Viewpoint of Cascalho

Welcome, travelers, to the west coast of Madeira, where nature decided to show off a bit. On one side, you’ve got the crystal-clear blue of the Atlantic Ocean that practically sparkles like it’s auditioning for a travel brochure, and on the other, you’ve got the lush green mountains that make you want to frolic like you’re in a shampoo commercial. And where better to soak it all in than at the Miradouro do Cascalho? Spoiler alert: it’s a viewpoint, but with extra pizzazz!

Now, getting here is an adventure in itself. Nestled between Tabua and Ponta do Sol in Sítio da Lombada (because Madeira doesn’t do boring place names), the Cascalho Viewpoint is accessible via the famous Estrada Regional 222. If you’re driving, just keep your eyes on the road—this view is so stunning, it might distract you into missing a turn. But trust me, the detour would be worth it.

Once you arrive, you’re at a VIP seat to gaze over the town of Ponta do Sol and beyond. It’s like having front-row tickets to nature’s greatest hits. Look to your right, and you'll see Tabua, the tiniest freguesia (that’s a fancy way of saying “small town”) in Ribeira Brava. It’s charming, compact, and comes with its very own stream that runs for seven kilometers, all the way from Pico das Pedras to the sea. So, next time someone says small towns don’t have rivers, you can tell them about Tabua: small but mighty, with a stream that goes the distance!

Speaking of Ribeira Brava, it’s not just any village—it’s been a vila since 1928, which sounds fancy because, well, it is. It’s like the moment your cat gets a certificate for something, and you have to address them as “Sir Whiskers.” Ribeira Brava earned its title, and from this viewpoint, it looks like a postcard you’d actually want to buy.

But wait, there’s more! From the Cascalho Viewpoint, you can also see Lugar de Baixo in Ponta do Sol, home to the only tidal lagoon in the Madeira archipelago. Yes, you heard that right—the only one! It’s practically a celebrity lagoon. Whether you’re a fan of unique natural features or just need something to one-up your friends’ vacation stories, this is the place to be.

So, in summary, the Miradouro do Cascalho is where you’ll want to come, stare at the beauty, and wonder if your camera can ever do it justice (spoiler: it can’t). It’s perfect for contemplation, relaxation, and maybe even a little daydreaming about buying a house here—because let’s be real, once you see it, you’ll never want to leave!

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