Best 20 Viewpoints in Madeira Island
Portugal owns the lovely tiny island of Madeira. This place is also a photographer's paradise, with its craggy cliffs and thick vegetation! There are literally hundreds of miradouros, or "viewpoints," located all around the island of Madeira. It is therefore not always simple to identify the most attractive ones while traveling, and things can occasionally become quite perplexing.
A rich tiny universe of rugged mountains and green slopes lashed by Atlantic surf off the coast of Africa, Madeira is an oddly singular geographical and cultural blip. Locals hold dear its flower, organ, philharmonic, and wine festivals; every year they parade a collection of immaculately preserved vintage cars around the capital city.
INTERACTIVE MAP OF MADEIRA ISLAND
All about the island in one place. Over 320 points of interest entered into the Google Maps app. Are you looking for Madeira's most breathtaking vistas? There's no need to go further because this list will cover all you need for your forthcoming Madeira vacation! I've compiled a list of the top places to visit, including hiking trails, viewpoints, local towns, beaches, and more.
Explore the island and visit the most beautiful viepoints of Madeira
Ponta de São Lourenço
You can get an entirely different perspective of Ponta de So Lourenço by taking a short climb from the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint. As you can see the entire eastern tail of So Lourenço from this vantage point, it provides a fascinating perspective. There is also a fantastic photo opportunity, as shown in the image below. But if you're comfortable with your legs and it's not too windy, only stand here. In addition to being a fantastic place to watch the dawn in Madeira, this viewpoint is also worth visiting during the day.
Miradouro Ponta do Rosto
Miradouro Ponta do Rosto, which looks out over the ocean and the volcanic cliffs of Ponta de So Lourenço, is another wonderful dawn viewing location. In addition, it's simple to drive to this location, park your car, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You will have a stunning view of the Ponta de So Lourenço cliffs from Ponta do Rosto because it is situated on the easternmost tip of the island. In our comprehensive guide to Ponta do Rosto, I list a couple fantastic photo locations there.
Pico do Arieiro
One of Madeira's most well-known, stunning, and conveniently reachable vistas is Pico do Arieiro. The third highest peak in Madeira, at 1818 meters, is reached after a 30-minute drive from Funchal. The thing that makes Pico do Arieiro so special is that, with any luck, you will be above the clouds. To reach some of Madeira's most breathtaking locations, all you need to do is park your car and walk for five minutes. Naturally, sunrise is the ideal time to visit Pico do Arieiro. As with any sunrise mission, I would suggest getting to the viewpoint around 20 minutes before sunrise to secure your location and take in the stunning pre-sunrise colors.
Miradouro de Boa Morte
Another undiscovered sunset vantage point on Madeira is this one near Ponta do Pargo. You'll probably have this perspective all to yourself because it's not well known to many people. You must descend from the road and proceed to the viewpoint for 5 minutes. En route, you will pass a little church. You can enjoy stunning 180-degree panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky cliffs of Madeira Island from this location.
Ponta do Tristão
The parish of Porto Moniz contains the northernmost point of Madeira Island, known as Ponta do Tristo. With the craggy cliffs of Madeira's north coast on the left side, the viewpoint at Ponta do Tristo gives yet another breathtaking ocean panorama. Even though it is not the most well-known viewpoint in Madeira, it provides an amazing off-the-beaten-path sunset experience. Bring your own snacks, beverages, and towels to enjoy this tranquil area with some of Madeira's most breathtaking vistas. There are absolutely no amenities here. The nicest view shown in the photographs below may be reached after a quick 5-minute walk down a dirt path from the road where you can park your car.
Ponta da Ladeira
On the island of Madeira's northwestern shore, there is yet another stunning vantage point. There are no facilities, and it's not a particularly well-known location, just like Ponta do Tristo. So, if you're searching for a less-traveled-by sunset location in Madeira, pick between Ponta da Ladeira and Ponta do Tristo. Faj da Quebrada Nova, a small coastal settlement cut off from the rest of the island by high mountain cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, can be seen from Ponta da Ladeira. Madeira's perspective is simple to access from the road where you can leave your vehicle. The best views from the cliff are about 5 minutes away by foot down a gravel road.
Miradouro do Fio
Another stunning coastal vantage point with views of the craggy cliffs and expansive ocean is Miradouro do Fio. There is a platform from which you can take in the unimpeded views of the cliff and water. Take a seat at O Fio Tea House if you want to take a little more time to take in the views. Delicious scones, typical Madeiran fare, and a gorgeous terrace with ocean views are all served here. ideal for a break for coffee, lunch, or dinner.
Ponta do Bode viewpoint
Go to Ponta do Bode if you want to see So Lourenço from a less popular vantage point. You'll probably have it all to yourself since Madeira doesn't yet have a lot of people who enjoy this vista. And it's a big advantage because this is a great place to watch the sunrise. From Ponta do Bode, looking east toward Ponta de So Lourenço, the vistas are breathtaking. The perspective is wider since you are farther from the tail. Additionally, there will be another fascinating vista of the red cone-shaped rocks to the west.
Raposeira sunset viewpoint
On Madeira island's south coast lies Raposeira viewpoint, which is oriented toward the south-west and offers spectacular views of the setting sun. From the parking area, a short 10-minute dirt trail leads to the overlook. There is a platform called the Raposeira viewpoint where you may unwind and enjoy the scenery. Bring your own drinks and enjoy the fantastic view, ideally at sunset, as there are no facilities nearby.
