Although Portugal itself has certainly a lot to offer, it is not so popular destination as the Portuguese island of Madeira. Madeira lies on the eastern part of North Atlantic Ocean, close to the popular – and warmer climate – the Canary Islands. From Africa, specifically from Morocco, it is about 580 km away, thus it is closer to Africa than to Portugal.
One of the interesting places of Madeira is Cabo Girão. It is often considered (especially in local guidebooks) the highest or second highest cliff in the world measuring 589 meters. But that’s not the truth, it is not even the highest or second highest in Europe.
Cabo Girão, Madeira, Portugal
At least four other European reefs are even higher – Irish Slieve League is 601 metres high, popular Norwegian Preikestolen is 604 m, Irish Croaghaun 668 meters and Cape Enniberg on the Faroe Islands is 754 meters high, which is still more than 165 meters higher than Cabo Girão.
And which is the highest cliff in the world? It’s a harder question than it seems – there are several definitions of the term “cliff”. Anyway, ignoring the inland walls, the highest known sea cliff is the one located on the Kalaupapa peninsula in Hawaii, towering to a height of 1010 meters (although due to its addiction of “only” 60 degrees it is not considered a cliff by some people, but it would be a longer story …).
Anyway, although not the highest or second highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão is still majestic and beautiful natural creation. Situated in the south of Madeira, less than two kilometers from the town of Câmara de Lobos.
The name means something like “wolf ravine,” but those wolves mean marinhos-Lobos (sea wolves), so the seals. Previously there were a large number of them, living here on the coast of Madeira.
Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira
The reef is about 1 km long, having the lowest point at the height of the 560 metres and the highest at the 589 metres. Because its top is easily accessible, you can get there and enjoy a perfect view of the bay and surrounding area. Therefore, it is popular, almost “mandatory” stop for all tourists and visitors to the island, mainly for watching the sunset.
There is even a bus stop. Equally fascinating and impressive is the view of the reef from the surrounding area, of the coast or sea. Nice views of this reef offer e.g. shingle beach of Praia Formosa and some hotels.
The landscape of Madeira is so picturesque that it inspired also Sir Winston Churchill in his paintings.
