Cabo Girao on the South Coast of Madeira is the world's second highest sea cliff at around 500m. The views down to the sea from the top are heart-stopping, together with an amazing panorama along the coast of Madeira stretching as far as the eye can see. Paragliders abound, joining the buzzards and sea birds as they soar over the blue Atlantic Ocean.

Buses run from Funchal throughout the day to Cabo Girao, but the best way if you can, is to hire a car, as half the fun is getting there along the little windy roads passing plantations of bananas and other exotic fruit that is grown in this part of the island.
We visited in May 2009 and the scent from the flowers and herbs were amazing.

Try not to miss this gem - it's well worth a visit.