings make it worth a stop. It’s easy to reach, not crowded, and offers dramatic views.

If you’re planning your road trip around the island, definitely include this stop on your itinerary.

Let us know in the comments if our guide helped you or how your visit went—we’d love to hear your experience!