Top 6 viewpoints you must visit in Madeira

Madeira is a pearl of the Atlantic for a reason. The volcanic island is characterized by jagged coastlines and enchanting mountain landscapes; perfect for breathtaking views from the island's many Miradouros. If you're in Madeira, don't miss these 6 viewpoints!

1. Ponta do Rosto

Ponta do Risto is located in the east of Madeira and the viewpoint is practically next to the starting point of the PR8. Vereda da ponta de São Laurenço. When you're travelling by car, you can park and get out immediately at the viewpoint. If you want to watch the sunrise, you don't have to get out of bed at 06:00 to hike for a nice view!

To catch the morning glow of the sun, it is recommended to be at Miradouro Ponta do Rosto 30 minutes before sunrise. Since it is very accessible, you will definitely not be the only one who wants to enjoy the beautiful view at sunrise.

Therefore, do you want a spot to yourself? Behind the fence is a rock/stone that many (including me) have climbed on. However, it is quite slippery to get to the rock, so "mind your step!" You can also walk up to enjoy the sunrise from a little higher up.

Travel time from Funchal: About 30 minutes.

Sunrise or sunset? Thanks to the great accessibility of Ponta do Rosto by car, the choice is all yours!

Photographer tip

Be on time with taking your picture during sunrise. Once the sun emerges behind the rocks, it will shine directly into your lens. See the perfect example of this here (:

The rock below the fence at Ponta do Rosto

2. Miradouro do Guindaste

The feeling of the wild Atlantic Ocean pounding against the rocks below and the endless views of the imposing rocky coastline. Miradouro do Guindaste has it all for you! For me this was the first viewpoint I visited in Madeira, all my expectations were immediately exceeded!

Parking is easy at the foot of this viewpoint, after which you only have to walk a few minutes before you reach your destination!

Travel time from Funchal: 35 minutes.

Time for a swim?

When you're at Miradouro do Guindaste, you'll overlook Praia do Faial, a great place to cool off and enjoy a snack or drink at the local beach club.

3. Miradouro do Ninha da Manta

'The best view comes after the hardest climb' is a common quote. The quote more than applies to the various hikes you can do on Madeira. The road to the Miradouro do Ninha da Manta (Pico do Arieiro) is especially a hard climb for your (rental) car. The road to the top is nicely steep and on a good day can still be partially covered by fog.

With a little luck the weather clears up when you are almost at the top, after which a small climb of about 1 KM awaits you. Once you reach the top of the Pico do Arieiro you will immediately find the first viewpoint: Miradouro do Pico do Areeiro (photo above). A great starting point, because when you get to Ninha da Manta, after walking 1KM, an even better view awaits!

As with Ponta do Rosto, this viewpoint is more than perfectly accessible for both sunrise and sunset. In the morning, however, you will encounter many hikers hiking the from the Pico do Arieiro to the Pico Ruivo; in the evening it is normally a lot quieter.

Travel time from Funchal: 40 minutes & then another 1 KM walk. I found this one perfect for the evening, a great place to enjoy the sunset. It does mean you have to skip dinner at a restaurant, so score some easy food in the supermarket and enjoy your "dinner" while enjoying a beautiful view!

4. Miradouro do Véu da Noiva

On the north coast lies the village of Seixal, a perfect stop for your road trip along Madeira's north coast. The viewpoint gets its name from the nearby waterfall, where the water falls down the cliff at full force.

It is easy to park and you don't have to walk more than 200 - 300 meters to get to the viewpoint. Indeed, from this viewpoint you are within 11 minutes at . . . .

Travel time from Funchal: 45 minutes.

5. Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela

Located on the northern coast of Madeira is the village of Ribiera da Janela, part of the municipality of Porto Moniz. Here lie the lava rocks Ilheus da Janela, perfectly viewable from the miradouro Ilheus da Ribiera da Janela. This viewpoint is also more than easily accessible, as you get out of the car and after a few steps you are there: perfect for sunrise or sunset.

Travel time to Ribiera da Janela from Funchal: About 1 hour.

Ideally combined with viewpoint 4 from this list, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva (Seixal), as the Ilheus da Janela are only 8.2 KM (11 minutes) away. From Ribiera da Janela you can be at Fanal Forest within 25 minutes, where you can walk to the Pinnacle for a great view.

Near this viewpoint are several natural swimming pools, including the one at Seixal! This one is usually a lot quieter compared to the pools in Porto Moniz.

6. Miradouro do Pico Ruivo

Not to be missed in the list, of course, is the view from Madeira's highest point: the Pico Ruivo! Besides a fun trip up by car, a 2.8 KM hike to the highest point awaits. Enjoy the magnificent view above the clouds at a whopping 1,862 meters above sea level.

If you want to be there with the sunrise you will meet several other hikers, as well as campers around the viewpoint.

Travel time from Funchal: 1 hour.

A bonus viewpoint!

To make it an easy one to remember, I have chosen the name Miradouro do Aeropuerto. This is because you have a nice terrace (departures - after passing security) where you can watch the departure and landing of the planes!