It is situated less than two kilometres west from the centre of Câmara de Lobos, between the parishes of Quinta Grandeand Câmara de Lobos. A diamond-shaped sea-cliff escarpment from 560 metres (1,840 ft) to 589 metres (1,932 ft) above sea level, Cabo Girão lies between two river-valleys that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The escarpment/cliffs extend approximately three kilometres between the urban sprawl of Câmara de Lobos to the east and the river-valley of Quinta Grande in the west.

Although brochures claim that it is the second highest cliff in Europe, at least five European cliffs (Hornelen at 860 metres, Cape Enniberg at 750 metres, Vixía Herbeira at 613 metres, Preikestolen at 604 metres and Slieve Leagueat 601 metres) are higher.

There are terraced fields (Fajãs de Cabo Girão) located below the sheer cliffs, which at one time only accessible by boat. In August 2003, a cable car was installed on the slope of the cliff so farmers can reach these low-lying fields.

The Viewpoint of the Bay d’Abra gives us a spectacular view of the Ponta de São Lourenço and its coastline that features a whimsical result of erosion cut caused by the sea and winds on the various eruptive materials, with over views the north and south coast of the island.