Cape Ponta do Pargo and the village of the same name nearby is the westernmost point of Madeira and a popular tourist destination.
Ponta do Pargo is a gloriously green area that slopes gently down from the mountains through an agricultural area of pastureland dotted with houses and torn by deep ravines to 400 metre high cliffs that suddenly begin to plummet steeply down into the ocean.
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Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse
And it is on the westernmost promontory, from which you get a breathtaking view of the wide blue of the Atlantic Ocean, that a magnificent white lighthouse with a bright red roof unmistakably proclaims that sailors have just reached Madeira's shores.
The lighthouse is still operational and under the management of the Portuguese Navy, but is partially open to the public through a small Lighthouse Museum in one of the buildings.
Built in 1922, it stands on a cliff 392 metres above sea level, its tower is 14 metres high and can be seen for 26 nautical miles. It still serves its purpose today.
Accommodation in the area
Ponta do Pargo may be a tiny village, but there are a few restaurants, a shop, post office and pharmacy. It's the perfect place to stay if you want to explore a quiet part of Madeira's west. There are many apartments and guesthouses scattered around the area, but if you want to stay here, you can't do without a car.
How to get there
The best choice of transport to this area is by car.
Ponta do Pargo lies on the ring road around the island, about 51 km from Funchal. From Funchal and the towns along the route (Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava) you can also get to Ponta do Pargo by bus, about 8 times a day on weekdays and 2-3 times a day on weekends. The connection is provided by Rodoeste and the ticket price to Funchal is 5,35 eur.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Madeira.