Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse

Ponta do Pargo lighthouse stands on a cliff 300 meters above sea level in Ponta da Vigia, the most western location on Madeira Island.

Why does it call Ponta do Pargo?

First, some trivia about the name Ponta do Pargo.  Rumour says that Zarco’s son-in-law caught a huge specimen of Pargo (Red Porgy / Red Snapper Fish) while sailing at the height of today’s Ponta do Pargo – Red Porgy’s End.

What is Ponta do Pargo lighthouse?

The lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo went into operation on June 5, 1922. The white unassuming structure has since prevented ships from wrecking on this western edge of Madeira. A small museum centre was created in 2001 where a range of articles relating to Madeira’s lighthouses is on exhibition, from photographs to documentation; this museum gathers in one place the story of these monuments that are so important in the history of the islands.

How to get to Ponta do Pargo?

Company name: RODOESTE

Number: 80 and 142

Things to do in Ponta Do Pargo

• Teahouse bar''O Fio'' 2km from the lighthouse with views over the ocean and the south

• Raposeira viewpoint

• Prazeres viewpoint
• Pedregal viewpoint

• Garganta Funda viewpoint
• Maktub pub
• Porto Moniz swimming pools
• Ponta do Pargo Levada walk-an epic route for sunset with incredible views of the sea cliffs and azure blue waters

Tip: the important part of doing this hike is to head out in the late afternoon and then catch the sunset.

Duration:3-4hours

Distance- 10km circular

Coordenates: 32°49'02.9"N 17°14'33.4"W

Best trip to visit Ponta do Pargo

The best of the south