Praia do Garajau – The Best Beach on Madeira

Praia do Garajau is one of the most unique beaches in Madeira, situated beneath a massive cliff and featuring the iconic Christ the King statue.

Right above the beach, you’ll find Miradouro do Cristo Rei, a viewpoint with a beautiful staircase and one of the best coastal panoramas on the island.

What makes this beach a must-stop on your Madeira itinerary is that it has everything you need—easy water access, a restaurant, a diving center, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, and even a cable car that takes you down from the cliffs to sea level.

We came around 9 AM with our 3-month-old daughter and found just a few people on the beach.

It was still in the shade, which made sense later—the sun only hits the beach after 10 AM when the cable car starts running. It was peaceful, not too hot, and perfect for Ema to relax on the sunbed.

The whole place has a chill, clean vibe, and the backdrop is stunning. There’s a steep cable car gliding almost above your head, which makes the whole setting feel even more special.

Quick Overview

Praia do Garajau is a peaceful pebble beach tucked under a massive cliff with the iconic Cristo Rei statue above.

It’s easily accessible by cable car, which operates from 10 AM, or by car + walking down a steep road.

There’s a diving center right on the beach where you can rent snorkeling gear for just €5.

The beach is clean, well-maintained, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay—sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, showers, and a restaurant.

Thanks to its clear water and peaceful atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to relax, swim, snorkel, or explore the underwater world.

Where is Praia do Garajau

Praia do Garajau is located on Madeira’s south coast, just a 15-minute drive from Funchal and around 10 minutes from the airport. It sits below the famous Miradouro do Cristo Rei viewpoint in the town of Canico.

You’ll find it right under the towering cliffs, and it’s easy to spot thanks to the steep cable car that connects the viewpoint above with the beach below.

Whether you’re staying in Funchal or exploring the island by car, it’s a convenient and scenic stop that’s easy to include in your itinerary.

Where to stay

If you’re visiting Madeira, staying in the Funchal area is a smart and practical choice. It’s centrally located, making it easy to explore the rest of the island, and offers plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and activity options.

We stayed at Hotel Porto Mare and had a great experience. The tropical vibes around the pool, surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views, made it feel like a real escape.

We booked the half-board option and were pleasantly surprised that the dinners weren’t repetitive—each evening had a different theme, so we were always excited to try something new.

How To Get To Praia Do Garajau

By car

Renting a car in Madeira is the easiest way to explore. You can drive almost to the beach, but there’s a gate about halfway down the road that blocks car access to the beach.

We parked just before the gate, on the side of the road—it’s free, and we had no problem finding a spot.

The road down is paved, but it’s narrow and has a few tight turns, so drive slowly. From where we parked, it was about a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the beach. It was an easy stroll, even with a stroller and our beach bags in tow.

Walking back up felt a bit more tiring in the midday heat, but it’s short and manageable. If you’re traveling with kids or gear, take your time—there’s no need to rush.

By cable car

The easiest and most scenic way to reach the beach is by taking the Cristo Rei cable car. It connects the Miradouro do Cristo Rei viewpoint directly with the beach below, saving you the walk back up.

• Price: €5 per person (round-trip), €3 one-way
• Operating hours: Daily from 10 AM to 8 PM (subject to weather)

Right next to the cable car station is a large, free parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially since many people use it to visit the Cristo Rei viewpoint. If you don’t find a spot right away, don’t stress—wait a minute, and someone’s usually leaving.

What to expect

Praia do Garajau is a small pebble beach tucked beneath towering cliffs with a dramatic setting that instantly catches your eye.

There’s plenty of space to spread out, and the entry to the water is gradual, which makes it comfortable even for families with kids.

The beach is composed of pebbles and rocks, so wearing water shoes can make things easier, especially when walking into the sea.

The water was surprisingly pleasant when we visited at the end of June—not cold at all, and perfect for a refreshing swim.

Even with the cliffs towering above and the occasional cable car passing overhead, the beach still feels peaceful.

Snorkeling at Praia do Garajau

If you’re into snorkeling or want to try it casually, this is the right place for this activity. I rented my gear right at the Mero diving center, just a few steps from the beach. It cost 5 euros, and they didn’t limit the time—pretty convenient.

I just had to leave an ID as a deposit, which makes sense since people probably “forget” to return gear sometimes.

Once in the water, it was calm and super clear. Don’t expect colorful coral reefs here—it’s mostly rocky seabed and some seaweed—but we did see a few small fish darting between the rocks. Nothing too crazy, but definitely enough to enjoy and unwind for a bit.

Facilities

Praia do Garajau has everything you need for a chill beach day. You can rent sunbeds for just 3€ each for the whole day, which is honestly an amazing deal for Madeira.

We paid for two and the guy even gave us an extra umbrella for Ema, which was super helpful. Just keep in mind that you’ll need cash—there’s no card terminal.

There are also toilets, outdoor showers, and a restaurant right on the beach where you can grab a drink or something to eat. It’s great to have everything you need right there without having to head back up the cliff.

Diving

Right beneath the cliff is Mero Diving Center, situated inside an old whaling cave. They offer a full range of services—from introductory dives to advanced courses. Here’s what you can expect:

• Try-Dive experiences: 80€ Includes a safety introduction, a dive in the reserve, and photos/videos afterward.
• Single guided dive: €50 with equipment, or €38 if you bring your own tank and weights.
• Two-dive packages: €85 with all gear included.
• They also offer night dives, boat dives, and PADI courses.

Best time to visit Praia do Garajau

The best time to visit is after 10 AM, when the sun finally reaches the beach. Before that, the entire area is in shade due to the high cliffs above.

Once the sunlight hits, the beach comes to life with warm light and sparkling water—perfect for swimming, relaxing, or sunbathing.

It’s also an amazing sunset spot, especially if you stay until golden hour. The sky lights up above the ocean and cliffs, creating a magical backdrop.

Even during high season, the beach never feels crowded, so you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere regardless of when you visit.

Final thoughts

Praia do Garajau is one of those beaches that quietly impresses you. It’s easily accessible, peaceful, and offers all the essentials without the crowds. Whether you’re visiting with kids, want to snorkel, or relax with a view, this beach delivers.

Please let us know in the comments if our guide was helpful to you, or share your own experience. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed it!