Calhau da Furna do Bode Viewpoint is a clifftop lookout on the coast near Caniçal, at the eastern end of Madeira. It stands above the sea among weathered volcanic rock. The view runs both ways: to Ponta de São Lourenço on one side, and to the island's north coast on the other. A coastal path continues from the viewpoint, quieter than Madeira's marked PR trails, with about five separate places to stop and look along it.
Calhau da Furna do Bode Viewpoint
Local name: Viewpoint Calhau da Furna do Bode
From one clifftop the view runs both ways: the ridge of Ponta de São Lourenço on one side, the island's north coast on the other.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible — neither the car park nor the entrance.
- Parking
- Nearest car park about 450 m away, near the cemetery; a second about 500 m.
- Difficulty
- About 450 m on foot from the nearest car park, along a coastal path.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop about 1 km away.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, every day.
What makes it special
The view works in two directions at once. One way is the ridge of Ponta de São Lourenço; the other is the island's north coast, running off into the distance. Between them the cliff edge is broken into odd volcanic shapes, and the landscape changes sharply along it.
The coastal path here carries fewer people than Madeira's marked PR trails. About five separate spots along it open out to the sea, all easy to reach on foot. Rainbows appear and disappear over the water. Fifteen to thirty minutes covers the viewpoint itself; the coastal path is a separate outing.
Good to know
- No facilities — no toilets, no drinking water and no information panel anywhere in the area.
- Time needed — 15 to 30 minutes at the viewpoint. Walking the coastal path is a separate plan.
- Cliff top — this is a cliff above the sea. Children are welcome here, but keep them back from the edge.
- Exposed coast — there is no shelter from the wind. Bring a windproof layer.
Getting there
Most people arrive by car. There is no car park at the viewpoint itself — the nearest one is by the cemetery, about 450 metres away, and the rest of the way is on foot along the coast. A second car park lies about 500 metres out.
Best time to visit
Best: the end of the day — sunset works well from the cliff. Avoid: low cloud and rain, when the view closes in; the view is the whole reason to come.
Showers move across this coast and rainbows form over the water between them. The coastal path is quieter than Madeira's marked PR trails whatever the hour.
Sun & daylight
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Frequently asked questions
How long do you need at Calhau da Furna do Bode Viewpoint?
Fifteen to thirty minutes covers the viewpoint itself. Following the coastal path on from it takes longer.Can you drive up to the viewpoint?
No. The nearest car park is near the cemetery, about 450 metres away, and the last stretch is on foot along the coast.What can you see from here?
Ponta de São Lourenço on one side and the island's north coast on the other, with volcanic rock formations along the cliff edge.Are there toilets or drinking water?
No. There are no toilets, no drinking water and no information panel in the area. Bring what you need.Is the viewpoint wheelchair accessible?
No. Neither the car park nor the entrance is wheelchair accessible.