The statue of Christ the King rises to a height of about 15 metres on a high cliff above the sea to protect all Madeira fishermen. At night it is illuminated to act as a beacon.
Built in 1927 in the Art Deco style, the statue is not dissimilar to the more famous statues in Rio de Janeiro or Lisbon. It stands in the small district of Garajau, between Funchal and Caniço, and from here you can enjoy never-ending views of the wild cliffs and the built-up strip of Funchal.
There is a viewing platform and a short walkway from the car park (free). There is also a short and very steep Teleférico do Garajau cable car from the cliff edge down to a nice pebble beach with a more upmarket romantic restaurant. The beach can also be reached by car down a newly built winding road.
The cable car ride costs 3 eur (return ticket) and runs 10am-6pm.
The nearest bus stop is about 150 metres from the car park and bus routes 109, 136 and 155 run from Funchal with the Eacl bus company (see timetable). Tickets cost 2,20 eur and are bought from the driver.
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