A protected coastal area, a historic water clock and paths overlooking the Atlantic give Caniço several very different ways to explore. In Garajau, marine life and the coast take centre stage; churches, a fort and local festivals offer other perspectives on the municipality.

Garajau: protected area and marine life

The Reserva Natural Parcial do Garajau partial nature reserve stretches along approximately six miles of coast and covers 376 hectares between Ponta do Lazareto and Ponta da Oliveira. Access by land is via Cais do Lazareto or Praia do Garajau. As local conditions can change, it is advisable to check locally before visiting.

The area’s character is also apparent underwater: there are seven traditional dive sites in Garajau—Lazareto, Pináculo, Mamas, Praia do Garajau, Baía dos Porcos, Arena and Galo. Marine life includes barracudas, moray eels, rays and giant sea anemones. Praia do Garajau offers good opportunities for diving thanks to its natural conditions. Those interested in snorkelling can enjoy clear water with the Snorkeling no Garajau experience, and reach the beach by car or by cable car from Cristo Rei.

Praia do Garajau has toilets, changing rooms and a first-aid post. Check the facilities locally before your beach visit.

Views and paths through the landscape

The Cristo Rei Viewpoint is in the municipality of Caniço, within the municipality of Santa Cruz. From there, the view takes in Garajau’s natural heritage and part of Funchal Bay, stretching to Caniço de Baixo and across the Atlantic. The Cristo Rei statue in Garajau was inaugurated on 30 October 1927. It is integrated into the partial nature reserve, where visitors can see protected biodiversity and clear waters.

Another view of the landscape awaits at Pico da Atalaia. Partly eroded by the sea and wind, this volcanic cone features a visible lava plug formed as the lava cooled. Pico can be reached via a footpath of approximately 300 metres. From the viewpoint, the view extends across the Atlantic to the Ilhas Desertas.

Each path in Caniço has its own character. Vereda Macedo de Andrade ends at an impressive view of the Atlantic. Vereda da Paragem connects Abegoaria and Cancela, passing through a rural landscape with green spaces between old buildings. Vereda da Levada da Azenha runs along the slopes above Ribeira do Caniço. Vereda do Caminho Velho da Tendeira follows an old irrigation channel that also served as a connection between places and plots of land.

The historic use of water is also evident along Vereda do Relógio de Água. Relógio de Água da Levada da Azenha is a small structure roofed with Roman tiles. Its former mechanical clock regulated the fair distribution of irrigation water. Beside the path, the former Moinho da Vargem is connected to Levada da Azenha by a stone aqueduct. Other traces of the local network of paths include the ruins of Moinho da Vitória and historic stone washplaces along a levada.

Coast, bathing facilities and cable car

Praia dos Reis Magos is a pebble beach with a paved sun terrace and a pontoon. Listed facilities include a car park, accessible toilets, a suitable sports area and parasols. There is also a restaurant, a bar, lifeguards and a first-aid post. It is worth checking the current facilities and services on site before visiting.

The Complexo Balnear Lido Galomar bathing complex is set on the volcanic rocks that define the landscape here. Its pools include a large saltwater pool and a swimming pool designed for children. A local check before visiting can also be helpful for these facilities.

The Teleférico do Garajau cable car provides access to Praia do Garajau from the Ponta do Garajau area. Its two cabins travel up and down simultaneously. There is a car park nearby with space for several dozen vehicles. As operating conditions may change, check the latest information before your trip.

Churches, fort and local festivals

Igreja Matriz do Caniço was built in 1783 and represents the transition from Baroque to Rococo. Its Rococo altarpieces, carved in gilded and white wood, date from the late 18th century. Capela da Mãe de Deus was built in the first half of the 16th century in the municipality of Caniço, within the municipality of Santa Cruz, and is considered one of Madeira’s oldest Marian temples. Fort Reis Magos, meanwhile, is a square coastal defence fortification dating from the 18th century. For several decades, it protected the local population from frequent pirate and corsair attacks.

The festivals also offer a glimpse into local traditions. Festa da Cebola is an event lasting around three days that highlights and promotes onion as a characteristic local product. During the festival, the centre of Caniço comes alive with music and stalls selling food and drinks; onion is the main product used. Usually, a parade related to onions through Caniço is also held on the final day, generally a Sunday. The 2026 edition of Festa Gastronómica do Caniço lasted seven days and brought together gastronomy, music, tradition and socialising in the centre of the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Madeira, Arco De Sao Jorge, Calheta, Porto Santo, Jardim Do Mar, Vila Baleira, Ponta Do Sol, Curral Das Freiras

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