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Towns · West coastReview

Ponta do Pargo: town in Madeira

Ponta do Pargo sits in the municipality of Calheta, Madeira. Its population is around 800.

Westernmost parish on Madeira, home to the island's most photographed lighthouse and a cliff-top apple-cake tradition.

Edited by Madeira Info Editorial·Last checked

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Municipality
Calheta
Population
800
Region
West coast
Coordinates
32.8086, -17.2603

About Ponta do Pargo

Ponta do Pargo is part of the municipality of Calheta, with a population of around 800

Ponta do Pargo sits where terraced banana plantations and sunny south-facing cliffs meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm: fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.

What to know before you go

  • Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
  • Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts, a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
  • Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.

Best time to visit

Ponta do Pargo is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.

Location

West coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

32.80860, -17.26030

Visitor reviews

Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Ponta do Pargo. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.

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Frequently asked

Is Ponta do Pargo worth visiting?

Yes. Ponta do Pargo shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.

How do I get to Ponta do Pargo from Funchal?

Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.

Plan around Ponta do Pargo

The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Ponta do Pargo in a day.

ViewpointsFarol da Ponta do Pargo578 m awayTrailsPonta do Pargo Coastal Walk (Boa Morte to the Lighthouse)578 m awayBeachesPaul do Mar6.3 km away

Nearby on Madeira

Other places within easy reach of Ponta do Pargo.

Viewpoints
Farol da Ponta do Pargo
578 m
Trails
Ponta do Pargo Coastal Walk (Boa Morte to the Lighthouse)
578 m
Viewpoints
Miradouro da Garganta Funda
1.5 km
Trails
Vereda da Achadas da Cruz
2.7 km
Towns
Paul do Mar (Parish)
6.2 km
Beaches
Paul do Mar
6.3 km

Plan the rest of your trip

The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.

GuideMadeira travel guideThe full island in one long read.Plans3, 5 & 7-day itinerariesReady-made road-trip plans.WeatherMonth-by-month climateAir, sea, rain and sun by month.TipsFirst-timer travel tipsCar hire, parishes, red flags.

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