The southern coast of Madeira looks like the flag of Portugal from above: green forests, white houses, and their red roofs. The most spectacular view can be found on Cabo Girao. It is a cape but it would be more correct to call this place a rock or a cliff. It rises 580 meters above the water, and another 200 meters are hidden in the sea. Cabo Girao is the highest cape in Europe and the second highest in the world. If you come to its observation deck on a cloudy day, you will be surrounded by clouds. But if you want to enjoy the majestic views of water and land, it is better to choose a sunny day for climbing.

You can get to Cabo Girao on your own. At least six city buses run here from Funchal, the island's capital. All you have to do is find a stop facing the ocean on the embankment. Please note that there is less traffic on Sundays than on other days. You can also visit Cabo Girao as part of one of the numerous many bus tours or go to the cape by water. There are pleasure boats that depart from the central promenade of Funchal several times a day. Those who have already visited the cape recommend arriving directly to its opening in the morning or at six o'clock in the evening to admire the picturesque sunset views. In the evening, there are not so many tourists on the observation deck. It is open until 7 pm during the low season and until 8 pm during the rest of the year. The admission is free, but there are turnstiles installed at the entrance, so the entry rules may change soon.

Part of the observation deck is designed as a balcony with a glass floor. The thrill is guaranteed. But if you dare to go to the very railing, you can see the ocean merging with the sky on the horizon.

Near the observation deck, there is a cafe serving delicious coffee and eclairs, which are quite rare in tourist places. In the souvenir shops next door, you can buy traditional Madeira souvenirs: knitted hats, leather goods, Madeira wine, and Poncha drink.