Location: Canico in Portugal
Nearest Airport:
Funchal Airport at 18
Kilometres
Nearest Beach:
beach at 1
Kilometres
Car: recommended
Garajau was originally a sleepy little fishing village named after the flocks of terns that nest in the area and is now the most fashionable residential district outside of Funchal. Situated along the cliffs, with spectacular ocean views south towards the Desertas islands, Garajau is only 10 minutes from Funchal to the west and from the airport to the east. It has good transport connections to Funchal. On a bluff below Garajau you will find a towering statue of Christ with outstretched arms, modelled on the one at Rio de Janeiro - definitely worth a visit to watch the sun set against the backdrop of the Bay of Funchal. The coastline conservation area at Garajau, one of Europe's first underwater nature reserves, provides a sanctuary for whales, dolphins and seals. Golfers will find two superb golf courses within easy reach - the 18-hole championship Palheiro Golf Course and the 27-hole Santa da Serra Golf Course, both with spectacular views.