Guindaste Viewpoint

Two balconies of steel and glass are fixed to the cliff here, projecting out over the water. Parts of the floor are glazed, so the sea shows directly underfoot. The cliffs drop straight into the ocean on either side, and the view runs along Madeira's north coast and inland to the mountains. The platforms are the point of the stop: the road gives a view of the coast, the balconies put visitors above it. Most people stay only a few minutes. The view is good enough to make this a lunch stop instead.

• Parking fills up — the turning circle at the end of the road holds about ten cars. When it is full, drivers carry on and park further up the road.
• Glass floors — both balconies have glazed panels underfoot, with the ocean straight below. Worth knowing if heights are a problem for you.
• Toilets on site — free toilets stand by the car park.
• A quick stop — most people stay only a few minutes, though the view makes this a workable place to break a drive for lunch.

Guindaste Viewpoint is a roadside stop on the north coast, reached by car. The approach road ends in a turning circle, and the car park is there. The platforms stand beside it, so there is no walk in from the vehicle. A bus stop lies within walking distance of the viewpoint.