10 Best Photography Spots on Madeira
Photography Guide to Madeira
10 Best Locations for Photographers
Madeira is a must-visit destination for landscape photographers due to its striking coastline, gorgeous mountains, and unpredictable weather. In this article, I will share some of my favorite photography spots on the island. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, Madeira has something to offer for every level of photographer.
Download the Complete Travel Guide to Madeira Islands
With over 320 points of interest on Google Maps app
Why Madeira is an Ideal Photography Destination
Madeira is a stunning island that offers breathtaking rugged coastlines, majestic mountains that often have clouds at their peaks, and magical foggy forests. I compiled a list of the 10 best photography spots on Madeira. These include breathtaking sunrise and sunset viewpoints where you can capture the golden light of the day against the island's impressive landscapes.
Madeira is often referred to as the secret European Hawaii due to its striking similarities in beauty. It's a place where you could spend weeks exploring and still not discover all of its wonders. Every turn of the road might reveal a breathtaking vista, and every path leads to something extraordinary. For landscape photographers, Madeira is a true paradise with endless opportunities to capture stunning seascapes, mountains, waterfalls, and forests. No matter your preferred subject, you will never run out of compositions to capture on this breathtaking island
10 Top Photography Spots on Madeira
Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira and a rocky peninsula that stretches out into the ocean. It's an excellent spot for photographing the dramatic Madeira coastline. To get there, you'll need to park at the end of the ER109 road and walk. The trail is relatively easy and will take you to the Miradouro Ponta do Furado viewpoint, about 3.5 kilometers away. The path is mostly flat, but there is a steep incline at the end.
Ponta do Rosto
Ponta do Rosto is a great sunrise viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the volcanic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço. It's easy to access by car and is a perfect spot for sunrise photography. Located at the easternmost end of the island, Ponta do Rosto offers impressive views of the cliffs and the rising sun. There are several excellent photography locations at Ponta do Rosto.
Fañal Forest
Fañal forest is one of the most well-known photography locations on Madeira. Located in the northwest of the island, it's a great choice for overcast days when other locations may not offer ideal lighting conditions. The high altitude of Fañal forest often leads to it being shrouded in clouds, which can add an eerie, supernatural quality to the trees and create interesting photography opportunities.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on Madeira and the most easily accessible, as you can drive right up to it. It was one of the first places I photographed after arriving on the island and remains a favorite. Pico do Arieiro is incredibly versatile, with breathtaking views in multiple directions. Located in the center of the main mountain range, it offers several nearby viewpoints that you can easily switch between depending on the weather conditions.
Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira, is another excellent photography location with stunning views of the surrounding mountain range. There are several viewpoints at Pico Ruivo that offer different perspectives. Additionally, the trail to Pico Ruivo has its own photography spots.
The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail features an impressive staircase that appears to lead to heaven when viewed from the bottom. Due to the constantly changing weather in the mountains, this spot can offer a unique photograph every time you visit. When the clouds are low, it can seem as though the stairs will take you to the universe, while clouds rolling over the ridge create a wild and dramatic scene.
Miradouro do Guindaste (Crane Viewpoint)
Miradouro do Guindaste, also known as the Crane viewpoint, is a magical coastal sunrise location on Madeira. Located on the northern part of the island, it offers a stunning view of the Penha D'Águia rock in Porto da Cruz and the rugged cliffs of Madeira. The headland is a great subject for photographers and a perfect spot for an Instagram shot. The golden light of sunrise adds to the mesmerizing beauty of the viewpoint. Miradouro do Guindaste is also a good option for watching the sunrise if it's too cloudy in the mountains.
Miradouro Lombo do Mouro
Lombo do Mouro is a viewpoint located on the island of Madeira, known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From here, visitors can see the clouds blown in by the trade winds as they flow over the Encumeada.
Miradouro do Fio
This viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean, with the opportunity to spot a variety of seabirds and possibly even whales and dolphins. The winding road leading up to the viewpoint is surrounded by lush vegetation, including Madeira's famous laurel forests. The Miradouro do Fio is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Madeira.
Garganta Funda waterfall viewpoint
Garganta Funda waterfall in Ponta do Pargo is a beautiful waterfall on Madeira with a kettle-shaped rock formation and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great spot for flying a drone to get a higher perspective or for capturing with a traditional camera. However, keep in mind that the waterfall will not have any water flowing during the summer months. The water flow only increases after several weeks of heavy rain.
Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is a small town on the northwest side of Madeira with several interesting photography locations. The natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz are a popular spot for photography and a great place to relax on a sunny afternoon. Even if your significant other is not interested in photography, they are sure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the pools.
When to Go to Madeira
Madeira enjoys a warm, pleasant climate all year round, earning it the nickname "the island of eternal spring." While the winter months (November to February) can be cooler and wetter, they are still pleasant. In terms of photography, the summer days are longer but can be very hot, with many waterfalls drying up. On the other hand, winter is less crowded and offers the opportunity for dramatic skies, but the weather can be unpredictable. For these reasons, autumn, spring, or even winter might be the best choices for photographers looking to capture the full power of the island's waterfalls and enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.