Cristo Rei

Cristo Rei stands on the cliffs at Ponta do Garajau, in Caniço, east of Funchal. The Art Deco-style statue looks over the Atlantic, Garajau Bay and the coast towards Funchal, with broad views that are especially striking around sunset. Walk to the viewpoint beside the statue, or take the cable car down to the beach below. There is a café near the entrance and free parking on site. Follow road signs rather than relying on GPS, which can direct you along the wrong route.

The statue at Ponta do Garajau

Cristo Rei, also called Christ the King, stands on Ponta do Garajau east of Funchal. The Art Deco-style statue was built in 1927 by French artists Georges Serraz and Pierre Charles Lenoir. It predates Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, which was completed four years later.

The monument looks out towards Garajau Bay, Funchal Bay and the Atlantic. Its cliffside setting gives the viewpoint a clear sweep of ocean and coastline. A path leads to a viewpoint at the edge of the cliff behind the statue, where you can frame the sculpture against the sea.

The viewpoint and beach below

Steps beside the statue descend towards the water and provide other angles of the cliffs and coast. The route is steep, so allow time and take care on the way down. A cable car nearby connects the clifftop with the beach below, an alternative to walking the steep route. The beach lies within the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve.

A café is located near the entrance, and free parking is available at the site. Some directions sent by GPS can lead to the wrong roads, so follow the signs as you approach. The viewpoint can also be visited in daylight before sunset, when there is time to go down to the beach and return to watch the evening light from the cliffs.