Caniço

The beach of the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, created in 1986 to protect the biodiversity of these waters and prevent the desertification of the seabed: fishing banned, navigation restricted, and calm, clear water that makes it the island's reference dive site — dusky groupers and giant manta rays included. You go down by cable car from the cliff; toilets, changing rooms, a first-aid post and restaurants facing the Atlantic. Bathing season 2026: 15 June – 15 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured; classified as a limited-use beach. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

In Caniço's first tourist complex, built on volcanic rocks at the foot of a steep coast served by a panoramic lift: a large seawater pool and a children's pool, a medical post and lifeguards, a bar, a sun deck, games, changing rooms and toilets, plus a diving centre (Manta Diving) for exploring the seabed of the neighbouring Garajau reserve. "Galo Mar" bathing water with lifeguards assured in season. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 30 September, a supervised beach with lifeguards assured. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

Near the eastern end of the Garajau reserve, at the foot of a cliff, this complex attached to the hotel of the same name offers a rocky beach, sun decks stepped on the rock, sea access by stairs and a seawater pool for a quiet swim in transparent water. Almost every service, but, the terrain being what it is, no access for people with reduced mobility: you get in only by steps. Bathing season 2026: 1 June – 30 September, but lifeguard cover not yet confirmed. In a swell follow the flags: red = no bathing.

At Ponta do Garajau, in the parish of Caniço, the Cristo Rei overlooks the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, with its clear waters and exuberant biodiversity, part of Funchal bay, Caniço de Baixo and the Atlantic. The statue of the Sacred Heart, arms open towards the ocean, was commissioned and paid for by councillor Aires de Ornelas, son of the last majorat of Caniço, and inaugurated on 30 October 1927 at the top of the coastal ravine.

In the parish of Caniço, beside Reis Magos beach and its hotel zone, a small square 18th-century fort — a guardhouse facing the land, a terrace facing the sea — that protected the coastal population from pirates and corsairs for decades. A terrace open to the Atlantic, close to the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve. Closed for maintenance: admire it from outside until it reopens.