Top sunrise and sunset locations in Madeira
If you’re considering if Madeira is worth visiting as a travel and/or photography destination, the sunrise and sunset opportunities alone are definitely worth the visit. While Madeira is technically an island of Portugal, it is closer to Africa than it is to the mainland. There are times the storms from the Sahara can blow reddish sand toward the small island. Yet despite its small size, Madeira is packed with stunning photography locations from beautiful coastal views to mysterious and moody forests.
Below is a list of my favourite photography spots in Madeira for sunrise and sunset. Locations that will have you visiting from ocean coastlines to being situated high in the mountains watching beautiful cloud inversions.
Ribeira da Janela
If you know my photography then you’ll know that I love sea stacks. They provide an obvious main focal point and leave the combination of the water and your choice of shutter speed to fit the mood. Ribeira da Janela is an awesome-looking formation located in Northwest Madeira and situated in a way that provides a great view of sunrise, especially for your photographs. Despite it being in the West, it’s better for sunrise as the sun can hang low in the early hours of the morning depending on the time of season. Be sure to visit during sunset too when there’s a bit of clouds out, as the sunset light can hit the clouds providing a nice view at the time as well. There is a cliff/mountain blocking the light from the West for the most part, making it a better choice for sunrise in my opinion.
Ribeira da Janela at sunrise
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
The Eastern side of Madeira is filled with beautiful coastlines making it a great spot for sunrise photography. There are several viewpoints with many hikes. Some hikes are much longer and tougher than others, which doesn’t always translate to the best views. In my opinion Ponta do Rosta had a relatively short hike, around what appeared to be a small NAV radar base. I mention that as you’ll see this base from the parking lot. If not, you’re not in the right place but a short drive to the correct one. Feel free to explore the area and try the other hikes as well.
Ponta do Rosto
Bica da Cana
Bica da Cana is one of my favourite locations in all of Madeira. It’s much more quiet and secluded than other places. The couple of times I visited felt like I was the only person there. You can watch the magical cloud inversions at this spot and find yourself enjoying the view of the endless horizon for hours. The direct view of the sun is at sunrise. Enjoy!
Bica da Cana at sunrise
Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo
Farol da Ponta do Pargo is recognizable by a small building by the parking lot resembling a lighthouse. It’s a fantastic location to watch the sunset. You may have to search for a composition especially since you can get a lot of visitors but what I love about this spot is the clear view of the ocean and sky, which becomes even more dramatic when you get cloud breaks during sunset. If you don’t get the image you were hoping for, don’t worry as you can simply relax and enjoy one of nature’s greatest experiences.
Miradouro Farol da Ponta do Pargo
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro is arguably the most majestic location not just on the island of Madeira but that I’ve visited overall. Towering mountain peaks, cloud inversions, hiking trails and of course beautiful views make it one of the best spots to catch both sunrise and sunset. It has a convenient parking lot close to the main viewpoints. You will need to wake up extra early for sunrise though as most of the crowd visits around then. But it is equally beautiful at both times, with different views of course. For photography I personally preferred sunset.
Pico do Arieiro at sunset