Pico Ruivo
The highest point on the island of Madeira, Pico Ruivo, is yet another breathtaking mountain vista. Pico Ruivo, which is 1861 meters high, is a fantastic location to watch the dawn and sunset. Pico Ruivo is a little bit more into Madeira's mountain range than Pico do Arieiro, whereas Pico do Arieiro is a little bit closer to the ocean. As a result, the vista from Pico Ruivo is completely different. One thing to keep in mind is that you must hike to reach Pico Ruivo. Since it is more or less a flat walk and only takes three kilometers to get there, Achada do Teixara is the best starting point for your trip to Pico Ruivo.
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Pico Ruivo do Paul is another another fantastic vantage point on the Paul da Serra plateau. You will enjoy a stunning view of the So Vicente valley and the highest peaks on the island of Madeira from this location, which is 1639 meters above sea level. Another lesser-known perspective in Madeira is this one. So go to Pico Ruivo do Paul if you're searching for somewhere farther off the main path!
Cabo Girão
The highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Giro, rises 580 meters above sea level. A skywalk with breathtaking 180 degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean is located in Cabo Giro. The vista is fairly accessible and even suitable for wheelchairs. Since the skywalk platform has a translucent floor, it could be unnerving for some people to stand on it because you can see through it. But it's well worth it for the views! Even the small piece of land Faj de Cabo Giro, which protrudes beneath the platform, is visible. Cabo Giro can be a fantastic location for both a sunrise and a sunset because it offers such a wide view of the ocean.
Balcões viewpoint
A short climb from Vereda dos Balces leads to one of Madeira's most stunning vistas. 2,7 kilometers roundtrip make the hike simple to complete and quick. You won't likely find a balcony view finer than this one, which on a clear day offers views of the island's highest peaks! The Ribeira da Metade valley, which is below the balcony, is another prominent sight, along with the Penha d'Guia rock, if you turn to look to your right.
Pináculo viewpoint Funchal
One of the best vantage points in Madeira for viewing Funchal city is the Miradouro Pinculo. This is a great location that is simple to get to from the city center, especially towards sunset. You can either drive up in your rental car or take one of the public buses that run along this road. You face west from this vantage point towards the Cabo Giro skywalk, which is another fantastic vantage point for Funchal. If you want to stay and take in the views for a while, bring your own refreshments because there are no amenities nearby.
Bica da Cana
Amazing sunrise views may be found in Madeira at Bica da Cana. The view from Madeira's highest peaks is just magnificent. And if you're fortunate, there will be a cloudless sky underneath you! On the Paul da Serra plateau, at a height of 1560 meters, is the Bica da Cana viewpoint. Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo lie in front, and to the left is the So Vicente valley. Similar to Pico do Arieiro, getting low-hanging clouds requires luck.
Encumeada viewpoint
Encumeada viewpoint, also known as Miradouro da Encumeada on Google Maps, is another fantastic lookout point nearby. This viewpoint in Madeira, which is 1007 meters above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the north and south valleys of the island. You may even get an opportunity to view a cloud waterfall, which is a genuine natural phenomena, when the clouds are low to the ground. On a clear day, you can view So Vicente to the north, and the Ribeira Brava valley to the south. You will most certainly visit this location at least once while visiting Madeira as numerous trails begin from here!
Miradouro do Guindaste
Miradouro do Guindaste, often referred to as Crane perspective, is one of Madeira's stunning beachfront dawn vantage spots. This vantage point in the island's north offers a breathtaking view of the Penha D'Guia rock at Porto da Cruz and faces Ponta de So Lourenço. There is a headland that is a fantastic photo opportunity for photographers and the ideal location for your Madeira Instagram picture.
Miradouro da Portela
Between Porto da Cruz and Machico, near Santo da Serra, is where you'll find Portela viewpoint. One more of those simple vistas in Madeira where you may stop your car on the side of the road and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Portela viewpoint looks out over Porto da Cruz and the spectacular Penha d'Guia rock, with the ocean on the right and the highest hills of Madeira on the left. At 670 meters above sea level, there is even a chance of low-hanging clouds passing by, which would create a really mystical atmosphere. Paragliding in Madeira is also launched from the Portela viewpoint.
Ponta do Sol harbor viewpoint
Ponta do Sol is a relaxed town with beautiful sunset views and a little gravel beach. A terrific site to watch the sunset or take a quick stroll before dining at one of the many restaurants along the beach, the Ponta do Sol Harbor viewpoint overlooks the ocean. Our recommendations for dining establishments in Ponta do Sol include Maré Alta and Estalagem de Ponta do Sol.
Rocha do Navio viewpoint
This is one of the uncommon vistas in Madeira where you can witness a waterfall rushing down from a cliff into the ocean. It is situated at the lovely hotel Quinta do Furo near Santana. Only one other vantage point in Madeira, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, allows you to see that as well. The public is granted free access to this perspective by Santana's historic hotel Quinta do Furo. This viewpoint, which faces northeast and offers a glimpse of the sunrise in addition to the craggy cliffs and magnificent waterfall, must be on your list of the greatest sunrise viewing locations in Madeira.
Lombo do Mouro
Lombo do Mouro is an excellent vantage point for the Encumeada valley and is situated along the ER 110 road. This vantage point is clearly indicated as "Miradouro Lombo do Mouro" on Google Maps. The overlook offers breath-taking views of the Encumeada valley and is situated near the hairpin bend. In the mountains, the weather can be of any variety because it can change so quickly.
MAP OF MADEIRA ISLAND WITH OVER 320 POINTS OF INTERESTS
Best tourist attractions of Madeira in one place
